The City of Toronto offers a full range of Learn to Ski and Snowboard lessons, ski and snowboard leadership courses, and race programs for participants of all ages and abilities.
Ski and snowboard lessons are offered at Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre. Learn how to register for recreation programs.
When registering for ski or snowboard lessons, select one of the two options:
Private lessons are for one participant to one instructor and may be available for ski (three years and older) and snowboard (six years and older). Semi-private lessons may also be available for two participants to one instructor (participants must be similar age and same ability level). Please contact the ski and snowboard centre for additional information.
This learn to ski program will encourage individuals with special needs to increase their comfort level on the snow and promote ski skill development. Get more information on Accessible Recreation.
The clinics may be available for all levels of ski and snowboard. The clinics allow individuals to achieve similar skills and goals in one longer session versus the same level broken-down over a four week or eight week course.
The instructor preparation course is open to those 13+ years old wishing to become a ski/snowboard instructor or race coach. For additional information, visit Leadership and Employment Readiness Certifications.
Review the ski and snowboard policies for additional information.
For all Early Child Ski levels, the caregiver is required to support the child on foot with proper winter footwear. Ski equipment is not required for caregivers. Caregivers must be at least 14 years of age to directly supervise the registered participant actively participating in the program.
First time skier or very limited experience on snow. Focus will be on mobility, straight runs and snowplow stop. Build confidence to stand/balance on skis with assistance and complete a run with instructor assistance.
First time skier or very limited experience on snow. Focus will be on mobility, straight runs, snowplows without assistance, stops in a wedge and direction change with skis in a wedge.
Focus will be on executing snowplow turns, controlling speed by wedge variation and independent use of facility surface lift.
Focus will be on achieving parallel skiing during the turn on easy terrain, progression to intermediate terrain and initiation of balance on outside ski. Lessons start on the beginner hill.
First time skier or very limited experience on snow. Focus will be on mobility, traversing, snowplow stop, basic snowplow turns, and standing up on skis and safe use of facility surface lift without assistance. Lessons start on the beginner hill.
Focus will be on executing linked snowplow turns, confidence while increasing speed and controlling it by wedge variation and safe use of facility surface lift. Lessons start on the beginner hill.
Focus will be on executing linked and rhythmical snowplow turns, skis parallel between turns, controlling speed by turn shape variation and introduction to pressure on downhill ski. Lessons start on the beginner hill.
Focus will be on bringing skis parallel at the end of the turn, pressure on downhill ski, link turns of various sizes and speeds, and speed control. Introduction to upper/lower body separation and use of ski poles. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on bringing skis parallel earlier in the turn, edging through angulation, timing and coordination of pole planting. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on keeping skis parallel while increasing speed, controlling speed and maintaining turn shape. Basic parallel turns on intermediate runs are expected at the completion of this program. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on balance on edges, upper/lower body separation and coordinating the pole plant with the right phase of the turn. Rhythmical performance turns are expected at the completion of this program. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on improvement of steering and pressure control, carving, terrain adaptation and introduction to racing. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Prerequisite: None.
First time skier or very limited experience on snow. Focus will be on mobility, traversing, snowplow stop, basic snowplow turns, speed control, and standing up on skis and safe use of facility surface lift without assistance. Lessons start on the beginner hill
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Adult Ski 1 or able to execute linked snowplow turns of different shapes on intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on executing linked and rhythmical snowplow turns, bringing skis parallel during the turn, controlling speed by turn shape variation, and introduction to pressure on downhill ski. First lesson on the beginner hill with fast progression to the intermediate terrain.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Adult Ski 2 or able to execute part of the turn with skis in parallel position.
Focus will be on bringing skis parallel earlier in the turn, edging through angulation and timing and coordination of pole planting. Basic parallel turns on intermediate runs are expected at the completion of this program. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
This is a Ski 1 and Ski 2 program for women 18+ years. It is geared for the beginner/intermediate skier wanting to improve her skiing while enjoying the company of others during the evening.
This introductory one time two-hour lesson is intended for first-time adult (18+ years) learners. Skiers will start on the rope tow/beginner terrain.
Skiers will learn the basics of putting on equipment, walking around with equipment, climbing and stopping, and turning in a wedge. Package includes a two-hour lesson with lift ticket and rental equipment (including helmet).
Review additional information about Introduction to Ski and Snowboard in the policies section.
Designed for advanced skiers wanting to further their skiing ability in a race-training format. It is great for skiers interested in getting into alpine racing. All racers must wear a helmet.
This program requires the review of Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources and the City of Toronto’s Concussion Code of Conduct. A signature indicating acknowledgement will be required for participants under the age of 26, or caregivers of participants under the age of 18, on the first day of program participation.
For more information visit Concussion Safety.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ski 6 or able to demonstrate aggressive basic parallel turns.
Focus will be on developing angulation and edging skills, introduction to race courses, and start gate techniques.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ski 8, Race 1 or strong intermediate/advanced skiers.
