Ski & Snowboard Lessons

The Yosemite Ski & Snowboard School

Established 1928 — seven years before the resort itself opened in 1935. Badger Pass is where California learned to ski, and the school's reputation for patient, structured instruction is the reason families have been returning here for generations.

Master the Slopes - Yosemite's Guaranteed Program at Badger Pass Ski Area
Ski SchoolFull day

Master the Slopes - Yosemite's Guaranteed Program

Lift + rental + 2 lessons + guarantee

Flagship package View →
Badger Pups Downhill Ski/Snowboard Instruction Package at Badger Pass Ski Area
Ski SchoolHalf day

Badger Pups Downhill Ski/Snowboard Instruction Package

Kids 4-6 · Lesson + lower-lifts + rentals

Kids 4–6 View →
Introduction to Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding Lesson Package at Badger Pass Ski Area
Ski SchoolHalf day (lesson + practice time)

Introduction to Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding Lesson Package

Group lesson + lower-lifts + rental

Beginner package View →
Next Step Lessons Package at Badger Pass Ski Area
Ski School~2 hours instruction

Next Step Lessons Package

Lesson for confident beginners

Progression lesson View →
Ski Private Lessons at Badger Pass Ski Area
Ski School2 hours

Ski Private Lessons

1-on-1 ski instruction · any level

Private rate View →
Snowboard Private Lessons at Badger Pass Ski Area
Ski School2 hours

Snowboard Private Lessons

1-on-1 snowboard instruction

Private rate View →

Which lesson is right for you?

Total beginner (any age, never tried skiing).

Adults → Master the Slopes Guaranteed Program. The flagship package — lesson + lift + rental + money-back guarantee that you'll be riding the chairlift by end of day.

Kids 4-6 → Badger Pups. Dedicated kids' instruction program with everything included.

Beginner who's done it once or twice before.

→ Introduction to Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding. A structured package for people who've stood on skis but don't have a foundation yet.

Intermediate looking to progress.

→ Next Step Lessons Package. Move from greens to blues, work on parallel turns, learn to handle steeper terrain confidently.

Anyone who wants focused one-on-one attention.

→ Ski Private Lessons or Snowboard Private Lessons. Best value if you have specific goals — a tricky turn shape, a fear to overcome, or a friend or partner you want to learn with.

Why learn at Badger Pass

  • Forgiving terrain. Wide, gentle greens that don't intimidate first-timers. No icy headwalls, no surprise pitches.
  • No surge pricing. Lesson rates are the same on Saturday in February as they are on a Wednesday in January.
  • PSIA-certified instructors. The Yosemite Ski & Snowboard School has been training instructors and students continuously for nearly 100 years.
  • Small group sizes. Compared to the big Tahoe resorts, Badger Pass ratios are dramatically better — you actually get coached, not herded.
  • Money-back guarantee on Master the Slopes. Yosemite Hospitality stands behind the program. If you're not riding the chairlift by end of day, they refund the lesson cost.

View lift tickets →

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Master the Slopes and Introduction to Downhill?

Master the Slopes is Yosemite's guaranteed beginner program — it comes with a money-back guarantee you'll be riding the chairlift by end of day. Introduction to Downhill is the same content without that guarantee, at a slightly lower price. If you've never skied, take Master the Slopes for the peace of mind. If you've stood on skis before but want a structured intro, the Introduction package is the right size.

How old does my child need to be for Badger Pups?

Badger Pups is designed for children ages 4 to 6. For kids 7 and older, the standard adult lesson packages with appropriate-level grouping work better — and they get to use the full mountain instead of just the kids' learning area.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

No — Master the Slopes, Introduction, Next Step, and Badger Pups all include equipment rental. Just bring warm layers, gloves, and goggles. Private lessons do not include rental; book the rental separately or arrive with your own gear.

Snowboarding vs skiing — does the school teach both?

Yes. Master the Slopes, Introduction to Downhill, Next Step, and Badger Pups all offer skiing or snowboarding tracks — choose at booking. Snowboard Private Lessons are dedicated; Ski Private Lessons are dedicated.

What time do lessons start?

Group lesson packages (Master the Slopes, Introduction, Next Step, Badger Pups) typically meet mid-morning — exact times confirmed at booking. Plan to arrive 45 minutes before your lesson start time to pick up gear, get fitted, and meet your instructor.