Responsibility Code & Safety
Hoodoo Ski & Ride School teaches and reinforces the NSAA Responsibility Code in all lessons. Hoodoo SRS, its instructors, and Hoodoo Ski Area are not responsible for the behavior of students outside the instructor’s control, nor for the actions of any other guests on the mountain.
Safety is non-negotiable. All students must follow instructor directions and act in a manner that keeps themselves and others safe. Lessons may be paused or terminated at any time, without refund, if unsafe behavior or equipment concerns pose a risk to the student, instructor, or other guests.
By participating in lessons, all students agree to ski or ride in a safe and appropriate manner at all times.
NSAA Responsibility Code:
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask a lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with the other person and a ski area employee.
Winter sports involve the risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions, and actions contribute to your safety and the safety of others. If you need help understanding the Responsibility Code, please ask any ski area employee.
Cancellations, Rescheduling & Late Arrivals
We offer a 7 day (168 hour) cancellation policy with a full refund for all lessons. If cancelled less than 7 days in advance, we will gladly reschedule your lesson for another time. To cancel a lesson please contact the SRS Office at lessons@hoodoo.com with your Booking Code, First & Last name on the reservation, and reservation date & time.
Private lessons may be rescheduled up to 24 hours in advance at no charge. Private lessons canceled or rescheduled inside the 24-hour window may be subject to a 25% restocking fee. Group lessons may be rescheduled at any time, but placement is not guaranteed. If you are late to your lesson, we cannot guarantee placement at your scheduled time. We will offer you a raincheck for another time, but it may not be the same day.
There will be no refunds due to inclement weather or otherwise.
Lesson Satisfaction Guarantee
Hoodoo Ski & Ride School is committed to providing a positive lesson experience. Our highest priorities in every lesson are safety, joy, and skill development—in that order. If you are not satisfied with your lesson, please notify the Ski & Ride School Office on the same day. We will offer a complimentary replacement lesson of the same type on a future date.
Registration & Booking Lessons
Lessons can be booked online or in person, with online booking strongly encouraged. Online registration cutoff is 48 hours prior to the lesson start time. To join a lesson within the 48-hour window, please email your request to lessons@hoodoo.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Walk-in registration is available though placement in day-of lessons is not guaranteed. Walk-in registration closes approximately 15 minutes before the start of the lesson to allow our staff and participants time to reach the teaching area.
All lessons require a valid lift ticket or season pass. Be sure your reservation includes a lift ticket if you don’t already have one.
Waivers
A completed waiver is required for all lesson participants. You will be prompted to complete all required forms during the booking process. All forms must be completed in advance. An incomplete waiver will delay or prevent the start of your lesson.
Equipment
If you are using personal gear for lessons, SRS Staff will inspect your gear for safety prior to the start of the lesson. Use of personal equipment is not guaranteed. If gear is deemed unsafe or unsuitable, rental gear may be required at an additional charge.
Eye protection is required for all participants under age 18 and strongly recommended for adults. Goggles and sunglasses are available for purchase in the Powder Shoppe.
Helmets are strongly recommended for everyone on the ski hill. Helmet rentals are available to add-on to your lesson at a discounted rate. Helmets are also available for purchase in the Powder Shoppe.
Hoodoo Ski & Ride School does not rent clothing. Jackets, snowpants, gloves, goggles, and other essentials can be purchased in the Powder Shoppe.
Check-In Procedure
The Ski & Ride School Office and Lesson Reservation Center (LRC) opens at approximately 8:15am and is located upstairs in the main lodge. If you pre-booked your lesson online, please go directly to the Lesson Reservation Center under the Candy Mountain mural to check in. If you included rental equipment in your reservation, your pre-teched gear will be waiting for you to pick up at the LRC when you arrive. Ski & Ride School staff will be available to assist with boot fitting and confirm that your equipment fits properly.
Guests who need to purchase same-day rentals should do so online and then pick up their equipment at Rentals on the ground floor. Guests who need to purchase same-day lift tickets should make the purchase online and either reload an existing RFID pass or print a new one for $5. We strongly encourage booking your lessons, rentals, and lift tickets online prior to your visit. Same-day purchases may add time to your arrival and make you late for your lesson.
