Snowsports Center FAQs

Why should I take a lesson?

Lessons help you learn safer, faster, and proper form. Through a lesson, you can reach many goals that include gaining confidence, discovering new terrain, or even learning for the first time. Although your friends and family may be willing to teach you, let our staff give you the best experience.

Can I wait until I get to the ski hill to buy a lesson?

For the 2021/2022 season, we are requiring that all lessons are booked online in advance to secure your space.

Are rentals or lift tickets included in the lesson price?

Sorry, but they are not included. However, we do offer discounted pricing with advance purchases online at Lutsen.com.

How should I prepare for a lesson?

• Purchase your lift tickets and rentals. Lift tickets and rentals are not included in the lesson price. We offer discounted pricing with advance purchase online at Lutsen.com. These items can also be purchased upon arrival. We offer single-day tickets at our Snowsports Center or multi-day tickets at our Ticket Office.
• Arrive early. Our ticket office opens at 8 a.m. on weekends/holidays and 8:30 a.m. midweek. We suggest arriving at this time when you have booked a morning lesson. We suggest at least 90 minutes to redeem your orders, purchase needed items, and suit up for your class.
• Be dressed and ready to hit the slopes 15 minutes prior to your lesson time. Students will need to arrive at the Flapjack Learning Terrain dressed and ready to go. You will want your RFID ticket secured within your snow attire with your confirmation in hand. Upon check-in, we will redeem your order, process the necessary paperwork, and connect with the class instructor.

What should I bring?

• Warm clothes – long johns, a single pair of socks, snow attire, helmet or hat, gloves (please bring a second pair for children), and goggles.
• Your equipment (boots on) and your lift ticket.
• Confirmation page for your online lesson reservation.
• Positive attitude!

Where do I meet my instructor?

Check-in 15 minutes prior to your lesson time at our Flapjack Learning Terrain with your equipment. You will find this area behind the Scandinavian Chalet following the red stairs up next to the Summit Express Gondola. Class signs will be stationed, you will find your instructor waiting for you.

Are helmets required?

No. Although they are not required, they are strongly recommended and can be rented through our rental shop or purchased at our Mountain Shop. Face coverings and goggles are required for all students.

Do students need poles for class?

Children will not use poles in group lessons. Adults are welcome to use poles.

What should I expect from my child's lesson?

Our Snowsports Center is a beginner-based center focused on instilling the proper techniques and love for the sport to our newest generation. Our group lessons are for levels 1 to 4 and are all based on Ullr Mountain which is our designated learning terrain. Each child learns at their own speed and after each class students will have a session review available to take home. 

At what age do you start teaching children?

Our Kinderschool group program is available for children ages 4 and 5 with our Mountain Rangers program for those ages 6 to 12. Our snowboarding programs begin at age 7.

Are you strict on the ages for classes?

Yes. These age breakdowns work the best for kids learning styles and our terrain.

Can two students be in the same class if they are at different ability levels?

It is best for skiers to be in the level class best suited to their current abilities. Young siblings and friends will be able to see each other on the hill and in our building during breaks even if they are in different classes.

Why do Kinderschool classes use the magic carpet and not the lift?

Our safety rules require each child five and younger to have assistance riding the chairlift by an adult. Therefore, the class, as a group, must stay at the Magic Carpet which accesses our beginner terrain.

Do students need a lift ticket to ride the magic carpet during class?

Yes. Everyone must have a lift ticket to use the Magic Carpet. For children, five years and younger request a free "tot" ticket when other lift tickets are purchased at the window.

Can I watch the lesson?

While it is exciting to watch your child test out this exciting sport we do ask for non-students to stay off of our learning terrain. This offers students the ability to focus on their teacher and the skills they are newly acquiring. 

How do I know what ability level I am?

Our ability level page will help you determine what the student's current skills are and what level you should reserve.

The class I want is not an option on the calendar date I selected. Why not?

Our classes are subject to availability. Some classes are only offered during peak vacation times and it is possible that the class may be full at this time. You can check again closer to your arrival date for availability or email learn@lutsen.com to be added to our waitlist.

How can I register for a multiple-hour private lesson or another type not listed in the programs?

We can provide customized lessons. Contact our Snowsports Center by calling (218) 406-1325 to check availability and options.

Are there any packages that include free lessons?

Our First Timer package is available for first-time skiers and includes a 9:15 a.m. lesson, standard ski rental, and lift ticket for our Magic Carpet and Flapjack run. This package is booked online only.

What is your cancellation policy?

Lutsen Mountains Snowsports Learning Center has a 72-hour cancellation policy. You may receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee if you cancel a lesson 72 hours prior to the date of the lesson. Due to high demand, there will be no refunds for lessons canceled within 72-hours.

How can I change or cancel a lesson after I reserved it?

Contact us at (218) 406-1325 and we would be happy to assist you.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We are hearty people in Minnesota and cold weather is a regular part of our ski season. Students can dress for the weather and have a great time even on a cold day. If the temperatures are extreme, our management may cancel lessons and offer rain checks to guests. If a student chooses not to participate while lessons are operating, the cost of the lesson will not be refunded.

I have more questions. How can I contact someone for answers?

Contact us by email, learn@lutsen.com, or by calling our central reservations line at (218) 406-1325.