Group Ski & Snowboard Lessons at Smugglers' Notch Resort

"The family that has a group lesson together ... stays together."

Smuggler's Notch Resort offers a wide variety of ski and snowboard programs for everyone in your family, from the not-yet-potty-trained to the mogul of the mountain. While visiting Smugg's, my husband and I took two day group lessons while our 4 kids were enrolled in their respective day camps.

The meet up spot for group lessons is the same spot where older kids meet for day camp. Riders line up based on ability, in clearly marked areas. I chose the L1-L2  (level one) class, since it had been awhile since I'd been on a snowboard; my husband chose the L4 class, because he's a showoff.

I was surprised to find an 8 year old, a few tweens, a 16 year old girl (yay! company!) and one Mom-Dad couple in my group. In L2 next to us, there was one Mom (I later found out she was the mother of the 8 year old in my class). L3 was melted in with L4, as they were all chummy and regaling each other with tales that started with, "...this one time, dude I had such a sweet ride".

All instructors were amiable and working together in order to provide the best, manageable experience for each group. My husband left with his rowdy group of L4 comrades, eager to get on the mountain. The L1 instructor, Chuck (Charles) led my group out to the heavily populated "bunny hill".

I found the L1-L2 class to be an overview of all the basics, but with no real time spent on any one skill before moving on to the next. It was literally, "Okay, now that we've skated around on our boards, let's attempt going downhill". Then, "You'll notice that the hill has a slight curve; let's master compensating for that curvature while going downhill". In this sense, private lessons (which are available - you can arrange them at Guest Services) would be a better choice. Chuck did his best to make sure everyone was having fun and loving the experience. He was as encouraging as he was helpful and always had a smile on his face. I found it admirable that he didn't lose patience with any of us. Those who successfully came through the 90 minute lesson would be joining Chuck the following day for the next level up. Those who didn't were welcome to take L1 again and/or sign up for private lessons.

Back at the L4 class, my husband was making friends from all over the country. There were teens from local high schools, adults from Dallas, TX, a gentleman from Bermuda and another from Colorado. His instructor Ben, had each rider demonstrate their skills before giving out pointers on how to perfect his/her technique. My husband boasted that he "only needed one pointer" and was good to go. The group spent the majority of their time on the mountain, experiencing different trails and terrain.

At the end of our classes, I was exhausted and my husband was "so stoked to get back on the mountain". He must have picked up some of that teenage adrenaline by osmosis. I noticed my 8 year old classmate was intensely proud of himself, though. "Mom! I passed that lady right there soooo many times".  Yeah, yeah. It was the wax!

Group classes are available for teens and adults in two different segments: MAX5, a 2 1/2 program and the normal 90 minute program. Contact guest services to figure out which program fits best for you and your family.

*Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary stay at Smuggler's Notch Resort. I received no other compensation and the owner  did not state any requirements that I present a particular point of view.