Our professional ski instructional staff at Mt. Hood Meadows believes you're never too old, or young to start snow sports. We begin instruction at age 3 in private lesson formats and at age 4 in group lessons (snowboard lessons begin at age 7). Our instructors know that the key to making a young person a good skier or snowboarder is to get him or her involved and having fun. Our pros are very experienced in engaging and playing with young people.
The Best Children's Instructional Program in Oregon
What separates Meadows from the other resorts? It's our commitment to providing the quality of instruction and the infrastructure needed to support the high but focused energy levels needed to progress technique.
- It starts with the staff. Meadows has more PSIA Certified professional instructors than any other resort in Oregon. And no other resort has the high level of PSIA trainers, coaches and clinicians. We practice what we teach - our instructors are taking lessons all the time from the best - Director Chris Kastner, veteran of the PSIA National Alpine Team and past Vice President of Certification for PSIA Northwest.
- Indoor support - our full day KidSki and KidsRide programs and our Sno-Blaster programs are supported with an indoor staff which assists and entertains the kids before, between and after their lessons. Keeping them engaged and having fun for the whole day is essential to skill building.
- Outdoor infrastructure - you need look no further than our Fun Zone to see Meadows' commitment towards teaching excellence. Instead of the rope tow you see at most ski areas, you'll see two over the snow conveyers, including The Ballroom Carpet the only enclosed conveyer in the Northwest. The smooth ride up in that glass tunnel is as much fun as sliding back down. And the kids aren't getting worn out fighting the rope tow. A few runs in the Fun Zone and their ready to advance to our Buttercup beginner lift, and the terrain beyond.