We are closed for the 2023-24 winter season. We will start booking ski and snowboard lessons for the 2024-25 winter season in October.
Here at Hilltop Snowsports School, we enjoy passing on our love of winter, skiing, and snowboarding! We will share techniques with you to become a better skier or snowboarder in a fun and engaging atmosphere. We offer group and private lessons to adults, teens and children for skiing and snowboarding. We can’t wait to see you on the snow!
We’re booking all lessons in-person and over the phone. If you aren’t able to reach us by phone at 907-346-2169, leave us a detailed voicemail message and we’ll call you back soon. We prioritize in-person booking.
Booking Desk Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday and Sunday:
Thank you for supporting your local non-profit ski area!
We accept credit card payment only.
(Updated 8/30/2024)
Private Lessons
Private lessons • Ages 7+ (1-on-1 or private group lessons)
Private Lessons are either 1-on-1 or a private group lesson for skiing, snowboarding or telemark, ages 7+. Get the whole family together or a group of friends to take your ski or snowboard skills to the next level! We recommend all private group lesson students be a similar ability level for the best experience. Private lessons are a premium learning experience. Students will receive more attention and feedback from the instructor because there are less students in the class. You can also request your favorite instructor here at Hilltop Snowsports School!
We are offering Private Lessons for any ability level! If you or your group want a terrain park or freestyle lesson, please mention it when booking.
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/NewSnowSport.jpg)
1-Hour
Lesson $85
Additional Person $49
Rentals are not included.
2-Hour
Lesson $139
Additional Person $79
Rentals are not included.
3-Hour
Lesson $185
Additional Person $99
Rentals are not included.
This lesson comes with a lift ticket for each student if the student doesn’t already have a season pass. These lessons happen daily. Call us or come to the snowsports school desk to check our availability and book.
Tiny Turns • Ages 3-6 (Private 1-on-1 Lessons for YOUNG KIDS)
Tiny Turns are one hour, private 1-on-1 only, skiing or snowboarding lessons designed for children ages 3 to 6. What a great way to get your child started on the slope! Students will be given vests with handles on the back so instructors can assist the young student. Tiny Turns lessons will be able to access the entire hill with the students’ needs in mind. Tiny Turns lessons are a premium learning experience. Students will receive more attention and feedback from the instructor which is crucial at this age. You can also request your favorite instructor here at Hilltop Snowsports School!
We are offering Tiny Turns lessons for any ability level!
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/Tiny-Turns-676x451.jpg)
1-Hour
Lesson $69
This lesson comes with a lift ticket if the student doesn’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
These lessons happen daily. Call us or come to the snowsports school desk to check our availability.
*Young students generally tire easily and are at a different stage in their motor skill development than older kids.
For this reason, we cap these lessons at one hour per day, per student. *
School Groups or Large Groups
School groups or Large Group lessons are available on Fridays at 10 AM. These are 2-hour group lessons for beginner skiers and snowboarders. We have rental equipment available. These need to be booked in advance. Give us a call and we can give you more information or get your group booked!
Group Lessons for Kids
Little Laps • Ages 5 & 6 (Young Kids Weekday Group Lessons)
New this season, Little Laps is a weekday young kids’ program for skiers and snowboarders at the intermediate and advanced levels. Young kids will develop techniques and confidence on the slope while having fun with their group. Students must be skiing or snowboarding fully independently and must be able to confidently ride all of Hilltop independently. This means they need to be at least level 3 and able to control their speed and navigate the hill my making turns left and right. Toeside and heelside for snowboarders, wedge turns for skiers.
We are offering this program in these ability levels:
Level 3: Novice
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/s20-676x451.jpg)
The program happens:
Wednesdays
5:15pm – 7:15pm.
