Lessons

Learn to Ski and Ride at Showdown!

Certified instructors at Showdown know every inch of this mountain; powder, trees, bumps and groomers alike. Lessons are offered all season long for skiers and riders at every ability level, from first-timers to seasoned locals looking to sharpen up. Let the professionals show you the ropes, go with a pro!

First timers
Daily Lessons
Multi-week Programs
What To Expect

Find the right lesson for you.

For First Timers

Take 3 Sundays Free

  • Start here: 3 days of lessons + rentals + Beginner lift tickets

  • Then keep going: free Sunday Season Pass for the rest of the season

  • And keep gearing up: free rentals every Sunday too

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Beginner learn to ski package

  • Perfect for the first day!

  • Daily 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

  • Includes: 2 Hour Beginner Lesson + Beginner Lift Ticket + Rentals

  • Skiers ages 7+

  • Snowboarders ages 11+

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Snow Monsters & Little Shredders

  • Daily 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

  • Includes: rental skis, boots, & poles + Beginner Lift ticket + 1.5 Hour Lesson

  • Skiers ages 4-6

  • Snowboarders ages 7-10

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What to expect for your first day!

Daily Lessons

Private Lessons

  • Personalized instruction focused on your specific goals — solo or as a private group with friends or family

  • 1 hour (9:30 only) or 2 hours (10:30am or 1:30pm), with additional time available

  • Lift ticket and rentals not included

  • Call 406-236-5522 to reserve — same-day availability isn't guaranteed

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Group Lessons

Group Lessons — Skiers 7+, Snowboarders 11+

  • Sessions start at 10:30am & 1:30pm

  • 1st Timer Package — 2-hour beginner lesson + beginner lift ticket + rentals ($55 skier / $55 snowboarder)

  • 2-Hour Lesson (any ability level) — $50 skier / $50 snowboarder

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Specialty Discipline Lessons

  • Tele Lessons available upon request

  • Snow bike lessons, rentals, and licensing sessions available daily.

  • Snowshoe rentals available daily, guides available upon request

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Multi-week programs

Youth Ski League & Showdown Shredders

  • Skiers ages 5–15, Snowboarders age 7-15, all ability levels

  • 8 consecutive Saturdays starting January 9

  • 4 Hours of instruction per day with 1 hour Lunch Break

  • Pro Tip! 8 weeks of rental equipment available; must be picked up and dropped off at the rental shop each Saturday

  • Payment plans available

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Kids Holiday Camp

  • Skiers ages 5–13 & snowboarders ages 8–13, all ability levels

  • 3 consecutive days of intensive lessons to kick off the season, improving downhill skills and lift-riding ability; Dec. 29, 30 & 31

  • 4 Hours of instruction per day with 1 hour lunch break

  • Pro Tip! Rental equipment available; must be picked up and dropped off at the rental shop each day

  • Payment plans available

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Team Extreme

  • For advanced Skiers ages 7–15

  • 8 consecutive Saturdays starting Jan. 9

  • 4 Hours of instruction per day with 1 hour lunch break

  • Pro Tip! 8 weeks of rental equipment available; must be picked up and dropped off at the rental shop each Saturday

  • Payment plans available

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What To Expect and FAQ’s

Getting Started

  • Our Snow Monster Ski Lessons and Little Shredder Snowboard Lessons are designed for kids ages 4-6 and 7-10 respectively. This program is geared towards getting children familiar with their equipment, learn basic muscle movements, and most importantly how to be safe and have fun in the snow!

    Younger children can take Private Lessons on request.

  • Lift tickets are not included in the price of Group, Private, Snow Monster, or Little Shredders Lessons.

    Our Take 3 Sundays Free Program and our Beginner Package includes Tickets that access the Magic Carpet and the Hoxter Express.

  • Youth Ski League and Team Extreme both run for 8 consecutive Saturday, beginning after the New Year Holiday.

    Team Extreme is for Advanced Skiers Only.

    The Kids Holiday Camp is a consecutive 3 day program over the Christmas Holiday to get your kids jumpstarted and ready for the season.

Logistics and Day of

  • Guests taking lessons will meet their instructors at the base of the Learning Conveyor Lift in the base area. Private lessons will meet at the Shed-Quarters Guest Services Building in the base area.

  • Guests planning on taking a lesson should arrive an hour before their lesson time to allow enough time to get checked in, get rental equipment, and make their way to the learning area

  • For guests needing Rental Equipment

    Check in is at the Rental Shop

    For guests not needing Rental Equipment

    Check in is at the Shed-Quarters Guest Services Building

  • Showdown offers a full service lodge, which has a wide range of food offerings, a saloon, restrooms, seating, and Wifi.

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Gear and Rentals

  • Guests taking a lesson should plan to be in the outdoors for 2 hours during their lesson. We recommend that guests have:

    • A good warm coat

    • Snow pants, insulated/ wool pants, or coveralls

    • A warm hat that covers your ears

    • Waterproof mittens or gloves

    • Warm, tall socks – and a spare pair to wear home after you're done for the day

    • Scarf or neck gaiter

    • Long-johns, tights, sweats, or sweaters

    • Sunglasses or goggles

    • Pro Tip: Helmets can be rented at the rental shop for the day!

  • Rentable gear at the mountain includes:

    • Skis and Snowboards

    • Ski Boots

    • Snowboard Boots

    • Helmets

    • Ski Poles

    • Snow Shoes

    • Ski Bikes

  • Rental Gear can be picked up at the Rental Shop, located in the base area, across the deck from the Main Lodge.

    It is best to arrive an hour before your lesson to provide enough time for equipment pickup, lesson sign up, and dressing out.

Progress and Expectations

  • Want to hit the slopes together? Parents are always welcome to join their child's lesson! That said, we typically recommend splitting up during instruction time. Kids tend to progress faster, focus better, and gain more confidence when they're learning alongside peers their own age rather than with mom or dad watching — plus it gives your little one a chance to be a ski star on their own terms. Feel free to meet back up for lunch or a few runs together once the lesson wraps up!

  • It depends on the skier or rider! Our instructors focus on building solid fundamentals first — balance, control, and stopping — before introducing the chairlift. Many kids are ready to ride by the end of their first day, while others may need a bit more practice on beginner terrain before making that jump.

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Policies and payment

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Safety

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Meet the team!

Luke Jaraczeski

Noah Wentworth