Snow School – Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lessons do you offer?
Our Snow School offers lessons for all ages and ability levels — from first-time to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Programs are tailored for children (4- 5), Youth (6-13), teens, adults and families.
Are your lessons private or group-based?
We offer both:
Private Lessons — Personalized one-on-one instruction. You can also create your own private small group (up to 4 participants).
8-Weekend Programs — Fun, group sessions organized by age and skill level.
Sunday Programs — Small group lessons for intermediate skiers looking to refine their skills.
Holiday & Camp Programs — Multi-day group sessions offered during Christmas and March Break.
Discover Skiing — Group lessons for first-timers that introduce you to the sport.
How do I book?
Lessons can be booked:
Online at www.calabogie.com
By phone at 613-752-2720 ext. 1710
In person at the Snow School desk inside the Adventure Centre
Early booking is strongly recommended as weekends and holidays fill quickly.
What is your Private and Group Cancellation Policy?
Lessons can be cancelled or changed up to 48 hours before the scheduled start time.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the start time and no-shows are non-refundable.
Changes requested within 48 hours may be possible depending on availability and will incur a $25 processing fee.
No-shows cannot be rescheduled or refunded.
What is your Programs and Camps Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations made 14 days or more before the start date will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made fewer than 14 days before the start date, or no-shows, are non-refundable.
Calabogie Peaks may cancel a program if there is insufficient enrollment. In this case, guests will receive a full refund.
How do weather or safety affect cancellations?
If Calabogie Peaks must cancel lessons due to weather, safety, or operational reasons, guests will be rescheduled at no additional cost.
If rescheduling isn’t possible, a full refund for the affected day will be provided.
Do I need to buy a lift ticket?
Yes. A lift ticket or season pass is required for all lessons.
The Discover program includes both your beginner lift ticket and rentals.
Can I rent my equipment?
Yes. Rental packages are available and should be reserved in advance. Please arrive early to complete fittings.
Helmets are mandatory for children’s lessons, required in terrain parks, and strongly recommended for all guests.
What should I know before I arrive?
Know Before You Go:
Arrive 60 minutes early (90 minutes if renting equipment)
Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers
Bring waterproof gloves or mittens, goggles, sunscreen, and lip balm
Label children’s belongings
Check your lesson confirmation for times and meeting location
Lessons run in all weather conditions — dress accordingly
Meeting Point: All lessons meet outside the Adventure Centre (Main Lodge, Ground Floor) at the Snow School flag area. Please check in 5–10 minutes early.
What are your instructor standards?
Our instructors are certified through the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA) or the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI), or equivalent training and undergo annual training to ensure the highest standards of teaching and safety.
- Some instructors and Teaching Assistants are trained by Calabogie Peaks, and then subsequently by CSIA or CASI
Can I request a specific instructor?
Yes. Requests can be made in advance and are accommodated whenever possible.
The snow school has asked me to describe my skiing ability. Are there one or more categories I should use?
Yes. Please use one of the 9 categories below to describe your ski level ability
Level 1: First Time
-Foundational skills
-Moving about the base of the hill
-Gliding and changing direction out of the fall line
Level 2: Beginner
-Skating on flat terrain
-Deliberate turning
-Using lifts
-Developing directional control
Level 3: Beginner +
-Linking wedge turns on beginner slopes
-Comfortable with chairlifts
-Exploring green terrain
Level 4: Novice
-Skiing all green runs
-Starting to match skis (parallel introduction)
Level 5: Novice +
-Wedge turns on steeper greens and easy blues
-Refined turning with feet and legs
-Effective use of ski poles
Level 6: Intermediate
-Comfortable on all blue runs (basic parallel)
-Beginning to ski bumps
-Refining tipping and edging moves
Level 7: Intermediate +
-Confident on all blue and groomed black runs (parallel turns)
-Greater confidence in variable terrain and snow conditions
Level 8: Advanced
-Dynamic turns on all black runs
-Handles variable terrain and snow
-Park & pipe features, big bumps
Level 9: Expert
-Mastery of skiing anytime, anywhere, any condition
-Freestyle and extreme terrain expertise
The snow school has asked me to describe my boarding ability. Are there one or more categories I should use?
