Learn to Ski Or Ride Program
Contrary to popular belief, the sky isn’t the limit. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Sky Tavern’s Learn to Ski and Ride program is the oldest and largest nonprofit Learn-to-Ski program in the country. Since 1948, over 125,000 youth have learned to ski or ride at Sky Tavern — all under the guidance of adult volunteers.
For eight (8) weeks each winter, Sky Tavern comes alive thanks to the parents and essential adult volunteers who make it all possible. From instructors on the slopes to parking lot greeters and cooks in the kitchen, these dedicated heroes create the magic behind the ear-to-ear smiles of every child who learns to ski or ride.
Programs run on weekends, with families choosing Saturday, Sunday, or both. Each youth participant enjoys a two-hour lesson in the morning, then spends the rest of the day practicing and showing off their growing skills and confidence.
Sky Tavern memberships are designed to be accessible and affordable—so every child has the chance to learn. The cost covers the entire season, and in many cases, is less than the price of a single lift ticket at a typical resort.
To maintain the quality and affordability of our program, we depend on active volunteer participation. A lack of volunteer support can increase operational costs and put the program at risk. This may result in changes to future registration eligibility and potential price increases.
Affordable. Accessible. Dedicated.
Powered by Volunteers
2026 -2027 Learn to Ski Or Ride Memberships
Sky Kids (Ski) and Grommets (Snowboard)
Ages 4 to 7
Our tiny but mighty skiers and riders learn in a fun, engaging environment designed just for young athletes. Penguins, flowers, obstacle courses, and other interactive features help create an exciting learning experience while building confidence on the snow. At Sky Tavern, we use specialized learning tools and terrain features to help young skiers and snowboarders progress quickly while having fun every step of the way.
Small learning groups are made possible through the support of our incredible volunteer instructors. At least one parent or guardian of each participating child is required to participate in the program. Certified and experienced instructors will provide training, supervision, and support throughout the season — we’ll teach you to teach!
Program Details:
Please purchase the Sky Kids/ Grommets Membership (4-7yr)
Valid only on Learn-to-Ski and ride program days
8 Weekends of 2-hour morning lessons, 9 AM to 11 AM
Check in 8:45 AM
An adult affiliated with the child is required to register and volunteer in this program as a support or lead instructor
Choose your own adventure: Option to Child swap with another parent or teach your own child.
Rentals not included-Check out the special season lease pricing
Learn to Ski or Snowboard
Ages 8 to 17
Our ski and snowboard programs for youth and teens are designed for all ability levels. Participants are grouped by both age and skill level to create a supportive and fun learning environment.
Junior skiers and riders develop techniques that improve control, confidence, and mountain awareness while exploring new terrain and refining their skills. After lessons, participants are welcome to continue skiing and riding for the remainder of the day.
Lessons are led by our dedicated team of certified, experienced, and trained volunteer instructors. Small class sizes depend on volunteer participation, and flexible training opportunities are available for parents and community members interested in helping. We can teach you to teach!
Program Details:
Please purchase the Child Membership (8-17 yr)
Valid only on Learn-to-ski and ride program days
8 Weekends of 2-hour morning lessons, 9 AM to 11 AM
Check in at 8:30 AM
An adult affiliated with the child is required to be on site
Free skiing and riding available after the lesson
Rentals not included-Check out the special season lease pricing
Bus Program
Ages 9 to 17
Our Bus Program is an independent membership pass for children wishing to ride the bus to Sky Tavern from a local high school drop-off location, Wooster, or Reed High Schools. Following lessons, students will have independent free-ski time and should be prepared to responsibly care for themselves until bus departure. Bus students may attend one or both weekend days. Each bus ride is an additional charge and ride vouchers must be purchased online every Wednesday by 5 PM for the following weekend.
Program Details:
Please purchase the Child Riding the Bus Membership (9-17yr)
Valid only on Learn-to-ski and ride program days
Includes 8 Weekends of 2-hour morning lessons, 9 AM to 11 AM
Transportation Fees are an additional $18 per day
Must arrive at the School by 7:15 AM
Free skiing and riding available after the lesson
Equipment must be in a bag
Rentals not included-Check out the special season lease pricing
Parent volunteer hours are not required.
Bus Supervisors
Volunteer Bus Supervisors are needed! Adults 18 years of age and older, who wish to ride the bus and volunteer as adult supervisors. The Bus Supervisor checks kids in each time they ride the bus. A Sky Tavern Pass is required. Please email info@skytavern.org if you are interested!
Adaptive Program
Ages 6-14
An unattended wheelchair parked beside the slopes may catch your attention at first glance — but look up the mountain and you’ll likely spot a young adaptive athlete carving turns and discovering new possibilities at Sky Tavern.
Providing every participant — regardless of physical, cognitive, or developmental ability — the opportunity to experience the joy of snow sports is at the heart of Sky Tavern’s mission. Our adaptive program creates a supportive environment where athletes can build confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to outdoor recreation.
