Brains
When it comes to mastering the art of skiing and snowboarding, the pursuit of excellence often comes with a price tag that reflects exclusivity, expertise, and luxury. It is no secret that skiing and snowboarding are expensive sports. Most notable in recent years has been the excessive cost of a lift ticket. However, there is another cost associated with the sport that may be even more expensive. It is the cost of lessons.
Below we delve into the world of elite winter sports instruction, exploring the exorbitant prices attached to these coveted lessons. The data comes from the team at PeakRankings. The numbers represent the price for a private, one-day lesson.
#9 Winter Park, CO
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,372. With Lift Ticket: $1,631
#8 Big Sky, MT
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,375. With Lift Ticket: $1,624
#7 Northstar, CA
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,421. With Lift Ticket: $1,690
#6 Breckenridge, CO
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,450. With Lift Ticket: $1,729
#5 Deer Valley, UT
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,470. With Lift Ticket: $1,759
#4 Park City, UT
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,479. With Lift Ticket: $1,778
#3 Steamboat, CO
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,499. With Lift Ticket: $1,774
#2 Mammoth Mountain, CA
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,600. With Lift Ticket: $1,859
#1 Vail and Beaver Creek, CO (tie)
Top 1-Day Lesson Price: $1,654. With Lift Ticket: $1,953
I’m not sure how many people actually pay these ridiculous prices. If they do, they clearly have money to burn. I’m sure many get their lessons and lift tickets through package deals that offer meaningful discounts. You can also significantly reduce these costs by doing a group lesson or a half-day lesson. Additionally, if you are still a beginner, it may be wiser to go to a smaller, local hill for lessons than a big destination resort to save on these costs.
Seriously Vail, $2000 for a lesson and day lift ticket? Can you explain how one ends up paying this much? Are they private lessons with lunch and an all day guide? It makes no sense to me. Where I teach the walk up, day of price is about $200. For an all day ticket and private lesson.