BEGINNERS START HERE

We appreciate your patience and understanding with any necessary program changes due to current Covid-19 regulations. Read our Covid-19 News here.
***Please check www.SkiPineKnob.com for hours of operation, snow conditions, and operating policies BEFORE VISITING. PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS: 248-625-0800 x4

This picture is of an adult snowboarding instructor wearing a purple coat and black ski pants. They are leading a group of children who are learning to snowboard. There are six children in the class wearing colorful coats and winter gear. They are following the instructor with their snowboards on the snow covered hill at Pine Knob.

BEGINNERS START HERE

If it's your first time heading out to the snowy slopes and we have some helpful tips and information to get you started.
Check out our videos and lesson info that will help you to know what to expect when you first head out to Pine Knob.

LIMITED SUPPLY OF LESSONS - BOOK ONLINE IN ADVANCE

Private lessons are a single student with one instructor.
A semi private lessons is two or a few students who know each other (family) work with one instructor.

BUY PRIVATE LESSONS

BUY LESSON PACKAGES

What will you need when visiting Pine Knob?

A lift ticket. This is what gives you access to the hill and is required by anyone wearing skis or a snowboard. It gives visitors access to all the lifts including our magic carpet (beginners), the tow ropes, and the chairlifts. Lift tickets are not available online and must be purchase in-person on the day of your visit so arrive early.
Rentals. If you do not have your own equipment, you can rent it at Pine Knob. Ski equipment includes skis, ski boots, and poles. Snowboard equipment includes a snowboard and snowboard boots. Helmets are also available for an additional amount. Weekends are busy so plan extra time to get your rental equipment.
If you want to take a lesson, we recommend booking in advance to reserve your space. Be sure to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Dress warm and plan to stand in line outdoors while waiting to get your lift ticket and rental. On weekends ONLY, check in at the ski school first. Get more info about what to wear below.
If you are not sure if you want to try skiing or snowboarding first, there is more info below in the Q&A section.

ARRIVING AT THE RESORT

When you arrive there are a few things you may need to do before getting out on the slopes:

Schedule your Lesson online to reserve your space
On the day of your lesson, check www.SkiPineKnob.com to make sure the resort for any announcements or updates that could affect your visit (weather, regulations, etc.)
Arrive at the resort at least an hour before your lesson
Purchase Lift Ticket and Rental Form
Check in at the ski school on weekdays (Come here first on the weekend & holidays)
Get Rental Equipment
Get Geared Up
Meet Instructor in the Ski School area
Head Out for Fun!

Do you have more questions such as:
What's easier, skiing or snowboarding? Should I take a lesson? What should I wear?
... keep scrolling down for more information.

Picture of a family of four obtaining their ski boots from two employees in the rental area. The family is dressed in winter gear and are interacting with the employees who are asking what size boots they wear. In the background are racks of boots designed for skiing and snowboarding.

Renting Equipment

The process of renting equipment at Pine Knob is easy. Check out our videos and blog posts about equipment and what to expect as a beginner.

This image is of the lift in the beginners area at Pine Knob. New skiing and snowboarding students can step on to this lift which is essentially a conveyor belt and it gently carries them to the top of a very small hill where they can begin to learn. The picture was taken on a sunny day and there are clouds in the sky and there is snow on the ground.

Lift Tickets

Lift tickets are required for quests and are necessary to gain access to the ski hill and all the various types of lifts.

Picture of guests riding a chair lift up the hill at Pine Knob. The picture was taken from a higher vantage point on the hill so you can see the chairlift, blue sky, snow on the hill, and buildings and trees at the bottom of the hill.

Getting Uphill

Pine Knob has lifts for different levels and abilities of skiing and snowboarding. Beginners will start with the Wonder Carpet, move on to the Tow Rope, and when they have the right skills, they will move on to the Chairlift.

Picture of Pine Knob Ski School instructor Mike. He is in a red ski instructor coat and snow pants. He is helping a young child with the placement of his skis and they are outdoors enjoying the snow.

Get Started with Safety and Fun

Make your experience on the slopes safe and fun with a certified Pine Knob Ski or Snowboard instructor. Make the most of your experience, gain confidence, and have fun faster with our lessons and programs.

