A Private Ski Lesson at Whistler Village
Travel, Whistler, B.C. Canada

A Private Ski Lesson at Whistler Village

What better way to explore Whistler’s incredible views than from the slopes? Learn from the best at Whistler Village or Blackcomb.  We booked our private lessons over the phone ahead of time since we knew we were going to be there during a busy week (the U.S.’s President’s Day week also, ski week).  Because of the close proximity of Whister’s Village gondola to our hotel, we opted to have our lessons out of Whistler Village.  Please do keep in mind there also are lessons operating out of Blackcomb.

Try to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled private lesson and look for the blue tent labeled “Private Lesson”. There are so many instructors and staff to help direct you to the right place if you are not sure. Wait in line to be checked in and directed to your instructor. If you are taking lessons for more than one day, this tent will more than likely be the meet up point unless otherwise noted by the instructor.
Try to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled private lesson and look for the blue tent labeled “Private Lesson”. There are so many instructors and staff to help direct you to the right place if you are not sure. Wait in line to be checked in and directed to your instructor. If you are taking lessons for more than one day, this tent will more than likely be the meet up point unless otherwise noted by the instructor.

Typically, there are half day private lessons offered, but for this particular week in February, there were only full day lessons. Private lessons allow for up to 5 students.  Me and my 5 year old shared an instructor.  The full day lesson actually worked out perfectly for us.  They start at 9am and end at 3pm (the gondola closes at 3:30pm). 

We met with our instructor and took the gondola up to the snow school area to take a couple practice runs down before taking the lift further up. Pia, was our instructor from Austria and she was so sweet, patient and just an encouraging instructor focusing on the technical part of skiing and also understanding that we just wanted to have fun-1
We met with our instructor and took the gondola up to the snow school area to take a couple practice runs down before taking the lift further up. Pia, was our instructor from Austria and she was so sweet, patient and just an encouraging instructor focusing on the technical part of skiing and also understanding that we just wanted to have fun-2

We met with our instructor and took the gondola up to the snow school area to take a couple practice runs down before taking the lift further up. Pia, was our instructor from Austria and she was so sweet, patient and just an encouraging instructor focusing on the technical part of skiing and also understanding that we just wanted to have fun.

Since it is a private lesson you can spend the day with the instructor as you please.   I skied until lunch time and would finish my day there (as I had to watch my little one and switch off with my husband so he could go snowboard).  My 5 year old would continue the lesson with her instructor.  Since we were a part of the ski school, we were able to enjoy the priority line to bypass the crowds and maximize our learning time. 

Snow bunny break with the instructor in between runs on Whistler Mountain. My daughter also enjoyed taking a break for hot chocolate and chips at Ollie’s-1
Snow bunny break with the instructor in between runs on Whistler Mountain. My daughter also enjoyed taking a break for hot chocolate and chips at Ollie’s-2
Snow bunny break with the instructor in between runs on Whistler Mountain. My daughter also enjoyed taking a break for hot chocolate and chips at Ollie’s-3

Snow bunny break with the instructor in between runs on Whistler Mountain. My daughter also enjoyed taking a break for hot chocolate and chips at Ollie’s.

A full day’s ski or snowboard lesson is exhausting for any beginner, let alone for a child, so I did let the instructor know that it was okay to take frequent breaks with my daughter and to let her enjoy some snow play and hot chocolate/snack breaks.  These little breaks really helped her enjoy being on the slopes and encouraged her to keep moving.

Don’t forget to try your best, relax and good luck. Ski-ya on the slopes!

Tip: Make advanced reservations to ensure availability for private lessons during your stay in Whistler Blackcomb. Also, don’t forget to tip your instructor. The instructors don’t get paid nearly as much as what we pay for lessons. I made sure to bring some extra cash for this.
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Tips for Getting Ready for your Ski or Snowboard Lesson
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