Sky Tavern’s adaptive instructors and volunteers receive specialized training to support children with a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities. Through personalized instruction, adaptive teaching techniques, and specialized equipment, our team helps participants experience the excitement and freedom of skiing and snowboarding.
For many children and families, adaptive snow sports may once have seemed out of reach. Our experienced adaptive staff work to remove those barriers by creating meaningful opportunities for every athlete to learn, progress, and succeed on the mountain. Building confidence, fostering inclusion, and creating unforgettable experiences are central to everything we do.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, Sky Tavern has built a strong collection of adaptive equipment, including bi-skis and other specialized gear that make snow sports more accessible. Community support helps ensure that equipment needs are never a barrier to participation and that adaptive athletes can learn and explore the mountain in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Program Details
Please purchase the Adaptive Child Membership (6-14 yr)
For additional program information, please read.
Valid only on Learn-to-ski and ride program days
8 Weekends of 2-hour morning lessons, 9 AM to 11 AM
The specialized lessons are for children who require accommodations (physical or mental disability)
Check in at 8:30 AM
An adult affiliated with the child is required to volunteer in this program as a support or lead instructor in the adaptive program.
Free skiing and riding available after the lesson
Rentals not included-Check out the special season lease pricing
The Teen Mountain Volunteer Program (MVP) empowers teen skiers and riders to give back to the mountain community while developing leadership, communication, and teaching skills. This program is designed for strong intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who want to continue progressing on the mountain while becoming part of a motivated and supportive team.
Teen MVPs have the opportunity to develop as Junior Instructors by assisting younger participants and learning hands-on teaching techniques alongside experienced mentors. To continue refining their own skiing and riding abilities, Teen MVP participants may also join Junior Ski & Snowboard lessons throughout the season.
Throughout the year, participants can explore a variety of mountain resort experiences, including opportunities to learn about terrain parks, race courses, and ski patrol. Sky Tavern also provides leadership development activities focused on confidence, professionalism, teamwork, and communication. For Teens (15-17 yrs) interested in Ski Patrol, check out the program here.
Teen MVPs may participate in the PSIA/AASI Junior Instructor Program and receive early-season training led by certified and experienced instructors. Flexible training opportunities are available both online and on the mountain.
Program Requirements:
Must be a strong intermediate skier or rider (Level 6/Blue Mountain Lions)
Participants should demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to volunteer, ability to follow instruction, and an interest in developing leadership and teaching skills
Program Details:
Please purchase the Teen Mountain Volunteer Program (12-17 yr)
Valid only on Learn-to-ski and ride program days
Eight weekends of 2‑hour morning lessons, 9 AM to 11 AM
Or support lessons as a Jr. Instructor, assisting other youth participants and learning hands-on teaching skills
Check in at 8:30 AM
Early season Jr. Instructor Training led by experienced, certified instructors
Free skiing and riding available after the lesson or join instructor training sessions
Qualifies for high school volunteer hours
Rentals not included-Check out the special season lease pricing
NEW THIS Season!
Teen Mountain Volunteer Program (MVP)
Ages 12 to 17
Lift Riding Volunteer Adult Membership
You are an important part of your child’s learning experience. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities—from check-in support to helping with setup and behind-the-scenes tasks. To ensure everyone is covered and included, all participants, including volunteers, must be registered in the program and pay the applicable program fee.
Membership Details:
8 weekends, volunteer for 2 hours, play for 5 hours!
Choose your volunteer position
Access to adult ski and ride lessons
Training available for all opportunities
Must register with Bloomerang, our volunteer tracking program and track all hours.
Volunteer Access Membership
NO LIFT ACCESS
Even if you’re not skiing or riding, you are an important part of your child’s learning experience. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities—from check-in support to helping with setup and behind-the-scenes tasks. To ensure everyone is covered and included, all participants, including volunteers, must be registered in the program and pay the applicable program fee. Must be registered to be on-site.
Membership Details:
8 weekends with 2 hour volunteer time every time you and the child are on the mountain
Choose your volunteer position
Training available for all opportunities
Must register with Bloomerang, our volunteer tracking program, and track all hours
Instructor Membership
For our members wanting to instruct and are not certified. We will teach you! Choose the Learn to Ski and Ride Program or Teams Program that you would like to support.
Membership Details:
8 Weekends, volunteer for 2 hours, play for 5 hours!
SafeSport Course and Background check required (Covered by Sky Tavern)
Flexible pre-season training required
Access to adult ski and ride lessons and more instructor training.
Must register with Bloomerang, our volunteer tracking program and track all hours.
Sky Kids/ Grommet Parent Membership
Small learning groups are made possible through the support of our incredible volunteer instructors. At least one parent or guardian of each participating child (ages 4 - 7) is required to participate in the program. Certified and experienced instructors will provide training, supervision, and support throughout the season — we’ll teach you to teach!
Membership Details:
8 weekends, volunteer for 2 hours, play for 5 hours!
SafeSport course and Background check required (Covered by Sky Tavern)
Flexible pre-season training required
Access to adult ski and ride lessons and instructor training.
Must register with Bloomerang, our volunteer tracking program, and track all hours.
