Snowsports Academy FAQ

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled lesson time, dressed and ready to go. If you need equipment rentals, please allow at least 45 minutes prior to go through the rental process.

No lesson tickets needed, please check in with the SnowSports Team Members at the meeting area. Must have a valid lift ticket for the day.

Please call the SnowSports Academy at 231.526.3056.

There will be a SnowSports Academy lesson supervisor in a red coat at the meeting check-in area at all lesson start times.

Please cancel your reservation 24 hours prior by calling the SnowSports Academy at 231.526.3056 or email snowsports@highlandsharborsprings.com.

Yes, all participants are required to have a lift ticket or season pass to access the lifts. You can pick up your lift ticket at Skier Services or at Rentals prior to your lesson time.

All lessons will begin and end at the lesson meeting area unless arranged differently with your instructor ahead of time.

Lesson participants will meet outside and end their lesson outside, with very strict break/warm up protocols. There will be no lunch or indoor programming.

Yes, with a maximum of seven individuals per group. 

Yes, child group lessons will be offered in half day formats only: a 2-hour a.m. session (10am-12pm) or a 2-hour p.m. session (2:30-4:30pm) for ages 5-6 and 7-13, first timers and advanced beginners.  Lessons will start and end outside in the designated meeting area.

Private lessons will be offered for children ages 3 years and older. A parent or guardian must remain on property while children are in the lesson.

Seasonal programs will continue in smaller groups not to exceed seven students to one coach that meet and end outside, and limited to ages 6+ so kids can take care of their own personal needs (bathroom breaks, etc.). Programs will begin and end outside and will not have an indoor component. Awards programs or recognition ceremonies will be conducted at the bottom of the hill following the activity.

Advanced reservations are required throughout the winter season. Phone reservations are available every day from 10am to 2pm. All products are subject to availability and may sell out at any time. 231.526.3056

It is important that you arrive to your lesson with your equipment ready to go. This will ensure that the lessons start on time. Allow at least 1 hour to get your rental equipment and boot up before your lesson meeting time.

Snowsports equipment is available for daily use, including new skis, snowboards, and helmets. We offer the perfect fit for skiers and riders of all ages. During busy periods our rental shops have extended hours. If you have the opportunity, we suggest you pick up you equipment the day before.

• All Day and Multiple Day Lesson Tickets: We offer discounted prices for purchasing all day and multiple day group lessons. If you chose to take advantage of this discount, you must choose the times and days in advance. Once payment is processed for your group lesson you may not cancel or change the times and dates of the lessons. Refunds will not be processed for full day, multiple day products or any unused days. If you are unsure the number of days, or specific days you will attend class, please purchase a single session/single day of class.
• Advanced Reservations: Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to the start time of your scheduled reservation. If you have lessons reserved for multiple days, cancellations must occur 24 hours prior to the start time of your first lesson or all lessons will be charged at full rate.
• Product Transfers: SnowSports Academy services and products are not transferable to another person, date or program.
• No-Shows: Full rate will be charged for missed days and all remaining days will be canceled. Products canceled after the start time are considered a "no-show".
• Weather & Snow Conditions: Weather and snow conditions are not viable reasons for cancellation.
• Refunds, Cancellations, Changes: We do not offer refunds, cancellations, or changes for tickets already purchased. Only in the case of a verified injury or illness are we able to process a refund.

• All Private Lessons: Meet at the Private Lesson Flag by the Carousel.
• All First Time Skiers: Meet in the area by the Carousel, standing next to the cones with their respective ages on them.
• All Skiers who know how to stop and turn: Meet at the Wonder Carpet for a ski off, separating skiers by appropriate ability and ages.
• Snowboarders: Meet in the area next to the snowboarding flags with the appropriate levels on them highlighted by the tall blue snowboarding flag.

Lift tickets are required for all skiers & riders of any age whether in a class, or free skiing and riding. 

You should be dressed appropriately for the day and weather. Dress in layers; winter coats and snow pants are a must. Waterproof gloves and warm (not cotton) socks are highly recommended. You may want to consider bringing an extra change of clothes if it is wet out. Doing so will make for a much more comfortable ride home.

Helmet rentals are available for all ages and sizes which are highly recommended. For more information about safely wearing helmets during winter activities please visit lidsonkids.org.

Riding a chairlift depends on your level of skiing or snowboarding. If you are Level 3 or higher you will certainly ride the chairlift. If you are in a lower level and the class can turn and stop safely they may ride the chairlift at the discretion of the instructor.

This is at the discretion of the instructor. Breaks are not mandatory and depend on the weather and snow conditions.

You may certainly watch your child's lesson, but we ask that you do so from a distance. Please observe from outside the fenced area in the Learning Centers.

Children must be at least three years of age and potty trained to enroll in SnowSports Academy programs or lessons.

Lift tickets are not included in ski/snowboard lessons unless otherwise noted.

• Learn to Ski, Learn to Ride Packages: Camelot lift ticket included.
• Return To Learn packages: all area lift ticket included.
• Discover Michigan Learn to Ski/Learn to Ride packages: Camelot lift ticket included.