Focus on understanding tactics to giant slalom (GS) and slalom (SL) and various set up of slalom courses, and improve early edging and speed in race courses.
First time snowboarder or very limited experience on snow. Focus will be on balance, mobility, straight runs, use pressure to change direction on both edges, and safe use of facility lifts. Lessons start on the beginner terrain.
Focus will be on heel and toes side pendulum, traverse with a stop on both edges and turn heel side and toes side with assistance. Lessons start on the beginner terrain.
Focus will be on isolated turns without assistance, linking turns on both edges and independent use of facility lifts. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on pivoting, flexion and extension, ability to use variation of turn shape and speed on steeper terrain. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on introducing intermediate sliding turns, turning with the lower body and balance over the working edge. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on introduction of basic and intermediate carve turns, edge transfers, turn shape and speed variation, timing and coordination. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Prerequisite: None.
First time snowboarder or very limited experience on snow. Focus will be on balance, mobility, straight runs, use pressure to change direction on both edges and safe use of facility lifts with assistance. Lessons start on the beginner terrain.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Adult Snowboard 1 or able to side slip on both edges and use facility lifts independently.
Focus will be on linking turns on both edges, flexion and extension and ability to use variation of turn shape. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Adult Snowboard 2 or able to link rhythmical novice turns on intermediate terrain.
Focus will be on intermediate sliding turns, improvement of edge transfers and steering, and introduction of carve turns and switch ride. Lessons start on the intermediate terrain.
This introductory one time two-hour lesson is intended for first-time adult (18+ years) learners. Snowboarders will start on the main hill.
Snowboarders will learn the basics of putting on equipment and moving around, use of lifts and controlling speed on both the toe and heel edge. Package includes a two-hour lesson with lift ticket and rental equipment (including helmet).
Review additional information about Introduction to Ski and Snowboard in the policies section.
Programs will run in heavy snow, rain, sleet, and wind. Our instructors are trained to deal with various weather conditions and to ensure that quality lessons take place. In very severe conditions the ski and snowboard centres may close and lessons postponed. Lessons cancelled by Parks, Forestry and Recreation will be added at the end of the scheduled period of lessons (weather permitting).
For four-week and eight-week programs, registration is permitted up to the start of the program’s second class. There are no make-up classes for lessons missed for personal reasons. Registered participants will be withdrawn if not up to class level after the first class screening.
Skiers/snowboarders will be assessed on the first day of lessons to ensure they are in the appropriate level.
A progress report card will be provided to each participant at the end of the program. This will indicate the next level the skier/snowboarder can register for.
Instructors are available to provide feedback throughout each session.
A $13 administrative fee (per person/per course), will apply for all transfers and/or withdrawals/credits. Transfers must be requested prior to the second class for four-week programs and third class for eight-week programs.
Refunds or credits will only be considered if you submit your withdrawal before the program starts. Withdrawal/Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing/email, dated and/or delivered in person to the respective Ski and Snowboard Centre. Withdrawals will be prorated based on the date of withdrawal, not based on attendance in the program.
Our program ages are set in accordance with industry standards. They have been implemented based on the physical demands of the skill sets that will be taught (including muscle control, muscle coordination and strength development). In order to ensure the safety of all participants, age overrides are not permitted for ski or snowboard programs given the complex nature of all skill sets being taught during lessons.
| Age Group | Ski | Snowboard |
|---|---|---|
| three years
Supervised Terrain Area |
3:1 | n/a |
| four to five years old | 5:1 | n/a |
| six years old and older | 8:1 | 6:1 |
Participants who miss their booked lesson will be charged the full lesson fee. Participants must arrive 45 minutes prior to their lesson and must check in with the facility staff. Every participant must attend one of our lesson tag pick-up and rental equipment fitting days. All participants must have a lesson tag in order to participate in their lesson.
Due to the structure of the lesson, participants arriving after the start of class will not be permitted to participate. Participants who miss their booked lesson will be charged the full lesson fee.
All participants must have a lesson tag in order to participate in their lesson. Upon registering for a program or set of private lessons, every participant must attend a lesson tag pick-up and rental equipment fitting day. Registered participants are required to read, understand and sign the release of liability waiver in order to receive a lesson tag. Participants under 18 years of age must have the release of liability waiver signed by a caregiver.
All participants renting equipment must be properly sized for skis or snowboards to help eliminate size changes on the first day of lessons. Caregiver of participants under 18 years of age must be present on this day.
To get the most out of your lessons, we recommend that you do not wait until the first class to pick-up your lesson tag or get fitted for rental equipment. If you are not able to pick up your lesson tag and/or get fitted for rental equipment in advance, it is recommended that you come at least two hours prior to the start of your first scheduled class to complete these tasks.
A $13 replacement fee will be charged for lost lesson tags.
For the safety of all patrons and participants, proper ski/snowboard equipment must be worn on any of the hills or on-snow-terrain.