Each session contains 3 lessons. We offer this program in three sessions:
Session I
Jan 8th, 15th, and 22nd
Session II
Feb 5th, 12th, and 19th
Session III
Mar 5th, 19th, and 26th
*Little Laps will not take place March 11th – 15th during Spring Break
Session Cost:
Program $199
This program comes with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*You cannot book more than one session until your first/current session has ended. Children must attend a Tiny Turns check-off lesson to make sure they are skiing or snowboarding fully independently and at or above our level 3 ability. Parents/guardians must pick up their children at the end of these lessons. We do not give you the option for kids to have permission to stay late for kids this age and for this program. Signups for this program will start when the season kicks off and the lifts are spinning.*
Hotdoggers • Ages 7-12 (Kids Weekday Group Lessons With A Season Pass)
Hotdoggers is a weekday kids’ program for skiers and snowboarders at the beginner to intermediate levels. Kids will learn how to get started skiing and snowboarding and will also develop techniques and confidence on the slope while having fun with their group. This program comes with a season pass that encourages students to get lots of practice outside of their lessons.
We are offering this program in three ability levels:
Level 1: First Time/Beginner
Level 2: Learn-To-Turn
Level 3: Novice
Level 4: Intermediate
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
If your child has surpassed our level 4 and is primarily working on freestyle tricks and using the terrain park, you should consider our Kids Weekday Freestyle, Kids Weekend Freestyle, Spring Break Camp, Winter Break Camp, or In-Service Camps instead, as those programs have the Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle ability level. Students are not guaranteed to ride in the terrain park for the Mogul Moose program.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6628-676x1013.jpg)
The program happens:
Monday & Wednesday or
Tuesday & Thursday
5:15pm – 7:15pm.
Each session contains six lessons. We offer this program in three sessions:
Session I
Mon & Wed: Jan 6th – 27th* or
Tues & Thurs: Jan 7th – 23rd
*Hotdoggers will not take place on Mon Jan 20th due to MLK day.
Session II
Mon & Wed: Feb 3rd – Feb 19th or
Tues & Thurs: Feb 4th – 20th
Session III
Mon & Wed: Mar 3rd – 26th* or
Tues & Thurs: Mar 4th – March 27th*
*Hotdoggers will not place on March 10th – 14th during Spring Break
Session Cost:
Program $689 (1st Session Bought)
Each Additional Session $315
This program comes with a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
Mogul Moose • Ages 7-12 (Kids Weekend Group Lessons)
Mogul Moose is a weekend kids’ program for skiers and snowboarders at the beginner to intermediate level. Students will learn how to get started skiing and snowboarding and will also develop techniques and confidence on the slope while having fun with their group.
We are offering this program for:
Level 1: First Time/Beginner
Level 2: Learn-To-Turn
Level 3: Novice
Level 4: Intermediate
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
If your child has surpassed our level 4 and is primarily working on freestyle tricks and using the terrain park, you should consider our Kids Weekday Freestyle, Kids Weekend Freestyle, Spring Break Camp, Winter Break Camp, or In-Service Camps instead, as those programs have the Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle ability level. Students are not guaranteed to ride in the terrain park for the Mogul Moose program.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/mogul-676x450.jpg)
The program happens:
Saturday or Sunday in the
Morning: 10:30am – 12:30pm or
Afternoon: 1:30pm – 3:30pm.
Each session contains four lessons.
We offer this program in three sessions:
Session I
Saturdays Jan 4th – 25th
Sundays Jan 5th – 26th
Session II
Saturdays Feb 1st – 22nd
Sundays Feb 2nd – 23rd
Session III
Saturdays March 1st – 22nd
Sundays March 2nd – 23rd
Session Cost
Program $249
This program comes with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
In-Service Camp • Ages 7-12 (one time kids group lessons while ASD public schools are closed)
In-Service Camp is an all-day kid’s lesson that take place during the Anchorage School District In-Service days when kids are out of school.
The lifts are spinning extended hours on these days, so we offer kids group ski and snowboard lessons to you so your kids can keep learning on their day off of school. This is an all-day lesson from 10 AM – 3 PM with a break for lunch in between. This one time, one day camp is great for those families looking for a low commitment skiing and snowboarding experience.
We are offering this program for:
Level 1: First Time/Beginner
Level 2: Learn-To-Turn
Level 3: Novice
Level 4: Intermediate
Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
Freestyle skiers must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful parallel turns around all of Hilltop.
