Ready to turn it up? We look forward to seeing you on the slopes. Until then, we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to make your day extraordinary, especially if this is your fist time on skis or a snowboard. Please review these Frequently Asked Questions and you’ll be set and ready to go.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY LESSON?
Below is a list of essential items for kids and adults while skiing and snowboarding:

Helmet - we recommend that all participants wear a helmet and helmets are required for Junior Group Lessons. These are available to rent at Village Rentals or the Experience Snowboard Center or for purchase in the Village at Stratton.

Goggles - eye protection can make a big difference to your comfort and success during a lesson. Goggles may be purchased in the Village at Stratton

Layers - dress in layers that can be added or removed as needed. Clothing made of moisture wicking material (not cotton) is preferred and should be worn underneath jackets and snow pants. Outerwear should be waterproof and warm.

Socks - that are designed specifically for skiing and snowboarding are also highly recommended. Make sure that socks are not bunched up inside ski and snowboard boots. This can become very uncomfortable, especially once the lesson gets started.

Gloves/Mittens - Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens are very important.

Neck Gaiter/Face Mask - this will keep your face warm and give some added protection from the elements.

Hand and Toe warmers may also bring some comfort during during your lesson.

Since we ski or snowboard every day, we recommend checking the forecast for Stratton and keeping that in mind when packing for your trip. If you do forget something there are many shops in the Village at Stratton that will have what you are looking for.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE AT THE RESORT?
Plan to arrive about one hour before your lesson. When you arrive at the resort you will need to leave time to park and take the shuttle to the Main Base Area. If you need rental equipment you must pick that up at either Village Rentals or the Experience Snowboard Center before you meet for your lesson. Leave time to try on boots and for any necessary adjustments to be made to your equipment.

Also, do not forget breakfast! Be sure to fuel up before your day on the slopes. There are a number of breakfast options in the main base lodge or in the village.

I RENTED EQUIPMENT FOR MY LESSON. WHEN AND WHERE SHOULD I PICK IT UP?
All rental equipment needs to be picked up before you arrive at your lesson. Please allow extra time to try on boots and have all necessary equipment adjusted. Ski equipment should be picked up at Village Rentals, near the clock tower in the village. Snowboard equipment should be picked up in the Experience Snowboard Center, near the bottom of the gondola.


Specific Details For Each Lesson Type

    • Group
      Teen and Adult Group Lessons FAQ

      Where do Adult group lessons meet?
      Teen & adult group lessons meet in front of the Mountain Sports School Buildingin the Main Base Area. Please arrive five minutes before the lesson is set to begin, dressed and ready to ski/snowboard, with all of your equipment.

      DO I NEED A LIFT TICKET?
      Yes, all lessons require a lift ticket or season pass, even if you are a beginner. You can pre-purchase a lift ticket when you book your lesson, which can be picked up at Guest Servicesupon arrival. You may also purchase a lift ticket day of, at the same location.

      can i request an instructor for my group lesson?
      You cannot request an instructor for a group lesson. If you had a successful lesson with an instructor previously and would like to ask at check-in, we will make an accommodation if possible. If you have specific requests that are non-negotiable, we would recommend a private lesson.

      Is Gratuity Standard?
      Gratuity is not required but is certainly appreciated by our staff. Most people tip 15-20% of the cost of the lesson. You are welcome to hand this directly to your instructor at the end of your lesson.
    • Private
      Private Lesson FAQ

      DO I NEED A LIFT TICKET?
      Yes, all lessons require a lift ticket or season pass, even if you are a beginner. You can pre-purchase a lift ticket when you book your lesson, which can be picked up at Guest Servicesupon arrival. You may also purchase a lift ticket day of, at the same location.

      can i request a specific instructor for my lesson?
      Yes, you sure can. Please ask for the specific instructor, by name, at the time of booking.

      Where do private lessons meet?
      All private lessons meet in front of the Mountain Sports School Buildingin the main base area. Look for the “Private Lesson” flag. There will be a supervisor/manager standing near the flag with a clipboard, please approach them with your name and they will introduce you to your instructor at that time. Please arrive five minutes before the lesson is set to begin, dressed and ready to ski/snowboard, with all of your equipment.

      Is Gratuity Standard?
      Gratuity is not required but is certainly appreciated by our staff. Most people tip 15-20% of the cost of the lesson. You are welcome to hand this directly to your instructor at the end of your lesson.

