Beginner Lessons

Should I take a lesson?
The short answer - yes. The Big White Ski and Snowboard School employs some of the best instructors from around the world to help you get the most out of our world-class terrain. They’ll put you on the road to a positive skiing or snowboarding experience, where you are spending more time on your feet and less time on the ground.

Where Do I have to book a lesson in advance?
Yes – pre-registration (at least 24 hours in advance) is now advised for all Ski & Board School products. Please contact the team via email, skischool@bigwhite.com, or phone, 250-491-6101/Toll Free: 1-866-491-9040.

Where do I go when I arrive?
When it’s time for your lesson, meet your instructor outside the Village Centre Mall. They will be standing under a signpost indicating the relevant level for your lesson. If you have any questions, the Ski & Board School desk is located inside the Village Centre Mall, which is the building with the clock tower in the Village.

You can also purchase any lift tickets and rentals from the designated counters on the main floor as well as clothing, gear and souvenirs from the retail stores located in the Village Centre Mall.

What should I wear?
If you are new to snow sports and the Canadian winter, you may not be prepared for the cold temperatures. The average temperature at Big White is -5 C and you will be outside all day. Here are some suggestions to help you dress appropriately:

• Dress in layers.
• Wear thermal long underwear or tights as a base layer.
• Outer layer should be water and wind resistant (i.e. a nylon outer shell or better material). If your outer layer is not insulated, add extra layers underneath for warmth. Do not wear jeans!
• Wool and polyester/fleece blends are warmer and drier than cotton.
• Socks should be a wool/polyester blend and not too bulky. Only one pair of socks is necessary.
• Helmets are not mandatory, but are recommended for every skier or snowboarder regardless of age or ability.
• Gloves or mittens are a must. Preferably with a nylon or leather outer shell to keep hands dry.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes on snowy or windy days. Sunglasses or goggles will work on sunny days.
• Add sunscreen to the list for sunny days.

What kind of equipment do I need?
If you’re skiing, you will need ski boots, skis and poles. Snowboarders will need snowboarding boots and a snowboard.
Our rentals department will be able to fit you with equipment that suits your height, weight and ability. They also have helmets available for rent.
Big White offers rental skis and snowboards designed for beginners. When renting, simply let your rental technician know you’re starting out in the sport and they’ll help select the right beginner ski or snowboard for you.

What if I have my own equipment?
Make sure that it is in good working condition and was recently serviced by a trained technician.

What if I never got a confirmation email?
Email the Ski & Board School team - skischool@bigwhite.com - to enquire about your booking. 

Do I need poles?
We would advise using poles but this depends on the person and the ability levels, if you are unsure simply let your rental technician know and they will assist you in deciding whether to have poles or not. In the Kids Centre, children may or may not ski with poles depending on their ability. 

Do I need to purchase a lift-ticket?
In order to use any of the lifts including magic carpets on the mountain guests need to either have a lift ticket or season pass. 

How do you track my progress in Ski School?
Instructors use a card tick off system that shows a child's progress throughout a lesson, which the child gets to take home.

How many people are in each group lesson?
Depending on the age group. Our Adult program is a maximum of 8 in a group lesson. In our Kids Centre, for our 3-4 year olds we have a maximum of 4 per class. For the 5-7 year olds, we have a maximum of 6 per class. For the 8-12 year olds, we have a maximum of 7 per class. 

What are the benefits of a private lesson?
Private Lessons provide guests with the full attention from our SnowPros. The lessons are tailored to move at your pace, and focus exactly on the individual guests wants and needs.

Will I be able to pick my instructor?
You can request a specific instructor at the time of booking the lesson - for group lessons this cannot be guaranteed, for private lessons if the instructor is available we will assign them the lesson. 

Can I reschedule my lesson? How much notice is required?
Group lessons can be re-scheduled but we ask for at least 24-hours’ notice. Private lessons can be re-scheduled but there are administration fees in order to do this - outside of 24 hours is $30 + tax, within 24 hours is $50 + tax.

What if I'm unable to make my lesson due to injury or sickness?
We can refund any lessons that are missed due to injury or illness if a medical note is supplied.

What will happen if I'm late?
If you are late to the lesson, you will miss the lesson and not be able to join it. 

Can I leave my group lesson at any time?
Adults are free to leave their lesson at any point. Children may only leave lessons when an instructor has been shown the barcode from the guardian of that child. In certain circumstances, the guardian will be contacted by the Kids Centre for an early pick up. 

What can I expect?
FUN! Your experience should be all about having a good time and learning something new.

At the meeting place you will be greeted by your instructor, who will discuss what you want to achieve from your time together and take you to the terrain that’s best suited to your needs. Our ski and snowboard pros are there to help you with equipment and answer any questions you may have about your adventure.

How do I find more information?
For a complete explanation of our offerings, speak to the Ski & Board School desk in the Village Centre Mall. Alternatively, phone 250.491.6101 or toll free in North America 1.866.491.9040.

 

Parent FAQ

Are helmets for children under 13 still offered for free?
Children under the age of 13 receive a complimentary helmet when renting a full set of equipment from the Rental Shop in the Village Centre Mall (excludes seasonal renters).

Can I ski/snowboard with my child?
Yes, we encourage you to book a private lesson and you can choose to share your private experience with your child. Unfortunately, we do not allow parents to attend our kids specific group lessons.

Can you cater to Special Needs children?
We have instructors who are qualified to teach children and adults with cognitive challenges, please see our 'Adaptive Ski Program' webpage for further information. If you would like coaching for any physical challenges, please see Powderhounds Adaptive Snow Sports’.

Do you offer day care services?
Yes, our Tot Town Daycare is ideal for the pre-ski child, or for the child who does not wish to ski the whole day. Each day at Tot Town Daycare Centre is unique, exciting and filled with activities and adventures. Children will have the time o f their lives with a mixture of indoor play and (weather permitting) outdoor activities.

Is the Ski School & Board School a nut-free environment?
The Kids Centre & Kids Lessons are a nut-free zone.

Will my child and their friend be able to be in the same group lesson?
When booking or registering for the lesson you can request for your child to be put in the same group as their friends, as long as their ages and ability levels are the same. We will try our best to accommodate however, we cannot guarantee this in our group lessons.

Will my children be able to ski/snowboard together if they're in separate age groups?
We can accommodate this within reason - depending on the age gap, ability and the number of other children at that level. We would need to put any older/higher ability children in the younger/lower ability group.

Can you cater to dietary needs?
Yes, please advise of any dietary requirements when booking/registering your child as they will be offered snacks and drinks during the lesson.

Will I be able to meet my child during lunch time?
The Kids Centre is a 'Parent-Free Zone' so parents aren't allowed into the lunch area but your child may come out to the foyer to see you whilst on lunch.

Will my child always ride the chair-lift with their instructor?
Not always. The instructors will ensure children always ride the lift with a responsible adult. Always one child per one adult.

Will my child be made to ride the chair-lift alone?
No, children will always be with an instructor or adult on the chair-lifts. 

Do you have a lost and found?
If any personal belongings were left by your children in the Kids Centre please ask at the front desk within the Kids Centre. The mountain’s lost and found is located at the Concierge desk in the Village Centre Mall.