Many Wayne County residents, especially children, enjoy hitting the slopes. If you want to get your kids started with snowboarding or skiing but don’t know where to begin, it may be a good idea to look into lessons. After all, attempting any new sport for the first time can be dangerous without the instruction of a trained professional. Read on for some great places that offer lessons close to home.
Blizzard Ski and Snowboard School
Blizzard Ski and Snowboard School has been teaching folks to ski and snowboard since 1963 and has earned recognition as a Gold Merit School. What makes them special is that their instructors study the psychology of how children and adults learn to make the experience easier and more fun. On Saturdays, your youngsters can participate in lessons based on their age group at either Pine Knob or Mt. Holly slopes. Groups include a tot ski program for children three to five, mini ski program for children six to eight, and a youth ski and snowboard program for children eight to 12. Blizzard has 10 Skiing levels that measure ability (B, L, I, ZZ, A, R, D, Bronze, Silver, Gold). Snowboard has 8 Levels (Rocker, Yellow, White, Green, Blue, Black, Double Black, Gold). Mini has 7 Levels (Rocker, Yellow, White, Green, Blue, Black, Double Black).
248-677-9705 | P.O. Box 631, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
Alpine Valley
Alpine Valley boasts its own classes among 25 slopes that can facilitate any skill level comfortably. Their Abominable Snow Kids program has three different age groups to get your child out having fun. Children, three through four are in the Penguin group, ages five through eight are in Snow Foxes, and kids nine through 12 are Polar Bears. Each lesson includes a two-hour session of group instruction, games/activities on an off the slope, a Facebook photo album, and hot chocolate.
248-887-2180 | 6775 Highland Rd., White Lake, MI 48383
Mt. Holly
Fans of winter sports have been enjoying Mt. Holly for over 60 years. With almost 20 slopes, seven chairlifts (including Southeast Michigan’s only high-speed detachable quad), two SunKid Wonder Carpets, and four rope tows, Mt.Holly is a skiers dream. For those who aren’t planning to hit the slopes, there is free wi-fi, two cafeterias, a fireplace room, lounge with additional fireplaces and a full-service ski shop. Of course, there is also a ski lesson package available for children aged five through ten.
248-634-8269 | 13536 S. Dixie Hwy., Holly, MI 48442
Mt. Brighton Ski Area
A trip to Mt. Brighton will only take you about 45 minutes away from Detroit, and it’s well worth the drive. Mt. Brighton has been operating since 1960 and welcomes skiers and snowboarders from all over to enjoy their 25 trails and 130 acres. Not only is it a beautiful place for experienced winter sports participants, but it’s a good place to learn as well. They offer several programs for beginners, such as their Burton Riglet Program, which helps get kids aged three to seven engaged in snowboarding, while kids three to twelve can partake in multi-week programs of full or half day group lessons.
810-229-9581 | 4141 Bauer Rd., Brighton, MI 48116
Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort
Head over to Clarkston for a rocking good time zipping down the trails of Pine Knob. They offer seventeen runs that support beginner, intermediate, expert and double diamond ski levels. For children, there are several offerings to get them out on the slopes. Kindersparks for kids five through ten is a ski lesson that teaches the basics of skiing and using the wonder carpet and rope tow. For kids who want a little excitement, they offer junior development racing where they are grouped according to age, ability, and goal.
800-642-7669 | 7778 Sashaba Rd., Clarkston, MI 48348
