Lessons & Programs
Winter is on the way! Scheduling office will open November 2nd! Pre-season 15% discount November 2nd - December 1st. Call 304-866-2223 or fill out the form below to take advantage of this opportunity!
Winter Is On
Learning to ski or snowboard allows people the freedom to explore the outdoors, gain confidence in themselves, and develop skills that last a lifetime. The mission of our Snowsports School is to give you and your family an experience to remember while leading you toward success on snow.
Canaan Valley Snowsports School is a certified PSIA/AASI member school. Our approach to instruction and the techniques we promote are in accordance with Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. Not only does this mean cutting edge, modern instruction but it also ensures the skills you learn are consistent with those taught at almost every major ski area nationwide.
Learn to ski at Canaan Valley Resort, a premier family ski destination with ideal terrain for those new to skiing or snowboarding! We've dedicated more than 30 percent of our terrain to beginners including:
- Critters Crawl: a dedicated beginner area perfect for first time sliders. Critters Crawl features a magic carpet surface lift making getting back up the slope a breeze.
- Timber Trail: wind scenically down the mountain on this 1.25 mile guest favorite.
Ski Area Information
What To Wear
Wear layers for warmth. Water resistant pants, jacket and waterproof gloves are a must. Wear only ONE pair of socks, preferably ski socks, and do not tuck your pants into your boots. Goggles are a best to wear on cold, snowy days; sunglasses and sunscreen on sunny days. We certainly recommend wearing helmets!
Check the Trails
Always check our Trail Report before going up the mountain. Grab a trail map for your pocket.
What to Eat
Hydrate! Winter sports are dehydrating, so drink plenty of water and have a great breakfast or lunch before hitting the slopes. Be sure to take breaks if needed during your lesson.
Know Your Skill Level
See below under Skiing and Snowboard Levels
Please arrive with adequate time prior to your lesson!
Introductory “Never Ever” Lesson
- Our introductory hill (Critters Crawl) is perfect for learning to ski. This program is 1-hr for those 9+ who are new to skiing.
- $25 inclusive of tax and fees - does not include rental equipment
- Held on non-holiday weekdays at 1:00 pm.
- Price includes lift pass to Critter Crawl introductory area.
Group Lessons
- Ages 9+ for ability Levels 1-4
- Check the levels pull down menu to determine your level
- $50 tax inclusive
- Lesson times: 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:30PM, 1-hour duration.
- Snowboarding groups may be limited based on instructor availability.
- Price does not include lift ticket or equipment rentals.
Mountain Adventure Program
- Ages 6-12 (ski only), Levels 1-5
- This program allows children to socialize with their peers and learn in an atmosphere designed especially for them.
- Program is 2 1/2 hrs where our trained instructors will coach your child and guide their experience on the snow. Groups are organized by ability level and/or if friends/family want to learn together.
- We have Kinderlift™ safety vests that are used by major resorts to support your child's safety and support a team effort (i.e. they are the same color as our instructor uniforms)
- Lesson times: 9:30AM to 12:00PM or 1:00PM to 3:30PM
- $185 per student per session (tax inclusive)
- Check in at the Mountain Adventure Room (across from the Snowsports School Office) 15 minutes prior to start time.
- Price does not include lift ticket or equipment rentals.
Private and Semi Private
Focus on your specific ski/board goals with a private lesson. Our instructors will work with you and your needs for improving your skills and also accommodate beginner students who want more personalized instruction.
- Lessons are based upon availability. All skiing/riding levels (1-9) are taught.
- Prices include taxes and fees.
- 1-Hour Private $165, 2nd person $75, 3rd-4th person $50 each - Held every day 9:30, 11:00, 1:00, 2:30
- 1-Hour Holiday Base rate $185, 2nd person $75, 3rd-4th person $50 each
- 2-Hour Private $275, 2nd person $125, 3rd-4th person $75 each - Daily at 9:30 and 1:00
- 2-Hour Holiday $325, 2nd person $125, 3rd-4th person $75 each
- Price does not include lift ticket or equipment rentals.
Master The Mountain
Take your skiing to the next level and perfect your skills with this all-day instructional program coached by a PSIA Level 2/3 certified instructor with master teacher credentials. Program includes:
- Full-Day Private with video and analysis (weather permitting)
- Level – Intermediate to Advanced & Ages 16+
- By reservation only – 3 days in advance
- Instructors and exam-prep participants welcome
- Price: $450 – 2nd person $200
- Holiday $500 2nd person $225
- Prices are tax inclusive
Please check cancellation fees before you book your lesson by calling 304-866-2223.
Level I
- First time on skis.
Level II
- You can turn slightly and stop in a wedge position.
Level III
- You can make linked wedge turns on easiest (green) runs.
Level IV
- You can make controlled wedge turns with a parallel finish.
Level V
- You can bring your skis parallel at the finish of the turn on easy blue runs.
- Children ages 4 & 5 will require a 1-hr private lesson.
- Lessons not available for under 4 yrs old
- Kinderlift™ safety vests will be provided for Mountain Adventure & Children's Private Lessons; based on availability.
- Reservations are required.
- All lessons will meet outside of the ski school office at the top of Critter Crawl.
- Line-up starts no later than 10-minutes prior to lesson time.
- If you are picking up rental gear please arrive 90-minutes prior to lesson time.
All lessons require a valid lift pass to participate. Please arrive 30 minutes before the start time to allow time for check-in, guest experience support as needed, and meeting your instructor.
Lesson Request Form
This is not guarantee a reservation - You will receive a call.
Please complete this form if you would like to book a lesson, or call 304-866-2223. A member of the Canaan Snowsports School will return your call within 48 hours to finalize and confirm your lesson.