    • Junior
      Junior Group Lessons FAQ

      What should i tell my child before the lesson?
      Tell them how awesome of a time they are going to have! Show them videos of skiing/snowboarding, so they know what to expect. If possible, have them try on their boots a few days beforehand, so they can get used to walking around those weird things on their feet. A little preparation beforehand may prevent a lot of anxiety upon arrival at the school.

      does my child need a lift ticket?

      Yes, all lessons require a lift ticket, even if you are a beginner. You can purchase a ticket at the same time that you book your lesson. For Big Cub lessons if you pre-purchased a ticket it will be available at drop-off. You can purchase tickets morning of in the Junior Mountain Sports School building.

      Where do lessons meet?

      Big Cub lessons meet near the bottom of the Cub Carpet in the main base area of the resort.

      what happens if the mountain sport school needs to get a hold of me?

      Reservation agents will collect an emergency contact phone number at the time of booking. Be sure to give the agents a phone number that will allow us to reach you during the lesson. When you drop your child off please provide the front desk with additional emergency contact phone numbers, or confirm the one that is currently on file.

      can my child ski with their friends?

      We cannot guarantee it, but will make an accommodation if at all possible. Please help us by checking both kids in to their program together, at the same time. Please note, they must also be the same ability level. If you must have two participants are together in the same lesson, a private lesson would be the best way to confirm that they will be together.

      can i request an instructor for my child's group lesson?

      We cannot guarantee it, but will make an accommodation if at all possible. We recommend arriving at the beginning of check-in with these requests, we are most likely to be able to accommodate it if the instructor has not been previously assigned. If you have specific requests that are non-negotiable, we would recommend a private lesson for your child.

      Can I Pick up my child from their group lesson early?

      Yes, but you will need to make arrangements around the group lesson timing.

      Is Gratuity Standard?
      Gratuity is not required but is certainly appreciated by our staff. Most parents tip 15-50% of the cost of the lesson. You are welcome to hand this directly to your instructor at the end of the day, or leave it with the Junior Mountain Sports School front desk.

    • Seasonal
      Seasonal Program Non-Competitive FAQ

      Below are some frequently asked questions about our non-competition seasonal programs. If you should have additional questions, please reach out to our Seasonal Programs Manager, Tony Bailey at tbailey@stratton.com.

      Where do programs meet?

      All seasonal programs, with the exception of Cub Club, meet in front of the Maine Base Lodge on snow. Each program has a banner flag and will be in the same location all season long. The Cub Club program meets downstairs in the Junior Mountain Sports School building. The entrance to Cub Club is located next to the stairs between the Guest Services Main Base Lodge and the Junior MSS building.

      what time Do Programs Start?

      Programs meet on snow at 8:30      am. Groups will form and they’ll leave the meeting area by 8:40am. Late arrivals can try and connect with their groups after their warm up lap at the bottom. After their warm up lap, groups will head out to ski the whole mountain and become very difficult to locate. As a result, we cannot guarantee that late students will be connected with their groups.

      Each program has a supervisor that is in charge of organizing our groups each morning. Supervisors will typically have a radio in a chest pack. Any of our program coaches will be happy to point out the supervisor for you.

      Will my child ski/ride with the same coach everyday?

      Our seasonal program staff members are very dedicated and are available most weekends during the season. We try and keep groups, and corresponding coaches, as consistent as possible. Due to the fact that most coaches are part-time, there will be occasional weekends that they will not be at Stratton, and at that time a different coach may step in.

      Can I pick up my child early?

      Our seasonal program participants are going to ski/ride the best available terrain on any given day. Due to the size of our resort it can be a challenge to locate your child’s group throughout the day. If you need to pick up your child, you must make arrangements with the coach ahead of time. Please take into account we cannot always arrange for a pick-up in the main base area as it may be unfair to the rest of the group who is working on skills on a different part of the resort.

      Who should I contact In case of an emergency?

      If you need to locate your child during the day, the first step is to call the Junior Mountain Sports School front desk at 802-297-4079. Our front desk staff will relay the message to the Seasonal Programs Manager and the program supervisor who will communicate with your child’s coach to get you connected with your child as soon as possible.

      Is Gratuity Standard?
      Gratuity is not required but is certainly appreciated by our staff. Most people tip 15-20% of the cost of the lesson. You are welcome to hand this directly to the coach at the end of the season.