Free Beginner experience
If you’ve landed on this page, you must be new around here. Welcome! We know it can be intimidating to try something new, and we’d love to help you get started. Click here to reserve your free first-timer experience and get ready to take on the mountain!
| Cost | Free |
| Dates (winter 2024/2025) | December 6th – April 6th |
| Ages | 13+ |
| Skill Level | Never-ever skied/boarded before |
| Where to Meet | The Columbine Beginner Learning Zone Located at the bottom of chair 7, just off Highway 550. Look for the Ski School signs. |
| Start time | 9:15am for morning lessons & 12:45pm for afternoon lessons If renting equipment, please allow one extra hour to get fitted and arrive at your lesson on time. |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Tickets & Passes | Valid Lift Access is required during the lesson. Lift tickets are not included in the lesson price. Purchase lift tickets here. |
| Equipment | Rentals are not included with the reservation Helmets are required for guests ages 12 & under. |
What to Bring
Skis or Snowboard
Fully Functional & properly fitting gear is necessary. Reserve rental equipment here.
Helmets
Required for ages 12 & under, and highly recommended for all.
Appropriate Clothing/Gear
May include- warm layers, snow jacket, snow pants, neck gaiter, non-fleece mittens/gloves, goggles, and hand warmers. Applying sunscreen and lip balm is highly recommended.
Sunblock & Lip Balm
It helps to apply these on kids prior to drop-off.
The fine print
Winter 2024/2025 policies
Meeting/Arrival:
- Meet at the Columbine Beginner’s Area – located at the bottom of chair 7, just off highway 550.
- Allow adequate time to get to the resort ahead of your scheduled lesson time, especially on snowy days.
- Please prepare to arrive at the beginner area 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time.
- We recommend leaving Durango 1-1.5 hours ahead of the lesson time on days where road conditions are not clear.
- Check the Snow Report for updated road conditions before heading to the resort to plan accordingly by visiting www.purgatory.ski.
If you are unable to make it, please email [email protected] with the following information (and/or forward your confirmation email) :
- Name(s) of Participant(s)
- Birthdate(s) of Participant(s)
- Phone Number
- Date(s) of Lesson(s)
- Lesson Type Purchased (such as; AM or PM session, Ski or Snowboard, Adult, Youth, or Child lesson)
- Request of Cancellation or Reschedule (please make note of the desired reschedule time/date)
- Reason for Cancellation or Reschedule
We cannot guarantee our Ski School Team will have the availability to reschedule your experience.
Gratuities for instructors are not required, but are an appropriate and appreciated gesture.
