SKI & RIDE SCHOOL FAQ’S

Lesson Start Times

Please be outside in our Teaching Area at the base of Easy Rider by the Magic Carpet, dressed and ready to go, 10 minutes before the start of your lesson. Look for your coach in the Ski School jackets next to the Big Blue Signs. 

Group Lessons:

Private lessons:

Private lessons can be booked with start times every hour from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Private lessons are also available during night skiing hours by customer request. Coaches will meet their students at the lesson area 10 minutes before the start of the lesson by the “Private Lesson” sign.

There is a 25% fee for private lessons cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice.

When to Arrive

The main lodge opens around 8:15am. Arriving at least 90 minutes prior to the start of your lesson gives you time to find parking, check-in, fit rental gear, and find your bearings for the day without feeling rushed. Weekends and holidays are always busier in general at the mountain so please plan accordingly. 

Always check road conditions, weather forecasts, and mountain conditions before leaving home and ensure you have proper equipment for driving in adverse winter conditions (snow chains/traction tires, shovel, blankets, food/water, etc.). Snow chains and/or traction tires are required for travel on Santiam Pass from November 1 to April 1. Conditions may change quickly and without warning so always be prepared for extended delays or road closures during winter months.

Where to Go

Existing reservations will check in at the Lesson Reservation Center (LRC) upstairs in the main lodge, under the candy mountain mural. Walk-in reservations or reservations with same-day changes will come to the Ski & Ride School (SRS) Office, also located upstairs in the main lodge. Family members of those enrolled in lessons can purchase lift tickets and rentals at the SRS Office or LRC. 

Once you have checked in and retrieved your rentals, meet your coach outside in the Teaching Area at the base of Easy Rider by the Magic Carpet. Look for your coach in the Ski School jacket next to the Big Blue Signs. Aim to be outside 10 minutes before the start of your lesson.

What Lift Ticket Do I Need?

Should I take a Group or Private Lesson?

Lessons are a great idea for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Group lessons provide a structured, social learning experience aimed at the whole group while private lessons offer a fully customizable experience with a dedicated instructor focused on just you and your goals.

What Do I Wear?

Waterproof clothing appropriate for cold weather will help ensure that you will enjoy your experience at the mountain. Keep your body warm by dressing in layers until wind/waterproof outer layers. Dry is just as important as warm. Avoid materials like cotton or denim that absorb and hold water easily.

Base Layer: AVOID COTTON! Synthetic, wicking fabrics are most effective for maintaining body heat and drawing moisture away from the body.

Insulating Layer: AVOID COTTON! Fleece works great! Wool is also good. Down and synthetic down insulating layers also work quite well. 

Outer Layer: Waterproof coats and pants are highly recommended! Keeping the wind and water off will keep you more comfortable throughout the changing conditions of the day. Blue Jeans are THE WORST! Remember: Dry is just as important as warm.

Socks: One pair of thin, tall socks is all you need. Thick or doubled up socks create wrinkles and creases inside the boot which leads to pain, decreased circulation, blisters etc.

Hats/Helmets: Hats and helmets keep you warm, conserve energy, and keep you safe. Helmets are available to rent or purchase. SRS strongly encourages everyone to wear a helmet while riding.

Face: Protect your cheeks, nose, and chin from frost bite and wind burn with a neck gaiter, scarf, face mask, or balaclava.

Gloves: Waterproof gloves or mittens are essential for keeping your hands warm and dry. Mittens are generally warmer and easier to put on small hands. 

Eyewear: Eye protection is crucial when skiing and required for all riders under age 18. Goggles are best in all conditions as they provide protection from wind, sun, and snow in all directions behind shatter-proof lenses. Sunglasses are an acceptable alternative on mild or sunny days. Both goggles and sunglasses are available for purchase.

Sunscreen: Always wear sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 15+) when outdoors, even if it’s cloudy.

Where Do I Keep My Stuff

Tables in the lodge are not reservable and items left unattended in the lodge will be taken to Lost & Found. Day-use and season-long locker rentals are available through the Main Ticketing Office. Please be cautious of any items left on snow as they may get stolen. Hoodoo is not responsible for unattended items.

Most Lost-and-Found items are kept in the Rental department. Phones, keys etc. that have been turned in are held for safe-keeping in the Main Ticket Office.

Ski Bike/Trike

All Ski Bike & Trike riders are required to have a Hoodoo Bike & Trike License on their person while operating a bike or trike anywhere on the mountain. Licenses can be obtained through a 45 minute lesson available at 9:00 am & 12:00 pm every day. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended. Snowboard boots are available to rent if needed. 

Minimum age to participate in Ski Bike/Trike lessons is 13 years old. In addition to age, participants must be able to lift, carry, and hold the Ski Bike/Trike for the duration of the chairlift ride. Riders may rent a Ski Bike/Trike from Hoodoo or bring their own. If a guest-owned Ski Bike/Trike is deemed unsuitable or unsafe by the instructor, the guest may need to rent from Hoodoo.

An All-Mountain lift ticket is required for all Ski Bike/Trike lessons.