Yes. Please use one of the 5 categories below to describe your snowboarding level
Level 1: First Time
-Foundations of movement
-Glide and change direction
-Moving at the base of the mountain
-Pushing with one foot in
Level 2: Beginner
-Pendulum on edges
-Turning on heel or toe side
Level 3: Novice
-Medium to large turns on varied terrain
-Riding comfortably on green and blue terrain
Level 4: Intermediate
-Riding switch (opposite stance)
-Getting air by coasting
-Comfortable on blue or black terrain
Level 5: Advanced
-Carving on toe and heel side
-Riding on bumpy, uneven terrain
-Getting air by popping
What happens after my lesson?
Enjoy the rest of your day on the mountain — your lift ticket and rentals remain valid for the day of your lesson.
Guests in Discover packages must return rentals after their session.
What if my lesson wasn’t an enjoyable experience?
If you are not satisfied with your experience, please speak with the Snow School Supervisor so we can make it right.
Do you offer special programs for guests with disabilities?
Yes. Please contact the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Program – NCD Division:
https://www.cads-ncd.ca/contact-cads-ncd/calabogie-main-page
How do I contact the Snow School?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 613-752-2720 ext. 1710
Location: Adventure Centre, Main Lodge (Ground Floor)
School Group – Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Trip
How do I reserve an education trip for my school?
Contact our Group Sales Team at [email protected] or 613-752-2720 ext. 1710.
We’ll help you select a date, confirm pricing, provide a link to the rental form, and book your visit.
Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
School group rates apply to groups of 20+ participants. Each group receives one free chaperone lift ticket and rental for every ten students registered.
What does the school group package include?
Our school program includes a full-day lift ticket, one-hour group lesson and safety assessment with trained instructors (mandatory for all participants), ski or snowboard equipment rental with helmet, and a complimentary lift ticket and rental for one teacher or chaperone per ten students.
When is payment due?
Payment is due on the day of the trip. It can be made by credit card, debit, or e-transfer.
We can also email your approved invoice to your school for payment.
Can students choose skiing or snowboarding?
Yes. Students may choose either skiing or snowboarding. Please indicate the number of each on your rental form so equipment and instructors can be assigned in advance.
Do students need to sign waivers?
Schools are responsible for collecting completed waivers.
Arrival & Check-In
Where do we go when we arrive?
Buses pull up in front of the main lodge. Students remain on the bus while our staff greet the group and review the day’s schedule and safety information.
Teachers or group leaders then bring students into a designated area of the ski lodge. One or more leaders check in at the Adventure Centre to collect RFID lift cards.
How long does check-in take?
It usually takes 45–60 minutes from bus arrival to being ready to ski or snowboard. The process includes orientation, rentals, and lessons.
Where do buses park?
After unloading, bus drivers are directed to the designated parking area beside the main lodge access road.
What if we arrive late?
We will do our best to accommodate your group.
Lessons & Rentals
Are lessons mandatory for all students?
Yes. All students, regardless of ability, participate in a safety assessment then a lesson at the beginning of the day. Lessons reinforce safety awareness and fundamental skiing and snowboarding skills. They also allow us to complete the safety assessment, “X Test.”
How long is the lesson?
Usually one hour. However, intermediate and advanced skiers may leave the beginner bowl earlier if they demonstrate skiing in control.
What is the X Test?
Snow School instructors have students ski or ride through a series of gates and manoeuvres to determine ability.
How are ability levels defined?
First-time: skier or snowboarder
Beginner: Can stop and turn; comfortable on green slopes.
Intermediate: Confident on blue slopes; developing carving and balance.
Advanced: Comfortable on any slope or terrain.
Why are ability levels defined?