Freestyle snowboarders must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful toeside and heelside turns around all of Hilltop.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/lift-676x450.jpg)
The program happens:
On the Anchorage School District In-Service days when kids are out of school:
Dec 20th, Jan 20th, Feb 28th, or Mar 7th.
10:30 am – 3:30 pm with lunch in between.
*Hilltop will not provide lunch or any food. Be sure to pack a lunch or give your child lunch money for this program. *
Session Cost
Program $125
This lesson comes with lift ticket if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
Winter Break Camp • Ages 7-12 (Kids Weeklong Group Lessons)
Winter Break Camp are kids’ lessons that take place during the winter break in December. These lessons are a great opportunity for beginner to freestyle skiers and snowboarders to continue learning while out of school.
We are offering this program for:
Level 1: First Time/Beginner
Level 2: Learn-To-Turn
Level 3: Novice
Level 4: Intermediate
Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
Freestyle skiers must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful parallel turns around all of Hilltop.
Freestyle snowboarders must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful toeside and heelside turns around all of Hilltop.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/snowboard-class-676x450.jpg)
The program happens:
During Winter Break, Monday-Friday
Morning 10:30 am – 12:30 pm or
Afternoon 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Each session contains four lessons.
We are offering this program in two sessions.
Week One: Dec 23rd – 27th*
Week Two: Dec 30th – Jan 3rd*
*No lessons on Wednesdays Dec 25th and Jan 1st.*
Session Cost
Program $249
This program comes with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*You cannot book more than one session until your first session has ended. To keep the quality of the lessons high, we want to make sure we are putting your child in the correct ability level. Your instructor will tell you what ability level to put your child in after their first session. Only then can you book the next session. *
Spring Break Camp • Ages 7-12 (Kids Weeklong Group Lessons)
Spring Break Camp are kids’ lessons that take place during the spring break in March. These lessons are a great opportunity for beginner to freestyle skiers and snowboarders to continue learning while out of school.
We are offering this program for:
Level 1: First Time/Beginner
Level 2: Learn-To-Turn
Level 3: Novice
Level 4: Intermediate
Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
Freestyle skiers must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful parallel turns around all of Hilltop.
Freestyle snowboarders must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful toeside and heelside turns around all of Hilltop.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/snowboardin-kid-676x450.jpg)
The program happens:
During Spring Break, Monday-Friday
Morning 10:30 am – 12:30 pm or
Afternoon 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Each session contains five lessons.
Mar 10th – 14th
Session Cost
Program $315
This program comes with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
Kids Weekday Freestyle • Ages 7-12 (Kids Group Freestyle Lessons)
Kids Weekday Freestyle is a program for advanced snowboarders and skiers. It’s a great next step for kids age 7-12 to learn how to do tricks around the hill and enjoy our terrain park safely. Instruction will cover park etiquette, how to approach and exit a feature, execute jumps, slide boxes and rails, grabs, spins and other fun freestyle moves.
We are offering this program for:
Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle
Freestyle skiers must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful parallel turns around all of Hilltop.
Freestyle snowboarders must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful toeside and heelside turns around all of Hilltop.
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/ski-raail-676x451.jpg)
The program happens:
Tuesday & Thursday from 5:15pm to 7:15pm.
Each session contains six lessons.
We offer this program in three sessions:
Session I
Tues & Thurs: Jan 7th – Jan 23rd
Session II
Tues & Thurs: Feb 4th – Feb 20th
Session III
Tues & Thurs: Mar 4 – 27*
*Kids Weekday Freestyle will not take place March 10th – 14th during Spring Break*
Session Cost:
Program $379
This program comes with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*One thing that’s rad about freestyle; is that everyone can hit the same feature but do different tricks on that feature that are at their ability/comfort level. *
Kids Weekend Freestyle • Ages 7-12 (Kids Group Freestyle Lessons)
Kids Weekend Freestyle is a program for advanced snowboarders and skiers. It’s a great next step for kids age 7-12 to learn how to do tricks around the hill and enjoy our terrain park safely. Instruction will cover park etiquette, how to approach and exit a feature, execute jumps, slide boxes and rails, grabs, spins and other fun freestyle moves.
