Lesson FAQ

What time should I arrive at the ski area for my lesson?

We suggest arriving about one hour before the lesson time, especially if you will be renting equipment. Be at the lesson meeting place 5 to 10 minutes prior to the lesson start time. If you are looking for a specific time then I would suggest that you arrive at the area no later than 8:00 a.m. on weekends and even a little earlier over any holiday periods. On weekends Lifts start turning at 8:15 and the typical weekend and holiday crowds start to arrive in bulk by 8:30.
Midweek the lifts start to turn at 9:00 a.m. So midweek we suggest you arrive between 8:45 and 9:15 a.m.

Where should I go first?

As you approach from the parking lots, the Ski Butternut Rental Building will be on your right. It is a large Gray building with three glass doors that mark the main entrance. Many people who take lessons also need equipment. If you need equipment skis or a snowboard you can purchase your group lesson, lift ticket and your rental equipment all at the same time. If you already have equipment you can purchase your lesson (group or private) at the Ski School desk in the Lower Lodge. The Lower Lodge is located on the left side of the main parking lot. The Ski Shop and a cafeteria are also located in this building, along with lockers and bathrooms. Go to the Ski School desk to get your lesson vouchers and a lift ticket for the day. Our friendly and attentive staff will set you up for a fun filled day. If you need to rent equipment or you are checking a child into SKIwee or miniRIDERS, you can accomplish all that in the Rental Building. You can even purchase all the lift tickets for other members of the family in this one location. In this manner you can all stay together to start your day.

Do I need to make a RESERVATION?

Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged for any private lessons. For first timers you don't need a reservations we offer a $70 1st-Timers Learn to Ski or Learn to Snowboard package every day.
We strongly suggest that you make a reservation for any children that will be in our child care facility or for those children who will be taking part in our SKIwee, Adventurers or miniRIDERS programs.
Private Lesson reservations can be made by calling 413-528-2000 x150.
Child Care reservations can be made by calling 413-528-2000 x150.

What should I wear?

That will depend on the day's weather. Dress in layers, you can always remove extra clothing if you are too warm. New synthetic base layers will keep you warm and dry. Top with a turtle neck, polar fleece sweater, parka, ski or snowboard pants, hat, goggles or sunglasses, mittens or gloves, a pair of ski socks and sunscreen! Helmets are available for rent in the rental building for $10. Please note that mittens are warmer than gloves and either should be waterproof. A trick the pro's use to keep their feet warm is to change into a second, dry pair of ski socks at lunch.

What should I bring?

Extra clothing, a purses, backpacks, street shoes can all be stored in the coin-operated lockers you can find in the Lower Lodge, Rentals & Upper Lodge. Cafeteria style food is available in both our Upper and Lower lodge although the selection of food is more robust in the Upper Lodge at Ski Butternut. If you forget an item, the Ski Shop carries ski socks, sunglasses, goggles, hats & gloves, sunscreen, lip balm and many other accessories.

Where do lessons meet?

Group and Private Lessons meet at the base of Paddy's beginner hill. You'll see instructors lining up in Gray and Orange Jackets just behind the Main Office.
1st Timer Learn to Ski lessons meet just off the back deck of the Rental building exit.
1st Timer Leanr to Snowboard lessons meet at the Snowboard Tree - A large White Pine that is close to the instructors line up just behind the Main Office.
All these meeting places are close to the rental exit and the Paddy's chairlift. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to your lesson start time.
Most Youth and Adult multi-week lesson programs meet nearby.
Race teams meet at the bottom of the Main Street Race Hill.
Please give your lesson ticket to your instructor at the start of the lesson.

Were do I pick up my child, spouse or friend after the lesson?

Right back where the lesson started!

Where do I leave my equipment overnight?

If you have rented your equipment from us, and you are staying more than one day, we suggest that you tell the rental cashier that you are renting for multiple days. Then at the end of the day simply load your skis into the back of your vehicle. Be sure to take the boots into your hotel room or cabin so they are warm the next morning. This saves you waiting to get rental equipment again the next day.