Adult Lessons
New to skiing or snowboarding and not sure where to start?
We believe in giving people the freedom to ski! Even if you’ve never been on the snow before, we want you to be able to have a great experience on our slopes. That’s why we’ve created a totally free beginner experience to help you get a feel for your gear and gain the confidence to make the most of your time on the mountain.
full-day Lesson Info
Availability is limited. Advanced reservations and payment are required. These lesson options fill up quickly, therefore, we highly recommend booking your lesson at least 72 hours in advance.
**Details are subject to change for the 2025-2026 Winter season. All posted details are in reference to the 2024-2025 Winter season.
| Cost | Winter 25-26 pricing will be posted this Fall! |
| Tickets & Passes | Valid Lift Access is required during the lesson. Lift tickets are not included in the lesson price. Purchase lift tickets here. |
| Dates | Winter 25-26 Dates will be announced this Fall! |
| Ages | 13+ |
| Skill Level | Levels 1-6 Beginner & Intermediate Full-day: You’ll be matched with other skiers or riders of a similar ability level. Check your ability level here. For a private experience, advanced levels, and specific goals, please refer to our Private Lesson options and pricing. |
| Where to Meet | The Columbine Beginner’s Area Located at the bottom of chair 7, just off highway 550. Look for the Ski School signs. |
| When to Meet | 9:15am If renting equipment, please allow one extra hour to get fitted and arrive at your lesson on time. |
| Equipment | Rentals are not included in the lesson price. |
Half-day Lesson Info
Availability is limited. Advanced reservations and payment are required. These lesson options fill up quickly, therefore, we highly recommend booking your lesson at least 72 hours in advance.
**Details are subject to change for the 2025-2026 Winter season. All posted details are in reference to the 2024-2025 Winter season.
| Cost | Winter 25-26 pricing will be posted this Fall! |
| Tickets & Passes | Valid Lift Access is required during the lesson. Lift tickets are not included in the lesson price. Purchase lift tickets here. |
| Dates | Winter 25-26 Dates will be announced this Fall! |
| Ages | 13+ |
| Skill Level | AM Half-day Levels 1-6 (all levels) PM Half-day Levels 1- 2 (beginners only) Half-day: You’ll be matched with other skiers or riders of a similar ability level. Check your ability level here. We strive to keep class sizes to a maximum of 5. For a private experience, advanced levels, and specific goals, please refer to our Private Lesson options and pricing. |
| Where to Meet | The Columbine Beginner’s Area Located at the bottom of chair 7, just off highway 550. Look for the Ski School signs. |
| When to Meet | AM 9:15am PM 12:45pm If renting equipment, please allow one extra hour to get fitted and arrive at your lesson on time. |
| Equipment | Rentals are not included in the lesson price. |
| Upgrade | AM Half-day to Full-day Group Lesson: check back for 25/26 pricing Enjoy your morning lesson? Want to keep learning? You can upgrade to a full-day group lesson for only $90. Inquire with your ski or snowboard instructor or visit the Fulfillment Center inside the Ticket Office to upgrade. |
What to Bring
Skis or Snowboard
Fully Functional & properly fitting gear is necessary. Reserve rental equipment here.
Helmets
Required for ages 12 & under, and highly recommended for all.
Appropriate Clothing/Gear
May include- warm layers, snow jacket, snow pants, neck gaiter, non-fleece mittens/gloves, goggles, and hand warmers. Applying sunscreen and lip balm is highly recommended.
Sunblock & Lip Balm
It helps to apply these on kids prior to drop-off.
The fine print
Winter 2024/2025 policies
Meeting/Arrival:
- Meet at the Columbine Beginner’s Area – located at the bottom of chair 7, just off highway 550.
- Allow adequate time to get to the resort ahead of your scheduled lesson time, especially on snowy days.
- Please prepare to arrive at your lesson 15 minutes ahead of schedule time for all lesson options.
- We recommend leaving Durango 1-1.5 hours ahead of the lesson time on days where road conditions are not clear.
- Check the Snow Report for updated road conditions before heading to the resort to plan accordingly by visiting www.purgatory.ski.
- We reserve the right to charge a fee for excessively late pick-up for a participant in our programs.
Rescheduling/Cancellations:
- Our Ski School team requires 48 hours notice (from the start time of lesson) for a request for rescheduling and/or cancellations for Group Lessons.
- There will be a $50 cancellation fee for private lessons and a $25 cancellation fee for group lessons within 48 hours unless Purgatory’s Transportation Department indicates adverse driving conditions due to unstable weather.
- Please allow at least 72 hours for the cancellation request to be reviewed, and to determine resort credit/refund eligibility.
If you are unable to make your lesson, please email [email protected] with the following information (and/or forward your confirmation email) :
- Name(s) of Participant(s)
- Birthdate(s) of Participant(s)
- Phone Number
- Date(s) of Lesson(s)
- Lesson Type Purchased (such as; AM or PM session, Ski or Snowboard, Adult, Youth, or Child lesson)
- Request of Cancellation or Reschedule (please make note of the desired reschedule time/date)
- Reason for Cancellation or Reschedule
We cannot guarantee our Ski School Team will have the availability to reschedule your lesson.
Gratuities for instructors are not required, but are an appropriate and appreciated gesture.
