After School Programs

What Is A Skill Assessment?

Before each season, all skiers and snowboarders ages 7 - 18 are required to complete a Skill Assessment. Instructors will evaluate your skills and issue a colored sticker corresponding to your ability level. This sticker must be clearly displayed on your pass, which should be worn in an armband. This ensures you can access lifts and slope areas that match your skill level.

What Are The Skill Levels?

Levels can take multiple lessons to complete. Students are encouraged to take additional lessons to improve skills and gain additional lift and slope access. Skiers and snowboarders must demonstrate controlled turns and stops before using any of the lifts. Levels are as follows:

Pink (Beginners, Pre-Chairlift)

• Students at this level improve their skills in the Mountain Adventure Zone Learning Area.
• First-timers begin with boot work and learn basic skills working toward turning and stopping.
• Students who demonstrate controlled linked turns and stops will be prepared for riding the chairlift.
• Some students may require several lessons in the Mountain Adventure Zone Learning Area before advancing to the chairlift.
• Pink stickers are given out after the first lesson in the Mountain Adventure Zone Learning Area. Pink stickers may be updated with specific tasks as students work toward turns, stops, and preparing for the chairlift.

Green (Advanced Beginner)

• Students at this level are working on controlled stops and linked turns on Green (easiest) terrain.
• Green stickers are given out after students demonstrate appropriate turns and stops on Green terrain and ride the chairlift safely.
• Green stickers allow access to the Loki Quad and Crystal Clipper chairlifts.
• Students may ski or ride Green runs.
• Students will successfully demonstrate beginning parallel turns before moving to Blue.
• This sticker does NOT allow Terrain Park access!

Blue (Intermediate)

• Students at this level are working on controlled stops and turns on Blue (medium/ more difficult) terrain.
• Skiers will be working on beginning parallel turns. Snowboarders will be working on more dynamic skidded or carved turns.
• Blue stickers are given out after students demonstrate appropriate turns and stops on blue runs (medium pitch).
• Students are allowed to use all lifts and they have access to green and blue runs.
• Skiers will demonstrate linked parallel turns before moving on to Black.
• This sticker does NOT allow Terrain Park access!
• These skiers or riders are usually participants who have been involved with the program in the past and must test into this level if they are returning for the season.

White & Black (Advanced)

• Students at this level are working on controlled stops and linked turns on Black Diamond (most difficult) and other terrain.
• Skiers at this level demonstrate controlled, linked, open parallel turns and stops. Snowboarders will demonstrate dynamic skidded or carved turns.
• White & Black stickers will be given out after students demonstrate appropriate turns, stops on advanced terrain (steeper pitch).
• Students are allowed on all lifts, and permitted to explore more advanced terrain.
• This sticker does NOT allow Terrain Park access!
• These skiers or riders are usually participants who have been involved with the program in the past and must test into this level if they are returning for the season.

Orange (Terrain Park Safety)

Students who have demonstrated skiing or snowboarding proficiency in advanced terrain will be led by a Freestyle Certified instructor through Terrain Park Safety, Park S.M.A.R.T. guidelines, and appropriate basic Freestyle skills. The sticker is earned when participants demonstrate basic Freestyle skills and that they can make safe choices in Terrain Park and Freestyle settings. Students are NEVER required to perform tricks on terrain park features during a lesson.

• Subject to availability, specialized staff required!
• While “Freestyle” elements of skiing and snowboarding may have been introduced in previous lessons, this lesson is specifically a SAFETY lesson for terrain park usage.
• Students at this level will learn the basics of Crystal’s Terrain Parks, including the Park S.M.A.R.T. Guidelines for making safe choices in terrain parks. Students will learn how to identify and understand terrain park features, and use them appropriately.

Where Is Lesson Check-In?

Participants will need to meet at the Mountain Adventure Zone Learning Area after checking in with our Snowsports team at the check-in window of the Mountain Adventure Zone.

We ask that students are at the Learning Area no later than 10 minutes prior to the start of their lesson. Participants must have their gear and equipment on, and are ready to ski or snowboard.

Where Is Lesson Drop-Off & Pick-Up?

All lessons are 45 minutes and will begin and end at the Mountain Adventure Zone Learning Area. The parent, advisor, and chaperone team is responsible for a clear drop-off/pick-up plan. This plan should confirm who will drop off and pick up each student and establish a safe meeting place for students to go if they need help from a parent, advisor, or chaperone.

What Time Are Lessons?

Lessons are offered on your scheduled day at 4:30pm, 5:30pm or 6:30pm.

Are Helmets Required For Lessons?

Yes, a helmet is required for all lessons. Students will be sent back to the rental area to rent a helmet for $5 if they do not have one.

What If We Have A Snow Day?

If your school is cancelled due to weather, please visit our online snow report to ensure lessons are available. This will be updated by Noon the day of your program.

View Online Snow Report