Sky Tavern’s programs thrive because of the incredible support from our adult member volunteers. Whether you are an individual rider, a group of friends, or part of a family participating together, our memberships are designed to provide meaningful ways to get involved and support our mission of making outdoor recreation accessible to all.
All adults participating at Sky Tavern are required to hold a membership. Explore the options below to find the best fit for your involvement on the mountain. Thank you for being part of our community!
All Adult Memberships are valid only on Learn-to-Ski-and-Ride program days. Rentals are not included. Check out our seasonal rental pricing.
ADULT MEMBERSHIPS
Certified Instructor Membership
Our programs depend on your experience and skills! Thank you for choosing Sky Tavern to share your knowledge! Choose the Learn to Ski and Ride Program or Teams Program that you would like to support. Opportunities are available to further your skills or pass on your skills and knowledge to other instructors with clinics in the afternoon.
Membership Details:
8 weekends of supporting Learn-to-Ski-and-Ride program of Teams Programs
Must maintain a current PSIA/AASI Membership or US Ski and Snowboard Coach Membership, CEUs up to date
SafeSport course and Background check required (Covered by Sky Tavern)
Flexible pre-season training required
Must register with Bloomerang, our volunteer tracking program, and track all hours.
NEW THIS SEASON
Integrity Membership
Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. The Integrity Pass offers time on the hill while giving back in a meaningful way. The Integrity Pass is designed for parents or adults who want to be on the mountain but cannot commit or do not wish to volunteer. This limited-availability pass allows you to stay involved and present on program days while directly supporting Sky Tavern’s volunteer-driven mission.
Membership Details:
8 weekends on the mountain
No volunteer position required
Lift Access
Frequently Asked Questions
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Classes begin to form at 8:30 am on the snow near the Sky Ridge lift. Each student has a colored helmet sticker, signifying the appropriate class. Signage at the corral meeting zone indicates where each class meets. Lessons start at 9:00 am and end between 11:00 am and noon. All children are required to take their classes each day they attend. Following the conclusion of class, children may have lunch or free ski until the end of the day. Children are permitted to use the chairlifts when they have passed Level 3P and above or with an adult.
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Don't be late! Classes start at 8:30-8:45. Be ready to go BEFORE 8:30.
We are all volunteers. No one remains on the sidelines.
No sledding.
No snowballs.
If you use the lunch trays for sleds, prepare to wash dishes. (Fair warning!)
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.
No Parking in the upper lot without a parking pass.
No arriving for the afternoon to just free ski. This is a training facility. Take lessons, then free ski.
No drop-offs. All kids require a parent or guardian on the mountain the entire time the child is here.
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YES, UNLESS you purchase an integrity pass, all parents have volunteer positions. Sky Tavern, particularly the Learn to Ski & Ride Program, is rooted in volunteering to keep accessibility affordable. A Northern Nevada tradition, members are focused on maintaining the program for their kids and all kids that come after.
All adult members must assist with the program by volunteering for two hours each day they participate. Volunteers may assist with operational tasks such as:
Parking Lot
Lift Check
Kitchen
Lodge Monitor
Front Desk
Ambassador
Other options include instructing kids or other adults on snow. “If you don’t do it, it might not get done,” was never truer than at Sky Tavern. We are all in this together.
The program requires volunteers through the ENTIRE day to succeed — lifts operate until 4 pm. If you are unsure what to do, ask the Ambassadors or the front desk.
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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 (SkyKids does not use poles). 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. Sometimes it costs a few dollars, but good gear makes for the best skiing and riding experience.
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The Sky Tavern Learn to Ski & Ride Program typically begins in mid-January, operating on Saturdays and Sundays for eight weeks. The mountain is also open to skiing during certain holidays. Check the Sky Tavern emails, website, and social media for operational updates.
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NO! There are no drop-offs. All parents must volunteer.
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Those who arrive on the bus MUST go home on the bus. If a parent comes to pick up a child, the child must be signed out at the front desk. The bus cannot depart without every child on board.
The bus ticket must be purchased by Wednesday at noon in advance of each weekend.
Buses will pick up at Wooster and Reed High Schools around 7 am. Do not forget the equipment bag! Skis and snowboards MUST be in a bag.
Kids arrive at Sky Tavern and take 2 hr lesson. Lunch (additional cost) meal gift cards are available for purchase.
Freeride/ski after lunch until 2:30, then load buses. The bus will depart when all children are accounted for, arriving at school around 3 pm.
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No! You can change it up and learn how every corner of the mountain operates.
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That’s okay! We have plenty of volunteer positions all over the mountain.
Tip: We have adult lessons, so there’s no excuse for not keeping up with the kids!
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When you sign up as an adult member, you and your family are welcome to attend Saturday, Sunday, or both days! The requirement is that your children must take their lessons each day, and the parent/adult volunteers each day.
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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!
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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.
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Enter the second driveway entrance (from Reno) and follow the directions for parking. Park close to each other! Arriving early (7-8 am) makes finding parking easier. Our parking etiquette video explains everything you need to know!
