FAQ
How do I determine which class level I should register my child/children for?
Ski Levels
Beginner:
Level 1 (First Time): New to skiing, may not be able to stop or turn consistently.
Level 2 (Novice): Learning to turn in control on gentle slopes, may use a snowplow (wedge) to stop and turn.
Level 3 (Comfortable Novice): Can link snowplow turns or wide stance parallel turns on green runs.
Intermediate:
Level 4 (Intermediate): Able to ski parallel turns with pole plants on green runs, may be able to ski some blue runs.
Level 5 (Advanced Intermediate): Can ski parallel turns on blue runs, and may be exploring steeper terrain.
Level 6 (Advanced): Confident on all blue runs and some black runs, possibly exploring off-piste areas.
Advanced:
Level 7:
Can link parallel turns on all blue and black runs, and can handle varied terrain and conditions.
Board Levels All Ages (7 Years +)
Beginner/Level 1:
Never snowboarded before, or is just starting.
Focuses on basic skills like standing up, controlling speed, and stopping.
Typically found on the easiest green runs.
Novice/Beginner/Level 2:
Able to slide, traverse, and stop on one or both edges.
May be able to do basic turns in one direction.
Can start exploring green runs and easier blue runs.
Lower Intermediate/Level 3:
Can confidently link turns on green terrain.
May be able to start exploring easier blue runs.
Learning to control speed and direction with more confidence.
Intermediate/Level 4:
Can confidently link turns on blue runs and explore easier black runs.
May be able to carve turns and start experimenting with freestyle.
Comfortable on groomed terrain but may still struggle with steeper or more challenging runs.
High Intermediate/Level 5:
Can handle all blue runs and some easier black runs.
Can carve and control speed well on various terrains.
May start exploring terrain parks and experimenting with basic tricks.
Advanced/Level 6:
Comfortable on all types of terrain, including blacks and potentially some expert terrain.
Can carve, ride switch, and perform basic freestyle tricks with confidence.
May be exploring more advanced terrain and freestyle elements.
Do lessons include lift tickets?
No. By participating in lessons through Alpine West Ski and Snowboard School, you will have the ability to purchase a season pass if you have not purchased one prior to signing up.
Is it cheaper to buy lift tickets or a season pass?
In most cases, it is cheaper to buy a season pass. Season passes are recommended as the Summit has limited lift tickets for any given day. You must take into consideration age, how many times the student plans on skiing/riding, and ability. Please refer to the summit lift ticket page for ticket prices.
Do I need to buy a season pass if my child is a beginner and will be on the magic carpet?
Yes, the Summit requires all skiers and boarders to have a season pass or lift ticket regardless of where they may be on the mountain.
Is equipment included?
No, ski and snowboard equipment is not included with lesson purchase.
Where can I rent ski equipment?
We have a list of recommended equipment suppliers. Please contact awsshrm@gmail.com
May we request a class with a friend?
Absolutely! We know how much fun it is when you are skiing or riding with your best friend(s). Please note you must be of similar age and ability.
How early should we arrive for lessons?
We recommend you give yourself plenty of time and arrive up to an hour early. This allows for unforeseen traffic, road conditions, and weather changes. It takes time to park, gather your gear, walk to the ski school, use the bathroom, etc.
Can we store things in your chalet?
The chalet is for staff use only and can become extremely crowded with staff, guests asking questions, and students warming up on the coldest days. If you need to store items, please see our operations director.
What should my child wear?
Please note that conditions change on the mountain, and your child should be layered appropriately. Base layer (no cotton), a warm insulating layer (no cotton), and a waterproof outer layer. We also recommend having two pairs of gloves as these tend to get wet.
Does my child need to wear a helmet?
We do not require our students to wear helmets while in class, but we do highly recommend them.
What if it rains?
Please remember this is the Pacific Northwest, and we do occasionally receive rain during the winter months. Generally, if the ski area is operating, our ski and snowboard classes will be as well. Please dress accordingly.
What happens if we are late for our class?
Alpine West Ski and Snowboard School operates the following lateness policy -
If you are 15 or more minutes late to your lesson, Alpine West Ski and Snowboard School reserves the right to refuse you entry to your class for that day. Absences that results in missing your class 2 or more consecutive weeks will result in you forfeiting the remaining classes without a refund. If you are late less than 15 minutes, we will locate your class and take the student to their lesson.
We ask all our customers to appreciate that the area where we teach our classes is vast, consisting of several different ski chairs and slopes, locating a class cannot only be time-consuming, but it also interrupts the lesson for the other students who have arrived on time.
If my child misses a class, is there a make-up class option?
We do not offer make-ups for missed days. We understand things come up and illnesses happen, but adding students to other classes can disrupt the dynamics of the group. Please do your best to make sure you attend all your scheduled lessons.
I wish to cancel. May I receive a refund?
Requests for a refund must be made before December 31st and will include a $50 cancellation fee.
No refunds are given after Jan. 1st. A prorated refund may only be given for documented injuries that result in the inability to participate in the program, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
What if an emergency arises?
If an emergency arises, we have certified staff that can assist. Ski Patrol building is located next door to our building.
I didn’t find the answer to my questions here. How do I contact you?
You can contact us by email or Google text message. Please note the office is closed from March through September and is only contactable by email. Please be patient with us at these times.
Email: awsshrm@gmail.com
Text/Msg: (253)655-7432