How to Learn to Ski in Lake Tahoe

Contact Mt. Rose located between Reno and Lake Tahoe. Their "Rosebud" classes are geared for children ages 4 to 10 years old. After age 11, all first timers are trained on one of the slopes served by three beginner lifts. Mt. Rose offers both private and group lessons on a daily basis. Group lessons -- for anyone over the age of 11 -- lasts for 90 minutes and includes all day rental ski equipment and beginner ski lift ticket. Private lessons range from one hour to a full day. An "early bird" two-hour lesson special is offered daily at 9:00 a.m. Group size can range from a single person to a party of six - depending on the particular lesson.

Heavenly is found on Route 50 on the California side of South Lake Tahoe. The adult group beginner skier classes feature rental state-of-the-art skiing equipment. It is advisable to arrive at the resort at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to the lesson to allow time to get outfitted. Adult private lessons are available for full- or half-day sessions and advance reservations are advised. A full day private lesson includes a slope access lift ticket and instruction on how to slide, turn and ride a lift and stop. Rental ski equipment is not available.

Ski like an Olympian at Squaw Valley USA site of the 1960 Olympics. Based in California their Snow Cubs ski program is for children 3 and 4 years old. The student/teacher ratio is 3-to-1. The adult beginner skiing classes start with individuals 13 years old and up. Group lessons last for 2.5 hours and begin at 10:00 a.m and 1:30 a.m daily. A popular adult class is the "Over 50 + Clinic," designed for women who can be rank amateurs. Another beginner adult class called the "First Time Adventure" teaches on both the Papoose Learning Area and the beginner terrain on the upper mountain at High Camp where a cable car transports skiers to the base area.