Ski lessons help get kids ready to take on more than just the bunny slope with expert instruction as they navigate the gear and movements needed to swoosh downhill. These classes for kids teach a fun skill that can make for a great family vacation or lifelong hobby.
We’ve rounded up a bunch of places you can find lessons for your little skiiers, including a Chicago school offering indoor lessons year-round, clubs that take kids on ski trips by bus, and lessons offered at slopes both near and far.
This article is sponsored by Shredder Chicago North Side Indoor Ski and Snowboard School.
Shredder Chicago North Side Indoor Ski and Snowboard School
Shredder Chicago North Side Indoor Ski and Snowboard School
3800 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60641
(872) 225-3388
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Welcome to Shredder Chicago North Side Indoor Ski and Snowboard School! We bring the joy of snow sports indoors for families year-round. Founded by a Chicago family passionate about skiing and snowboarding, Shredder offers a unique experience in the city.
Our programs cater to all ages and skill levels, ensuring a fun and safe learning environment.
Our Offerings:
- Yeti School (Ages 1-3): Parent-child classes introducing skiing and snowboarding.
- Little Shredders (Ages 3-5): Fundamental skills for all abilities.
- Ski & Snowboard School (Ages 5-10): Advanced skills, mountain safety, and chairlift simulation.
All courses meet once a week for forty minutes, with sessions ranging from five to ten weeks throughout Fall, Winter, and Spring. We also offer summer camps, birthday parties, and private lessons for older kids and adults!
Our qualified instructors focus on safety, confidence building, and lifelong enjoyment of snow sports. Join us and discover the thrill of skiing and snowboarding in a whole new way!
Learn more and register: https://www.shredderski.com/cns-register/
Indoor Ski Lessons in Chicago
Shredder Indoor Ski School
3800 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60641
(872) 225-3388
This indoor ski school uses a special artificial turf surface that’s spritzed with water to mimic the feeling of skiing and snowboarding in real snow. They offer classes, open gyms, camps, parents night out programs, and more for ages 1+. Private lessons available.
Local Ski Clubs
King Keyser: Trolls Ski & Snowboard Club
This local shop offers an eight-week Trolls Ski & Snowboard Club in the winter. Kids ages 11-17 meet in Hinsdale to take a bus trip to Wilmot or Alpine Valley, where they enjoy a day on the slopes and learn from ski or snowboard instructors.
Snowflake Club
Snowflake Club’s ski instructors lead weekly outings to spots like Alpine Valley, Wilmot, Devil’s Head, and Chestnut Mountain Resort. Buses stop to pick up kids at locations in Highland Park, Indian Hill, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Wilmette, and Chicago before heading to the slopes.
Ski Lessons at Slopes in the Chicago Suburbs
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports
5750 Lakeside Drive
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 964-2550
Semi-private lessons are $35, group private lessons are $40, and private lessons are $60. Group discounts are also available.
Villa Olivia
1401 W Lake Street
Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 289-1000
Snow Phone: (630) 540-4199
Group and private lessons. For non-residents, private/semi-private lessons are $57; group lessons are $24 (skiing) or $28 (snowboarding).
Ski Lessons at Slopes Within Driving Distance of Chicagoland
Chestnut Mountain Resort
8700 W Chestnut Mountain Road
Galena, IL 61036
(800) 397-1320
Group lessons are $35; participants must be 7 or older.
Swiss Valley
13421 Mann Street
Jones, MI 49061
(269) 244-5635
Snow Phone: (269) 244-8016
Group lessons are $35/person; private lessons are $70/person. Check the website for full information on the rates, including discounted prices for night skiing and beginner area passes.
Timber Ridge
07500 23 1/2 Street
Gobles, MI 49055
(269) 694-9449
There are several lesson options for kids as young as 5.
Boyne Mountain Resort
1 Boyne Mountain Road
Boyne Falls, MI 49713
(855) 688-7024
Pricing: Information on lift tickets (prices vary by day and demand), rentals, and lessons (ages 4+) can be found on their website.
Wilmot Mountain
11931 Fox River Road
Wilmot, WI 53192
(262) 862-2301
Wilmot features private and group lessons, nearby lodging, a kids ski and snowboard school (for kids as young as 3), and a tubing hill that features 22 tubing lanes and two conveyor lifts.
Pricing: There are many different pricing options depending on which kind of pass you purchase. Visit the website for more details. For the biggest savings, buy your ticket online.
The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 245-7516
Private and group lessons (for ages 3+), ranging in time from 60-90 minutes, are available.
Alpine Valley
W2501 County Road
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 642-7374
Two-hour kids lessons (ages 5+) are $100; one-hour adult group lessons are $50; two-hour adult private lessons are $100.
Cascade Mountain
W10441 Cascade Mountain Road
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-5588
Private/semi-private lessons are available for a flat rate of $120-140 for up to 5 people (ages 4 and up); the Cascade Kids program (ages 5-12) is $120 for two hours.
Devil’s Head
S6330 Bluff Road
Merrimac, WI 53561
(608) 493-2204
Group lessons (ages 6+) are $50, private lessons are $80, and private pro lessons are $100; all lessons are 90 minutes long.
Granite Peak
227200 Snowbird Avenue
Wausau, WI 54401
(715) 845-2846
The facility offers a variety of lesson options, including kids adventure programs (kids ages 5-12), and private/semi-private lessons.