LESSONS
WINTER SPORTS SCHOOL
The Ski School at the Ridge has been operating for over 50 years. We offer both ski and snowboard lessons for kids and adults alike. We are happy to help you find the best lesson program for you or your family. All ages and abilities are welcome.
You Should Know.
- This year, rentals are only available at North by Northwest in Port Angeles and Kitsap Sports in Bremerton. Plan ahead if you need gear. Please see our equipment rentals page for more information.
- Before you head up the mountain, please make sure you have all of the proper gear. This includes waterproof jacket, snow pants, gloves, goggles, helmet. Be prepared for changes in the weather with extra layers.
- Remember to pack food and water for the day since there are no options to purchase food once on the Ridge.
- Contact the Ski School Director at skischool@hurricaneridge.com to reserve a date and time. All lessons are subject to instructor availability. Purchase Lessons Here
- Full refund only available if cancellation request is received 48 hours before scheduled lesson.
Scheduling Lessons
- Ski School operates Saturdays, Sundays and holidays January – March.
- To book a lesson, email the Ski School Director at skischool@hurricaneridge.com to reserve your date and time.
- Please include in your email the names and ages of all students taking the lesson and their ski or snowboard ability.
- After making contact with the Ski School Director Purchase Lessons Here
- Private drop-in lessons are available at 1 pm without a reservation based on instructor availability that day.
Operations in a National Park
- The ski school operates within the Olympic National Park so be prepared to pay the national park fee and come with tire chains in your car as they are required by the park for all vehicles.
- If the park does not open the hurricane ridge road because of the weather you have the option to reschedule your lesson for a later date.
3 Week group lessons
- Hurricane Ridge’s multi-week programs are a great way to make progress in your skiing or snowboarding. Groups are arranged based on sport type, age, and ability level. Maximum group size is 12 students per instructor.
- 3 week group lessons start the first weekend in January, February and March. You can choose either the Saturday or Sunday session.
- Group lessons start at 11 am and last for 1.5 hours.
Private Lessons
- Create your perfect day with a private lesson. Learn how to improve your skiing and snowboarding skills in a one-on-one setting – or with a group of your family and friends – while enjoying the beauty of Hurricane Ridge and the Olympic National Park.
- Private lessons are available at 11 am or 1 pm.
- Lessons last for an hour with the option to purchase additional time.
F.A.Q.
Our three week consecutive group lessons start at 11:00 on Saturdays and 11:00 on Sundays. Drop in lessons begin at 1:00 on Saturday and 1:00 on Sundays. Private lessons can happen at either 11:00 or 1:00.
Plan on signing up at least 1 hour before your desired lesson start time as we do not allow sign-ups less than 30 minutes prior to the lesson start time. Really there is no time that is too early. Better off to be too early than too late and miss out on the fun.
On weekends and holidays, lessons are booked out of the Mountain Operations Center located across the road from our Learning Center. For reservations during non-operating hours email the Ski School Director at skischool@hurricaneridge.com
Yes. Please make sure you get a lift ticket when you check-in for your lesson. It is included in your lesson price.
Yes. Group and private lessons operate on a first-come-first-served basis and it is recommended that you reserve your lesson well in advance to ensure instructor availability. Contact the Ski School Director at skischool@hurricaneridge.com to reserve your spot.
Lessons vary in length from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on class size and lesson type. With private lessons, you can make them as long as you want with each additional hour discounted.
We schedule all of our lessons to have a student to instructor ratio of a maximum 6 to 1 but strive for 4 or less to provide you with individual support while learning how to ski or snowboard.
It depends on your learning style and preference. Beginning skiers and riders usually do quite well in a group environment, but private lessons allow us to tailor your lesson to your individual learning style and preferred pace.
Yes, if you are taking a private lesson. Email the Ski School Director at skischool@hurricaneridge.com 48 hours in advance to ensure instructor availability.
Make sure you are well-rested, fed, hydrated, and clothed. Also, be sure to arrive AT LEAST an hour before your desired lesson start time.
Ski and Snowboard Attire Suggestions
- Dress in layers, putting your lightest layer on the bottom. The weather here changes quickly and dramatically, so you will want to be prepared for anything and everything!
- Polypropylene and wool are great for inner layers.
- Fleece is a great layer!
- Wear a hat even when it’s sunny out.
- A helmet is highly recommended, especially for kids. It can save a life!
- Goggles are a must even when it’s sunny out.
- Buy hand and feet warmers to put in your boots and gloves.
- A neck gator is key on snowy, windy days. Pull it over your neck and face.
- Don’t ski in jeans or other cotton pants. If you don’t have a pair of ski pants, we highly recommend purchasing a pair.
Thick ski socks do not translate to warm feet. If your socks are too thick, you will cut off the circulation in your feet and they will sweat, making them colder in your boots. Wear a thin pair of socks and you’ll be much more comfortable.
No, we do not. However, these items are available for rent and/or purchase in the lower level of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center or at many stores in Port Angeles.
Please pick up your child at the lesson meeting location (where you dropped them off). Parents are responsible for picking up their children at the lesson meeting location on time.
Equipment rentals are available in the lower level of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, North by Northwest Surf and Brown’s Outdoor in Port Angeles, and Kitsap Sports in Bremerton. See our Equipment Rentals page for further information.
We accept cash, local checks, and most major credit cards.
For the latest road conditions call (360) 565-3131 and follow ONP on Twitter @HRWinterAccess . Parking at Hurricane Ridge is limited to 175 spots and the Entrance Station at Heart o’ the Hills typically opens at 9 am weather permitting. Arrive at the Entrance Station early to secure your parking spot at the summit. The Hurricane Ridge Learning Center cannot be responsible if you show up late and are denied entrance to the Park in time to get to your lesson. Lesson refunds are not allowed if you get there late, so please plan ahead.
