TIMBERLINE LESSON FAQ
When are lessons offered?
Private lessons are offered 7 days/week.
Group and Kids Club are offered weekends and holidays ONLY, December 17th through April 9th, weather permitting.
Where do we meet for adult group or private lessons?
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.
Where do we meet for Kids Club?
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.
What is the security protocol for Kids Club?
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.
What equipment is included in the rental package?
The alpine skiing rental package includes skis, poles and boots. The snowboard rental package includes a snowboard with bindings and snowboard boots. Helmets may be added for $10. Helmets are included in kids club free of charge.
Do I need a helmet?
Timberline Lodge encourages the use of helmets. Please use your best judgment. Helmets can be rented or purchased at Timberline.
What else should I bring?
- 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***
What type of lift ticket is included?
- 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: $50/adult $45/teen $35/child. Children 6 and under ski free!
- Group lessons include a full mountain, full day lift ticket.
- Lift tickets can be added to the Mountain Masters Multi-Week Program for $50/day. We suggest buying a season pass for your child if you plan on them attending this program.
Is there a lunch break?
Full Day Private Family Lessons include at least a 1/2-hour break for lunch. You may choose to take a break during other lessons, but it will take away from your time on the snow.
Kids Club Full Day Lessons include a one-hour lunch break. Lunch may be added to half-day Kids Club classes for a fee.
What is the typical class size?
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.
How do I determine my level?
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.
What if I want more personal attention?
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.
Can I request a specific instructor?
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.
Will I get the same instructor if I take multiple private lessons?
Not necessarily, but you may request the same instructor, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
When do I need to arrive?
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
Will I need a parking pass?
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.
What if I am late for my lesson?
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.
Can my vehicle make it up to Timberline?
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.
Do I need a reservation?
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. Privates may be booked over the phone. You may fill out a Private Lesson Request Form on our website, but it IS NOT considered a reservation. If the lesson you would like becomes available, we will call you to finalize the reservation.
What is the cancellation policy?
Reservations are charged in full on the day the reservation is made. Cancellations will be assessed a $50.00 non-refundable cancellation fee within 72 hours of your lesson start time, and changes to your reservation may not be able to be made after this point. We do not accept cancellations due to weather. We do ask you to be prepared for winter weather and driving conditions. Cancellations or no-shows the day of the reservations will forfeit 100% of the reservation product cost.