Picture of two adult skiers wearing black and white winter gear, helmets, and skis. They are at the top of the Pine Knob ski hill and they are enjoying the snow. Behind them you can see the trees and land off in the distance.

Picture of three men riding the chair lift at Pine Knob, They are wearing winter gear including coats, helmets, snow pants, and gloves. They are all wearing their skis and are riding the chairlift to the top of the hill so that they may ski down.

Reinforce Good Habits

Continuing with lessons and programs helps students to reinforce good habits and make progress on the slopes. Fresh air and exercise contribute to healthy habits.

Friends and Community

One of the best parts of learning to ski and snowboard is making new friends, enjoying fun events, and having a blast during the winter months.

PURCHASE LESSONS HERE

LIMITED SUPPLY OF LESSONS - BOOK ONLINE IN ADVANCE

F.A.Q.s for Beginners

Q. Which is easier, snowboarding or skiing?
A. Skiing is generally easier to learn but harder to master. A new skier will be stopping and making easy turns on beginner terrain by the end of their first lesson. Snowboarding will usually take a few times out to get the hang of stops and turns, but then progress is quick

Q. Should I take lessons?
A. Yes. Your recreation time is valuable. A professional ski or snowboard instructor will help you to acquire the skills necessary to have a great day on the slopes. They also instill a lifelong passion for the sport. Kids in the student program are required to take lessons in order to participate in the reduced rate after school program. We feel that they have more fun when they are more skilled at their sport, and more importantly they are safer. Guests who are not in the student program are highly encouraged to take lessons, especially their first time out.

Q. What should I wear?
A. Both skiers and snowboarders should wear: one pair of synthetic ski or snowboard socks, long johns or fleece pants with nylon windproof snow pants. A synthetic blend turtleneck or long sleeve shirt with a sweater or fleece over it and a waterproof parka are best. Gloves or mittens should be waterproof and be able to stand the abuse of a tow rope. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves. A hat is better than earmuffs or a headband and we highly encourage everyone to wear a helmet. New snowboarders should also wear wrist guards. Skiers and Snowboarders should dress in layers so they can shed clothing if they become overheated. This happens often to new snowboarders.

Q. Can we take a combination lesson for both skiers and snowboarders?
A. No, these are two. separate disciplines. Students in a group or semi private lesson must pick one discipline only.

Q. Our family wants to learn how to ski together. We have a 4 year old, 10 year-old twins, and two parents. Can we learn together?
A. No. We recommend splitting it up so that everyone gets the attention they need. The lesson that a 4 year-old needs is very different from older students and the younger the skier, the more one-on-one attention they need. Normally students who are over seven years old do best in semi private or group settings. We would recommend putting the four year-old in a private lesson. We would recommend putting the two 10 year-old twins in a semi private class as long as they are similar in physical ability, and then the two adult parents could be in their own semi private. Doing this ensures that everyone gets the personalized attention they need to help them learn best. If everyone is a beginner, they will all be working in the same beginners area on the hill so will still be close to each other and will be able to watch and cheer each other on.

HOW TO VIDEOS TO GET YOU STARTED

Remember Pine Knob has rental helmets that are easily adjustable to fit a wide range of sizes.

Picture of four adult Pine Knob Ski School instructors and eleven children who are students. Everyone is dressed in colorful winter coats, snow pants, and gloves. They are outdoors on a sunny day, standing on the snow and smiling at the camera.

Picture of a sunset from the top of the Pine Knob hill with snow on the ground. Text indicates that guests may purchase six lessons for the price of five.

Get 6 Skiing or Snowboarding Lessons for the Price of 5

Give the gift of skiing or snowboarding or enjoy some savings for yourself. Our 6 for 5 Lesson Deal is a wonderful gift idea for a child, boyfriend, wife, parent - pick anyone in your life who should be hitting the slopes with you.
Inquire at the Ski School Desk for all your options.

Get Six Lessons for the Price of Five

We appreciate your patience and understanding with any necessary program changes due to current Covid-19 regulations.
PLEASE CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS: 248-625-0800 x4

CONTACT US

Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard School
7778 Sashabaw Rd., Clarkston, MI 48348
Phone: (248) 625-0800 x 4
Email: pkskischool@gmail.com

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SKI SCHOOL HOURS
available on days the resort is open for skiing & snowboarding

Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Monday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

We open at 9:00 a.m. on Holidays

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