We are offering this program for:
Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle
Freestyle skiers must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful parallel turns around all of Hilltop.
Freestyle snowboarders must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful toeside and heelside turns around all of Hilltop.
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/weekend-free-676x451.jpg)
The program happens:
Saturday or Sunday from 10:30pm – 12:30pm.
Each session contains 4 lessons.
We offer this program in three sessions:
Session I
Saturday: Jan 4th – 25th
Sunday: Jan 5th – 26th
Session II
Saturday: Feb 1st – Feb 22nd
Sunday: Feb 2nd – Feb 23rd
Session III
Saturday: Mar 1st – Feb 22nd
Sunday: Mar 2nd – Feb 23rd
Session Cost:
Program $249
This program comes with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*One thing that’s rad about freestyle; is that everyone can hit the same feature but do different tricks on that feature that are at their ability/comfort level. *
Group Lessons for Teens
Shredders! • Ages 13-17 (Teens Beginner Group Lessons)
Shredders! is our teens skiing and snowboarding program on Monday nights. This social evening of shredding is great for teenagers to learn how to shred, get some exercise in the winter and to make some new friends who are also new to skiing or snowboarding.
We are offering this program in this ability levels
Level 1: First Time/Beginner
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/shredddd-676x451.jpg)
This program happens:
Monday nights, 5:15 pm – 7:15 pm.
Each session consists of 3 lessons.
Each lesson is 2 hours long.
Session I
Mondays: Jan 6th, 13th, and 27th*
*Shredders will not take place on Mon Jan 15th due to MLK day.
Session II
Mondays: Feb 3rd, 10th, and 17th
Session III
Mondays: Mar 3rd, 17th, and 24th*
*Shredders will not take place March 10th – 14th during Spring Break
Session Cost
Program $199
This program comes with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
Hilltop Junior Instructor Program • Ages 13-15
HILLTOP JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM is a great opportunity for more advanced teen skiers and snowboarders to learn how to teach a sport that they are passionate about. Students must be age 13, 14, or 15 to participate in the Junior Instructor Program.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/i-mbGvLQm-X3-676x450.jpg)
We are offering this program in this ability level:
Skiers must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful parallel turns around all of Hilltop.
Snowboarders must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful toeside and heelside turns around all of Hilltop.
This program happens:
Saturdays and Sundays in March
March 1st – 23rd
Junior Instructors must attend all days in order to complete the course.
10:15 am – 12:45 pm for the first 3 weekends for skiers.
1:15 pm – 3:45 PM for the first 3 weekends for snowboarders.
10:15 am – 3:45 pm the last weekend for both skiers and snowboarders.
The program consists of an online portion, six 2-hour on-snow clinics, and two days of 4-hour shadow lessons.
Session Cost:
Program $345
Online Portion $25
To purchase the online portion and to learn more about the program; visit- Junior Instructor Certificate Program – PSIA-AASI LMS (thesnowpros.org)
Hilltop will not provide rentals for this program. We expect our instructors to have their own equipment.
These clinics come with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Junior Instructors will learn People Skills, Teaching Skills, and Technical Skills specific to their sport of choice. After the program is paid for, the first step will be to complete the Online E-Learning Modules before the on-snow dates in February. The first 3 weekends of the on-snow course will be two hours each day learning professionalism and how to teach. The last weekend will be shadowing real group and private lessons taught by an instructor here at Hilltop Snowsports School. At the end of the program, Junior Instructors will be awarded a nationally recognized certificate by: PSIA/AASI and will be offered a job at Hilltop Snowsports School when they turn 16 years old.
Group Lessons for Adults
Beginner Adult • ages 18+ (Adult level 1 group lessons)
Beginner Adult lessons are a fun way to get introduced to the world of skiing or snowboarding! You will be in a group lesson with other adults who have never done the sport either. These are one time 2-hour group lessons that are fun and low commitment.
We are offering this program to:
Level 1: First Time/Beginner
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/beginner-adult-2-676x451.jpg)
This program happens:
Every Saturday and Sunday, except the last weekend of each month.
