It’s no secret that the Paluchs are a BIG ski family. I grew on on skis (and ON someone on skis…my dad would carry me in a hiking backpack while he skied. Yikes!). If you’re interested in getting the family outdoors this winter, I’m here to suggest trying some ski lessons near Philadelphia! I can’t say enough good things about skiing with your family.
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For those who have never been, it can sound intimidating – racing down the side of a mountain, getting on and off a lift, and figuring out all the gear – I get it. But skiing can be a great experience for families. Not only will you enjoy some exercise and fresh air, you’ll bond as a family, learn new skills, and create fun memories.
Keep reading for some tips to prepare before you go, and some of the top recommended spots for ski lessons near Philadelphia.
Why You Need Ski Lessons
A good ski lesson (or multiple) is really important to set your kids up for success. First of all, they’ll need to learn proper technique and safety to avoid injury on the mountain. Also, kids are more likely to enjoy skiing if they feel like they’re good at it, or at least improving! It’s worth the cost for your beginner skiers. Plus, as adults you’ll get a little free time while the kids are in their lesson.
What You’ll Need Before You Go
The right gear can make or break your experience when skiing. If you think about how you as an adult feel about doing an activity outside while you’re cold and/or wet, kids will feel even worse. I recommend making sure you have the right clothing to keep everyone warm and dry. Here’s a list of what you’ll need – and don’t feel like you need to buy it all. Check Facebook marketplace for used gear or ask around to some friends and see if you could borrow some.
- Base layer: This should be something fairly light but close-fitting to the body. Pajamas work well for kids!
- Midweight layer: A microfleece or slightly thicker fleece if it will be really cold.
- Snow pants: You’ll definitely want to make sure they’re waterproof and the bib style is great for kids to prevent snow from sneaking in around the waist.
- Coat: Again, well insulated and waterproof to stay nice and comfy.
- Mittens: Mittens are better than gloves for keeping fingers warm, and the ones with the extended wrists and/or straps are helpful.
- Hat or balaclava: A balaclava is perfect for keeping the head, face, and neck warm but if your kid won’t wear it, then a hat and gaiter will work too.
- Warm socks: Merino wool is a go-to because it’s breathable and warm, even when wet.
- Skis, boots, helmet, and goggles: These can all be rented to save packing space, although some prefer to buy a helmet rather than use a shared one.
4 Great Places for Ski Lessons Near Philadelphia
Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain is where we started taking our own kids once they learned how to ski confidently. Only an hour and 20 minutes from the Main Line, excellent snowmaking capabilities, and lots of options for ski school, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. If you can, get there for first tracks in the morning on weekends as it tends to get very crowded around 11am.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Break Creek is a good option for your first trip with the kids, since it’s close and not too expensive. They offer private lessons for ages 4 and up, a “learn to ski” package that includes a lesson along with lift ticket and rentals, and a kids group lesson option for ages 8 to 15.
Spring Mountain Adventures
Spring Mountain is another very close option and is popular among families. Their lessons are structured as 4-week sessions that you attend each week with the same group and instructor AND rentals are included. It’s a great way for kids to really build skills and confidence. This is where our kids learned how to ski; we did 2 sessions (so 8 weeks) and by the end of it, they were confidently getting off of the lift and moving around the mountain. Pro tip: if you can swing it, schedule the lessons for a weekday. It’s much less crowded!
Jack Frost Big Boulder
The Ski and Ride School at Jack Frost Big Boulder is a little further than Bear Creek and Spring Mountain, but is another great option for first-timers and beginners. They offer options for private instruction for all ages or group lessons for ages 7 and up.
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