Lessons

All students are expected to participate in the lessons and will be placed, as closely as possible, into groups of appropriate ability. Students will be returned to the lodge after lessons to meet their chaperones. This special field trip package is only made available as part of an educational outreach by our mountain. Parents travelling with their children as chaperones may purchase an $20 lift ticket and $20 gear rental at the resort.

Field Trip Schedule:

9:45am - 10:00      Arrive at 49º North & Ticket Distribution

10:00 - 11:00    Patrol, Lift, and Grooming Operations Tour

11:00 - 11:30    Lunch

11:30 - 12:00    Rental Gear Distribution

12:00 - 1:30      Lesson

1:30 - 2:45        Supervised Ski/Ride Time

2:45 - 3:00 pm          Return Rental Equipment and Depart 49º North*

Ability Level

Students are grouped according to ability level. Field Trips focus on providing a fun experience for students newer to skiing and snowboarding. Please take the time to read through our Ability Level Chart to see where your student is at in their educational development. Advanced/Expert coaching may not be available as priority is given to beginner students.

Ability Level Chart

Communication

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the program coordinator, Alyson, at 509-732-4240

Class Assignments

All class assignments are left to the discretion of the Ski and Snowboard School and its instructors. The instructors, and their supervisors are best able to decide which groups students should be placed in to ensure quality instruction and the best overall learning environment for each group.

Bags & Personal Belongings

We recommend all bags and equipment be labeled with your students name, school group, and phone number. The Hill is not responsible for any personal belongings or gear that is left behind. 

Money

The mountain accepts: cash, checks, and bankcards. There is also an ATM in the main lodge.

What to Expect

The skiing and/or snowboarding aren't usually the cold part of the activity. Riding up the mountain on the chair lift is generally where you will feel the cold and wind chill. If you do feel cold, go inside and warm up. When you go back out, put on an extra layer, a neck gaiter or maybe add some hot packs in your gloves or boots. If you are just starting to ski or snowboard, expect to spend some time in the snow. An extra pair of gloves or mitts to change into if your first pair gets wet will keep you warm. And, remember, everyone got started in the same way. Your first day is usually the most work. It gets easier with each day. DON'T GIVE UP.

Driving

Road conditions will probably change as you get higher in elevation. Clear and wet streets in the valleys can change to compact snow and ice in the mountains. Allow for more time than you might normally plan on. Winter weather tires are advised! Other drivers may not have abundant experience with snow driving, so drive cautiously and defensively

What to Bring to the Mountain

There's nothing worse than being cold. The following clothing list is really the minimum that you should have. Remember that layering with several layers will be warmer than bulking on one thick layer.

• First Layer (long underwear). Synthetic fabrics like Polypropylene or wool are best. Avoid wearing cotton against your skin.
• A warm second layer such as a sweater or fleece jacket and fleece pants for cold days, or if your ski jacket/pants are not insulated.
• Ski socks with a high wool or polypropylene content (no t cotton athletic socks). Usually one pair of socks is best.
• Waterproof jacket and pants. Weather in the NW is unpredictable. Staying dry is the key to staying warm. Insulated or shells work fine. Layering will allow you to adjust for changing weather and temperature.
• Warm beanie/stocking cap (synthetic, wool, or polar fleece) 
• Ski/Snowboard goggles. Snowsport specific goggles are designed for the mountain environment. You absolutely need these if it is snowing at all. Moto goggles, etc. will not work well.
• Warm ski gloves that are insulated and water resistant.
• Polar fleece neck gaiter or face mask.
• Rentals are provided. Please only bring your own equipment if it is newer than 3 years old and is not borrowed from someone else.