Afternoon Mountain Sessions

NEW! A flexible afternoon option for families who prefer a later start.

Afternoon Mountain Sessions is Sky Tavern’s new mid‑day option for families who want a relaxed, flexible way to enjoy the mountain. With a later start, casual learning opportunities, fewer crowds, and an affordable price, it’s a welcoming way to ski and ride together at their own pace.

Program Schedule

  • 11:30 AM Parking opens to Afternoon Mountain Session members

  • 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Afternoon Mountain Session passes are active

  • 1:00 – 2:30 PM Guided learning opportunities available

Pricing

  • Child (ages 4+) $299

  • Adult $259

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GUIDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Beginner Zone Stations

A supportive space designed for families with brand-new skiers and riders. Our learning zone features stations set up to guide participants through each step of a beginner lesson, from “never ever” to making their first turns on the carpet. Families learn together through simple tips, guidance, and a welcoming pace.

Intro to Chairlift Terrain

For participants ready to move beyond the carpets, this session introduces the skills and confidence needed to explore chairlift terrain. Families learn how to navigate the easiest routes down and build comfort on new slopes

Chairlift Ride GrouP Rides

Skiers and snowboarders ride together and choose terrain that matches their comfort level. Groups explore the mountain at a relaxed pace, with instructors offering guidance, tips, tactics, and encouragement.

Ride Groups:

  • Green: Comfortable on green terrain, working on rounder turns for speed control (Ski/SB) and smaller wedges (Ski)

  • Blue: Comfortable on blue terrain, working on smoother turns on blue terrain (Ski/SB) and more parallel (Ski)

  • Black: Comfortable on black terrain, working on dynamic skiing and riding and exploring off the groomers

Adult RequireMEnts

The Afternoon Mountain Session is designed as a shared family experience. Volunteering on snow to support guided learning opportunities is required.

  • Parent/Guardian Participation: At least one parent or guardian must assist with afternoon learning opportunities on snow.

  • Additional Support: A second parent or guardian is strongly encouraged to help support on-snow learning opportunities. Off-snow volunteer positions may be available for those with a valid reason they cannot assist on snow.

  • Training Provided: We can teach you how to teach and guide! Training sessions are included and offered both online and on snow before the season begins.

  • Volunteer Roles: Parents and guardians should plan to support guided learning opportunities by leading a group or assisting a lead instructor. Support instructors help manage group flow and management, assist with breaks, and encourage participants throughout the session.

AFternoon Mountain Sessions FAQs

Learn to Ski and Ride Orientation Video. Watch to learn more!

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  • Parking is available for Afternoon Mountain Session members starting at 11:30 AM. Plan to boot up in the parking lot. Lift access for this membership starts at noon. Plan to check-in at 12:45 PM for your afternoon guided learning opportunity scheduled 1 PM to 2:30 PM.

    • Don't be late!

    • We are all volunteers! We can teach you to teach or support lessons in other ways. No one remains on the sidelines.

    • No sledding. No snowballs.

    • Your car is your lodge. Equipment stays out of the lodge except when using the tune room.

    • No alcohol during program hours. 

    • Smoking is allowed in the lower parking lot only and not next to the fuel tanks.  

    • Upper parking lot is first come first serve.

    • No drop-offs. All kids require a parent or guardian on the mountain the entire time the child is here.

    • Freeskiing before and after the Guided Learning Opportunities, 12 - 12:45 PM, 2:30 - 4 PM.

    • Guided Learning Opportunities (1-2:30 PM) to help skiers and riders progress and explore the mountain.

    • This membership is valid on Saturday and Sundays during program weekends, 8 weekends.

    • Volunteering is required!

  • First and foremost, HELMETS are required for all members on the mountain. There are no exceptions.

    Essential gear for skiers includes skis, ski boots, and poles. Pole use is delayed for beginner and young skiers (ages 4-7). Snowboarders require snowboard boots and a snowboard. Sky Tavern’s seasonal equipment rental program is a great resource for affordable gear rental.

    Waterproof clothing and dressing in layers are key to staying warm and comfortable all day. A long base layer, ski pants, long-sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, waterproof jacket, and glove liners are suggested. Proper ski socks are warm and comfortable and make it easier getting feet in and out of boots.

    Sky Tavern has a tune room in the lodge where we adjust, fix, test, rent, and wax gear.

  • This program typically begins in mid-January, operating on Saturdays and Sundays for eight weeks. This membership is valid from 12 to 4 PM. Check the Sky Tavern emails, website, and social media for operational updates.

  • NO! There are no drop-offs. All parents or guardians must volunteer.

  • One parent or guardian must assist with afternoon programming on snow to lead a learning opportunity or support a lead instructor. A second parent or guardian is strongly encouraged to help support on-snow learning opportunities. Off-snow volunteer positions may be available for those with a valid reason they cannot assist on snow.

    Flexible training is available online and on snow. We can teach you to teach and guide!

  • We can teach you to support the Guided Learning Opportunities in the flat zone and carpets. Sign-up early to access pre-season training and learning!

  • EVERYONE is required to be a member and wear a badge. If you bring a visitor, please see the front desk for a visitor pass. If you forget your badge, the front desk can issue a temporary badge. Everyone on the hill MUST be registered and display a badge. If you are concerned that someone may not be registered, ask them or ask an Ambassador to help. Safety first!

  • All program dates are assumed GO unless a NO GO decision is made due to poor weather, road conditions, or other reasons. Check email, the website, and social media for updates during inclement weather. A No Go decision is typically made by 6:30 a.m.

  • Enter the second driveway entrance (from Reno) and follow the directions for parking. Park close to each other! Our parking etiquette video explains everything you need to know!

    Afternoon Mountain Session parking starts at 11:30 AM.

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