1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Lesson Cost:
Program $65
This lesson comes with a lift ticket if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*If two or fewer people attend the lesson, the lesson will be shortened to a 1-hour lesson. With fewer people in a lesson, you are receiving a more premium lesson product as you will receive more individualized attention and feedback. *
Learn 2 Turn Adult • ages 18+ (Adult level 2 group lessons)
Learn 2 Turn Adult lessons are a fun way to expand on your new skiing or snowboarding skills! You will be in a group lesson with other adults who have only skied or snowboarded once or twice before and want to learn how to put some turns together. This is a great next step for those who have taken our Beginner Adult lessons, want a group lesson, want to learn to control speed, change direction, and build confidence on their equipment. These are one time 2-hour group lessons that are fun and low commitment.
We are offering this program to:
Level 2: Learn-To-Turn
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/jw.jpg)
This program happens:
On the last Saturday and Sunday of the month
1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Lesson Cost:
Program $65
This lesson comes with a lift ticket if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*If two or fewer people attend the lesson, the lesson will be shortened to a 1-hour lesson. With fewer people in a lesson, you are receiving a more premium lesson product as you will receive more individualized attention and feedback. *
Slope Sisters • ages 18+ (Women’s Group Clinics)
Slope Sisters is a fantastic way to experience the magic of skiing and snowboarding amongst other women on Friday nights! Whether it’s your first time, or you have been skiing and snowboarding for a while and want to jump into the world of freestyle; Slope Sisters may just be the highlight of your winter!
We are offering this program in these four ability levels:
Level 1: Beginner
Level 2: Learn-To-Turn
Level 3: Novice
Level 4: Intermediate
Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
Freestyle skiers must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful parallel turns around all of Hilltop.
Freestyle snowboarders must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful toeside and heelside turns around all of Hilltop.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/Slope-Sisters-Group-676x451.jpg)
This program happens:
Friday nights, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.
Each session consists of 3 clinics.
Each clinic is 2 hours long.
Session I
Jan 10th, 17th, and 24th
Session II
Feb 7th, 14th, and 21st
Session III
Mar 7th, 21st, and 28th
Session Cost:
Program $205
These clinics come with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*One thing that’s rad about freestyle; is that everyone can hit the same feature but do different tricks on that feature that are at their ability/comfort level. *
Sendy Saturdays • ages 18+ (Adult Freestyle Group Clinics)
Sendy Saturdays is a one-time adult group freestyle clinic. Come take your freestyle skills like jumping, spinning, buttering, and sliding boxes/rails, to the next level! You will receive individualized coaching at your level by our best instructors and be surrounded by other adults who want to enhance their skiing or snowboarding freestyle skills. We’ll be offering two types of Sendy Saturdays Clinics: #1 Rails, Boxes and Butters. #2 Jumps, Grabs, and Spins.
We are offering this program for:
Level 5: Advanced/Freestyle
Freestyle skiers must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful parallel turns around all of Hilltop.
Freestyle snowboarders must be able to confidently and consistently link fast and powerful toeside and heelside turns around all of Hilltop.
For specific descriptions and videos on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab below in the FAQ section.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/kurt-air-676x451.jpg)
This program happens:
Saturdays, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
Date TBD Jumps, Grabs and Spins
Date TBD Rails, Boxes and Butters
Date TBD Jumps, Grabs and Spins
Date TBD Rails, Boxes and Butters
Date TBD Jumps, Grabs and Spins
Date TBD Rails, Boxes and Butters
Clinic Cost:
Program $69
This clinic comes with a lift ticket if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*One thing that’s rad about freestyle; is that everyone can hit the same feature but do different tricks on that feature that are at their ability/comfort level. *
Free The Heel! • ages 18+ (Adult beginner Telemark group lessons)
Free The Heel! Telemark lessons are finally here! Come learn how to drop your knee with a group of new telemark enthusiasts.
This program will focus on the telemark specific movements to help you find your graceful flow down the slopes. Some alpine ski experience is required.
We are offering this program to beginner and intermediate telemark skiers.