Only novice, intermediate, and advanced skiers or riders are allowed to use the chairlifts. First-time and beginner students must ski or ride on the beginner bowl area until they have achieved Novice level or higher and can complete the Safety Assessment.
Does a ski instructor ski on the mountain with the students?
Typically, an instructor will ski down the hill with students in groups one or more times. The instructors show the students the trail colours signs so students ski or ride on trails with colours that matches their ability to always stay in control.
What is a chaperone’s role?
Chaperones should ski with the students to promote safety and skiing or riding on trails that are suited to students abilities.
Can students change from ski to snowboard on the day of arrival?
We recommend confirming choices one week prior to the visit to ensure correct equipment and instructors are available.
How do rentals work?
The rental shop staff will size each student for boots and equipment. Students should wear one pair of socks, snow pants, and know their shoe size in advance. Helmets are mandatory and included with all rentals.
What happens if a student damages or loses equipment?
Teachers should report missing or damaged gear to the rental department before departure. Repair or replacement fees may apply.
On-Hill Experience & Safety
Are helmets required?
Yes. Helmets are mandatory for all students and strongly recommended for supervisors.
Can school groups use the terrain park?
No. For safety reasons, the terrain park is off-limits to school groups unless pre-approved and supervised by Calabogie Peaks staff.
What is the Alpine Responsibility Code?
The Code is a set of industry safety rules that all guests must follow — including skiing in control, yielding to others, and obeying all signs and closures. Teachers should review the Code with students before the trip.
Where is First Aid located?
The Ski Patrol First Aid Room is in the Grand Central building at the base of the mountain. Trained patrol staff are on duty whenever lifts are operating.
What happens in bad weather or lift closures?
If extreme weather, power outages, or mechanical issues affect operations, the Adventure Centre team will help reschedule.
Facilities & Meals
Is there a designated lunch area?
Yes. A reserved seating area in the main lodge is available for school groups.
Can students bring their own lunches?
Yes. Students may bring packed lunches. Please store bags neatly on wall shelves.
What food options are available?
The Mountain Cat Cafeteria offers burgers, pizza, soups, fries, and snacks. Seasonal menus and prices are listed at the cafeteria counter.
Clothing & Equipment Guidelines
What should students wear?
Dress in warm, waterproof layers: base (wicking), middle (insulating), and outer (windproof/waterproof). Waterproof mitts or gloves are essential. Avoid cotton and long scarves. Goggles or sunglasses are recommended.
Are lockers available?
Yes. Lockers are located on the lower level of the main lodge and can be rented for the day.
Do you offer adaptive instruction?
Adaptive skiing is available through the Calabogie–NCD Adaptive Snow-Sports program, which offers personalized instruction for students requiring specialized equipment or teaching methods. Please coordinate directly with the program at [insert contact information].
Supervision & Conduct
How many supervisors are required?
We recommend one adult supervisor for every ten students. One complimentary lift ticket and rental package is provided per ten students.
What are the expectations for student behaviour?
Supervisors must ensure that students follow the Alpine Responsibility Code, attend lessons, ski or ride within their ability, and respect other guests and resort property.
What should supervisors do in an emergency?
Contact Ski Patrol immediately. Any staff member in uniform can call patrol by radio. First Aid is located in the Grand Central building.
Policies & Administration
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Trips can be rescheduled without penalty due to unsafe travel or weather conditions.
Please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes. The Rental Department manages lost and found. Items are held for two weeks before being donated.
Are drones or outside instructors allowed?
No. Drones and outside instructors are not permitted on the property for safety and liability reasons.
General Information
How many runs and lifts are there?
Calabogie Peaks offers 24 trails and 2 chairlifts, plus a beginner carpet area ideal for school groups.
What if a student loses their RFID card?
Report it to the Adventure Centre for a replacement. A small reissue fee may apply.
Does the resort have Wifi?
Yes. Free guest WiFi is available in the lodge.