Lessons & Programs Learning & Growing
Timberline Ski Area is not yet open for the 2026/27 winter season, but we are taking private lesson reservations for December 1st or later. We are not currently accommodating requests prior to December 1st. This may change as snow conditions allow.
At Timberline, winter is all about progression and play. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, our ski and snowboard lessons and camps offer expert instruction on some of the best terrain Mt. Hood has to offer.
Questions?
Do you want to schedule a private lesson, Kids Club, or group lesson at Timberline upper ski area? Read through frequently asked questions below, or call (503) 272-3341.
For more information about Summit Pass lessons, CLICK HERE.
Absolutely! Whether you are new to the sport, or have many years under your belt but would like to freshen up some skills or learn something new, lessons are great for anyone at any level.
Our experienced staff can help first-time skiers and snowboarders get used to equipment and introduce them to the basics, or show more advanced riders how to sharpen up their turns or get that new trick dialed in the terrain park.
We offer group and private lessons. Please look through the descriptions for each product to help you decide which is right for you or your family. Group lessons cater to the group as a whole, whereas private lessons cater to your specific, individual needs.
Private lessons are offered seven days a week.
Group and Kids Club are offered weekends and holidays ONLY, December 19 through April 4, weather permitting.
Please first go to the Ski & Ride School front desk, located inside on the first floor of the Wy’East Day Lodge. From there, you will be directed to the rental shop, and then outside to your lesson. If you do not need rentals, please report to the Ski & Ride School to receive your lesson voucher before heading outside.
Bring your child to the Kids Club front desk, located inside on the first floor of the Wy’East Day Lodge. From there, you will be directed to the Kids Club rental shop, where you will assist in gearing up your child. After they are fitted for rentals, you can check them into the Kids Club Room, and go on your way! If your child does not need rentals, they will be directed into the room immediately after check-in.
Children being dropped off in Kids Club must be signed in by a parent/guardian. That parent/guardian will receive a security tag, which they must keep with them until pick up. The SAME parent/guardian must return the tag and sign out the child in order to pick them up at the end of the lesson. A Ski & Ride School Manager or a supervisor MUST approve any other pick-up arrangements.
The alpine skiing rental package includes skis, poles, and boots. The snowboard rental package includes a snowboard with bindings and snowboard boots.
Timberline Lodge encourages the use of helmets for adults. Please use your best judgment. Helmets are required for children in Kids Club and group lessons. Helmets can be rented or purchased at Timberline. Helmets may be added for $10. Helmets are included in Kids Club at no additional charge.
- Goggles or another form of eye protection for snow, sun, and wind
- Wicking long underwear, tops and bottoms
- Snow and waterproof ski gloves or mittens
- Snow, water, and windproof insulated winter jacket
- Mid-weight top or fleece shirt (for layering options)
- Neck gaiter/face covering
- Snow and waterproof winter pants
- Lip balm and sunscreen
- A hat or helmet to protect from winter conditions
- Wicking ski socks (thin wool socks are best, thick wool socks often cut off circulation in boots). We recommend just one pair of socks to provide the best level of comfort in ski or snowboard boots.
Some of these items may be available for purchase in the Wy’East Store, but supply is not guaranteed. We DO NOT offer any of the above items to rent.
- Private Lesson packages include complimentary lift access while with your instructor.
- If you would like to ski/ride before/after your lesson, you may upgrade to a full day lift ticket for a discounted rate.
- Group lessons include a lift ticket that's valid at Bruno's Chair and Summit Pass.
- Kids Club includes an all-mountain lift ticket.
- Lift tickets can be added to the Mountain Masters Multi-Week Program. We suggest buying a season pass for your child if you plan on them attending this program.
Private and Family Private Lessons can accommodate up to six guests per instructor. For Private Lessons with children under age eight, the limit will be three students per instructor.
Group lessons for ages 13+ will accommodate up to eight guests.
Kids Club classes have a maximum class size of three for ages 4-6, and six for ages 7-12.
We provide the best and safest lessons when guests can reserve congruent ages and ability levels. Our top priority is safety – we make sure everyone in the group is ready for new skills and terrain before moving onto the next step.
Please refer to our Ski or Snowboard Skill level chart. If you are hesitant, hedge on the conservative side, especially if time has passed since the last time you skied or snowboarded. This will give you the opportunity to regain confidence and refresh your skills.
A Private Lesson is a fantastic option if you learn best in a one-on-one environment. Private Lessons allow you to progress at your own pace.
Yes. We will do our best to accommodate specific instructor requests for private lessons ONLY. Reservations made a few weeks ahead of time give our office staff and the requested instructor more time to make schedule adjustments if needed.
Not necessarily, but you may request the same instructor, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
If you need to rent equipment with us, please arrive at least 90 minutes prior to your lesson start time. This will allow enough time to fill out your liability waiver and rental forms for each member of your party, and make it through the rental shop before your lesson begins.
Please plan enough travel time for winter driving conditions and traffic. On weekends and holidays, the Timberline parking lot can fill up as early as 7:15am. LEARN MORE about getting to Timberline.
You will need a snow park permit, which can be purchased at multiple locations, including the Ski & Ride School front desk. You may purchase a day or full season parking permit. It must be displayed in your windshield.
We will try to shift your lesson to a later time if availability allows.
If you arrive within 20 minutes of your lesson start time and need rentals, you may not be permitted to join the class.
We do not allow cancellations or rescheduling due to traffic, driving conditions, or weather. Please read our cancellation policy below.
Chains or traction tires may be required at any point. Please visit tripcheck.com for updates on weather and driving tips.
Mt. Hood Express offers shuttle service from Sandy. More information can be found here.
Timberline runs a shuttle from the Summit Ski Area to Timberline Lodge throughout the season. This shuttle runs on a loop.
Reservations are suggested at least 72 hours in advance in order to guarantee the availability of an instructor. We will accept walk-up lessons subject to availability. You may reserve group lessons on the website or over the phone at (503) 272-3341. Private lessons may be booked over the phone. You may fill out a Private Lesson Request Form but it IS NOT considered a reservation. If the lesson you would like becomes available, we will call you to finalize the reservation.
Cancellations or changes must be made 48 hours or more before the lesson start time. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the lesson will not be eligible for refund, and changes to the reservation may not be made. Weather-related cancellations are not permitted within 48 hours of the lesson start time without the purchase of Lesson Protection.
If Lesson Protection has been purchased, cancellations or changes may be made for any reason, within the 48 hours before the schedued lesson start time. Cancellations, changes, or no-shows after the lesson start time do not fall within the parameters for Lesson Protection, and are subject to full forfeiture of all payments made for Lesson Services.
“Lesson Protection” as defined:
- Must be added to each lesson product or separate lesson item.
- Enables refunds or schedule changes within 48 hours of the scheduled start time.
- Cancellations, changes, or no-shows on or after the scheduled lesson start time will not be covered under Lesson Protection, and are therefore subject to full forfeiture of all payments made for Lesson Services.
- Must be purchased at time of the original transaction.
“Lesson Services” are defined as any lesson offering by any outlet operating under Timberline Ski & Ride School. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Timberline Kids Club
- Group lessons
- Private Lessons
- Summit Ski Area
- Multi-week/Multi-session Programs
- Adaptive Products
Weather-related cancellations are not permitted within 48 hours of the lesson start time without the purchase of Lesson Protection. Weather includes, but is not limited to:
- Rain
- Snow/blizzard conditions
- Wind
- Sleet
- Icy conditions
If any of the aforementioned conditions lead to a resort closure, refunds will be provided, whether or not Lesson Protection was purchased.