Prerequisite Skills:
To be eligible for this program, you must be a confident all-mountain alpine skier OR an advanced nordic skier with some alpine ski experience,
OR an advanced snowboarder with some alpine ski experience.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/Tele-676x451.jpg)
This program happens:
Wednesday nights from 6-8 PM.
- Dates TBD
Lesson Cost:
Program $69
This clinic comes with a lift ticket for each day if students don’t already have a season pass.
Rentals are not included.
*We do not have telemark ski rentals here at Hilltop. You will need your own telemark skis and boots for this lesson program. Alaska Pacific University (APU) does have telemark ski rental gear. *
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/Slope-Sisters-ski-1400x934.jpg)
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/psia-aasi.png)
SNOWSPORTS SCHOOL POLICIES, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS
- All lessons are final and non-refundable.
- Absences will not be refunded or made-up.
- If you are late for a lesson, that time will be forfeited from your lesson.
- Parking here at Hilltop Ski Area can be challenging at times. We recommend showing up early to experience the full lesson time.
- If Hilltop Snowsports School cancels a group lesson for any reason, a makeup lesson will be offered at the discretion of Hilltop Snowsports School. If you cannot attend the makeup lesson we provide, you will forfeit the value of that lesson.
- We do not guarantee weather or conditions, open terrain or number of lifts operating.
- If you are renting equipment here, we recommend arriving at least thirty minutes to an hour early to receive your rental equipment and experience the whole lesson time. Earlier during weekends and holidays.
- Every student will need a snowsports school liability waiver completed for the current ski/ride season. A parent/guardian must sign for children under the age of 18 years old.
- Students in group lessons may ride the lifts unaccompanied.
- Parents/guardians are required to pick children up at the end of lessons, unless the child is age 7 or older and the parent/guardian has signed a “permission to stay late” form that allows the child to “free ride” unsupervised.
- Students age 13+ will be dismissed at the end of the lesson regardless of whether the parent/guardian is present.
- A minimum of 24-hours’ notice is required to change a private lesson time and date.
- All private lessons must be completed before the end of the current ski/ride season.
FAQs
How do I determine my ability level?
Alpine Skiing
Level 3 and 4 Alpine Ski Ability Level Videos Coming Soon!
Snowboarding
Level 3 and 4 Snowboard Ability Level Videos Coming Soon!
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/ski-and-snowboard-ability-levels.png)
Why choose Hilltop Snowsports School for my ski and snowboard education?
We have a dedicated staff of instructors that are well trained using PSIA-AASI (Professional Ski Instructors of America-American Association of Snowboard Instructors) as our guide. Our ski and snowboard instructors are passionate about outdoor recreation in the winter and are deeply connected in the ski and snowboard community. We offer a fun learning experience, for kids and adults alike, with safety as our #1 priority. Hilltop Ski Area is a non-profit organization, a family friendly atmosphere and is conveniently located in Anchorage; just a short drive up the hillside. We have great beginner terrain and a super fun terrain park!
![This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is psia-aasi.png](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/psia-aasi.png)
How do I book a lesson?
We book all lessons over the phone or in person (Oct 7th for Hotdoggers, in-person only). Please call the Snowsports School at (907) 346-2169. We don’t book lessons online and this is a decision chosen purposefully. We want to talk to you to help you find the best lesson for you and/or your child!
Will my child ride the chair lift with an instructor?
In group lessons the majority of the time students will be partnered with other students for chair rides. The instructor coordinates the students getting on the lift and will train students to ride the lift properly. The instructor will load the chair with the last student if there is space. If there isn’t space, the instructor will ride on the chair behind the group.
Are lift tickets included with lessons?
Yes, lift tickets are included in the price of the lessons for those that don’t already have a season pass. The lift ticket given for snowsports school lessons is non-transferable and complimentary for the student only. The lift ticket is good for the whole day of the lesson to encourage the student to practice before and/or after the lesson. Hotdoggers is the only program that comes with a season pass.
Do I need to be with my child for snowsports school check-in?