After you’ve checked in and picked up your equipment, please arrive at the designated lesson area at the base of Easy Rider (near the Magic Carpet Tube) approximately 10 minutes before the start of your lesson to meet your instructor.
For assistance or questions about booking a lesson, please visit us in the Ski & Ride School Office next to the arcade upstairs in the main lodge. We will do our best to accommodate changes or requests based on lesson and/or instructor availability on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure a smooth check-in experience, please plan to arrive at least 60–90 minutes early. Weekends, holidays, and peak days may require additional time due to parking and winter driving. Be sure to check road conditions regularly as winter weather can change quickly. If you do not feel safe driving to Hoodoo, we will happily reschedule any lessons with proper notice.
Mountain Cubs
Mountain Cubs is a full-day lesson program for children ages 5–7. Children under age 5 must book a private lesson. Children over age 7 may join Junior Group lessons or book a private lesson. All Mountain Cubs participants must start the day with their group. Mid-day drop-offs cannot be accommodated as all participants must complete the morning safety and skills orientation together. Parents/Guardians may pick up their child early if needed but no partial refunds or credits will be issued for missed portions of the day.
Check-in begins at 9:30am in the Cub Room (next to the Lesson Reservation Center under the Candy Mountain mural). Parents/guardians will confirm contact information, submit their lunch order, and receive a Pickup Slip, which is required for end-of-day pickup. Lunch is included and consists of a main item, a side, and water. Parents may join their child in the Cub Room at lunchtime or pick their child up during the lunch hour if preferred. End-of-Day Pickup is on-snow in the lesson area at 2:45pm or in the Mtn Cub Room at 3:00pm.
Program capacity is limited to four students per group. When a program is full, families may join the waitlist. If a space becomes available, families will be contacted in list order. The first to confirm will receive the spot.
Mountain Cubs may ride chairlifts alone, with another Mountain Cub, or with a member of the public. Coaches monitor and prepare each child to load, ride, and unload the chairlift safely and confidently.
MOUNTAIN CUBS IS NOT DAYCARE! Parents/Guardians must remain on Hoodoo property and be reachable at all times while their children are in the program.
Eye protection is required for all Mountain Cubs. Helmets are strongly recommended.
Ski Bike & Sno-Go/Trike
To Ski Bike/Trike at Hoodoo, participants must be a minimum of 13 years old and be able to lift, carry, and securely hold the Ski Bike/Trike for the duration of the chairlift ride (approx. 50lbs). An All-Mountain lift ticket is also required as lessons will utilize Easy Rider and Manzanita chair lifts.
All Ski Bike & Trike riders must have a Hoodoo Ski Bike/Trike License on their person to use the terrain at Hoodoo Ski Area. Licenses are issued after successfully completing a lesson with the Ski & Ride School. Lessons focus on control and safety, including stopping, maneuvering the equipment, loading/riding/unloading the chairlift. Instructors will evaluate each participant and determine their eligibility for licensure on a case-by-case basis. If a student requires additional instruction, they may take an additional lesson or practice with instructor permission until they are deemed eligible for licensure by the instructor. A Hoodoo Ski Bike or Trike license is valid for life. If a rider does not have their license on their person, a replacement can be printed for $50.
Both guest-owned and Hoodoo rental Ski Bikes and Trikes are permitted. All equipment will be inspected for safety and suitability prior to the start of the lesson. Participants may be required to rent Hoodoo equipment if personal equipment is deemed unsafe or unsuitable.
Nordic
The Nordic Trail Pass, Nordic Season Pass, All-Mountain Day Pass, and All-Mountain Season Pass include access to both the upper and lower Nordic trail systems at Hoodoo. Each of these pass types includes one ride on the Manzanita chairlift to access the upper Nordic trails.
Nordic trails are groomed Thursday through Sunday, conditions permitting. Nordic lessons are available in both classic and skate disciplines on groomed days. Classic and skate rental packages are available through the Rental Department.
Support
For assistance with new or existing reservations, please contact the Ski & Ride School Lesson Reservation Team at lessons@hoodoo.com.