Yes, students 12 and under must be checked in with a parent or guardian. All snowsports school group lessons will check-in outside at the snowsports school meeting area. Private lessons and Tiny Turns will come check in at the snowsports school booking desk.
Do I need to check-out my child from snowsports school?
Yes. Parents/guardians are required to pick up children at the end of lessons, unless the child is age 7 or older and the parent/guardian has signed a “permission to stay late” form that allows the child to “free ride” unsupervised. Teens age 13+ will be dismissed at the end of the lesson regardless of whether the parent/guardian is present. Kids aged 6 and under will always need to be picked up by a parent when the lesson ends.
Can I stay with my child during lessons?
During the actual lesson time, we recommend that parents observe from a distance to prevent disrupting the class. Children will be able to learn better and focus more if parents aren’t hovering the lesson.
Can I tip our instructors?
Tips are always appreciated, but never expected. Tips are a great way to show your appreciation of your instructor’s hard work!
What happens if we are late for a lesson?
If you are late for your lesson; we will help the student, find their instructor. Time is not made-up for tardiness.
What ages do you offer lessons for?
We offer Private Lessons that are age 7+, or for ages 3-6: a Tiny Turns private lesson. Young kids’ groups lessons are for ages 5 and 6. Kids group lessons are for ages 7-12. Teens group lessons for ages 13-17. Adult Group Lessons are for ages 18+.
How early should I arrive before my lesson?
If you have your own gear, you should arrive 15 minutes before your lesson. If you need rentals and have already been pre-fitted, then please come 30 minutes prior.
If you have not been pre-fit for rentals, an hour before your lesson is recommended. Earlier on weekends and holidays.
What happens if there is bad weather?
The two main weather reasons that Hilltop will cancel lessons are high winds and low temperatures. As soon as the decision to cancel lessons is made, we will reach out to you, and it will be posted on our website/social media. If Hilltop Snowsports School cancels a group lesson for any reason, a makeup lesson will be offered at the discretion of Hilltop Snowsports School. If you cannot attend the makeup lesson we provide, you will forfeit the value of that lesson. If your private lesson is cancelled due to bad weather, we will call you to set up a new time and date that works for both you and us.
Can I cancel or reschedule a lesson?
All lessons are final and non-refundable. Private lessons can be rescheduled, if you call us at least 24-hours before the time of the lesson. If you’re wanting to reschedule a private lesson and don’t reach us, please leave us a voicemail message and we will call you to reschedule the lesson. If you call us the day of the lesson to reschedule, we will not be able to reschedule the lesson and we won’t be able to issue a refund. Group lessons cannot be canceled or rescheduled.
How should I dress for lessons?
Students should arrive fully dressed and ready to go for their lesson. Here is a suggested list of clothing for skiers and snowboarders. Cotton is not recommended.
- Long underwear,
- Long sleeve shirt,
- Snow coat and snow pants,
- Helmet (helmets are mandatory for lessons, we have helmet rentals if students don’t have their own)
- Hand and foot warmers if it’s cold outside,
- Knee length socks,
- Sweater or fleece,
- Winter gloves or mittens that have some water proofing,
- Goggles if it is windy or snowing.
We have some outerwear retail items for sale at the ticket office.
Are helmets required for lessons?
Yes, all students are required to wear helmets in lessons. Hilltop rents and sells helmets. We will rent you a helmet for free if you’re taking lessons that day.
What waivers do I need to sign to participate in a ski or snowboard lesson?
There is 1 waiver that is mandatory for every student, and it can be filled out digitally using the link below. This waiver only needs to be completed once per season.
Click HERE to sign the Hilltop Snowsports School Liability Waiver:
This waiver doesn’t need to be printed or emailed to us.
A parent/guardian must sign for their children under the age of 18.
If you would like your child aged 7-12 to be able to ski or ride without a parent or guardian picking up the child after the clinic,
then a parent/guardian will need to sign a permission to stay late form that can be found at the snowsports school booking desk.
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/chair-1400x934.jpg)
![](https://www.hilltopskiarea.org/wp-content/uploads/Learn-to-Ski-and-Snowboard-Scholarship-HT-jpeg-1050x1400.jpg)