LEARN TO SKi and snowboard
Contrary to popular belief, the sky isn’t the limit. In fact, it’s just the beginning. The Sky Tavern Junior Ski Program is the oldest and largest nonprofit Learn-to-Ski program in the country. Since 1948, over 125,000 youth have learned to ski or ride at Sky Tavern — all under the guidance of adult volunteers.
For 8 weeks during the winter, parents and adult volunteers are the essential heroes who make the Junior Ski Program successful. From instructors to parking lot attendants to cooks in the kitchen, these passionate volunteers make possible the priceless ear-to-ear smiles that are painted across the children’s faces. Our programs occur on weekends with members choosing to participate on Saturday, Sunday, or both days. Youth participants take a two-hour lesson in the morning, spending the remainder of the day practicing and showing off their newfound skills and confidence.
Sky Tavern memberships are designed to be affordable so that every child or young adult has the opportunity to learn to ski or ride. The membership cost is inclusive for the entire season; in most instances, it is comparable to the cost of one day at a typical resort!
We are a ski sport member training area, meaning you will not find day users. Everyone on the mountain is a volunteer dedicated to the success of every youth participant. Everyone is an essential part of the process of getting kids outside!
*NOTE:
Youth + Adult Participation: There are no child drop-offs. All youth require a parent or guardian on the mountain for the entire duration. The only exception are "Bus Students". Adults are 18+ years.
Weather Closures: If the weather is not safe or there is not enough snow, that weekend of closure is pushed back into March.
Sky Tavern Junior Ski Program typically opens in December/January.
Please see the calendar for opening dates.
Did you know?
You can become a certified ski or snowboard instructor too. You can get certified at 16!
"Teaching is how I give back to Sky Tavern. I was a SkyKid and I had no idea the teachers were just everyday people volunteering to make skiing accessible to everyone." - Unknown
AGES 4 TO 5
SkyKids
Exclusively for our youngest adventurers, SkyKids is our entry-level ski program for 4-5 year-olds. Our tiny but mighty participants are taught the basics by another parent in the program. Because of this structure, these children must be accompanied by a parent or adult, and at least one parent of the participating child must register as a SkyKid parent.
AGES 4 TO 7
Grommets
For our youngest snowboarders, Grommets is our entry-level snowboard program for 4-7-year-olds. Similar to our other entry-level programs, our adorable shredding participants are taught the basics by another parent in the program. Because of this structure, these children must be accompanied by a parent or adult, and at least one parent of participating children must register as a Grommet parent.
AGES 6 TO 8
Sky Bridge
For our transitional learners, SkyBridge is a ski program designed to provide a transitional learning environment for kids and parents from SkyKids (ages 4-5) into the Junior Ski (ages 6+) program. SkyBridge uses smaller groups and developmentally appropriate play-based learning to maximize the learning opportunities for our young skiers. Because of this structure, these children must be accompanied by a parent or adult, and at least one parent of participating children must register as a SkyBridge parent. Registration Note* Only register for this program if your child is a returning member who is 6-7 years old and level 3P+.
2024
Skykid parent
The SkyKids 4-5yr olds, must have at least one parent who participates in the program. SkyKid Parents work one-on-one with another child with the help of Certified Instructors, while their child receives instruction from a different parent. This proven method is very successful at Sky Tavern. Every SkyKid has a SkyKid parent but the SkyKid parent can have more than one SkyKid. At Sky Tavern, we believe that learning to ski is not only a fun and exhilarating experience, but also a great opportunity to create lasting memories together.
NOTE: All SkyKids, must have at least one parent participating in the program as a SkyKid Parent.
THE Goal of the Jr Ski Program
To get kids and families outside together, learning, sharing, and enjoying a sport for life.
“Chairlifts are the real social network above 7000 feet.
Life lessons get shared in a nine-minute ride to the top by both kids and adults. Results are priceless.” - Bill Henderson
AGES 6 TO 17
w/participating parents
JUNIOR SKI AND SNOWBOARD
Ski & snowboard programs for our youth & young adults, ages 6-17, include a two-hour lesson in the morning followed by free skiing for the remainder of the day.
AGES 6 TO 17
child of member
A Child of a Member MUST have an adult registered with them. Every child receives a 2-hour lesson from 9am to 11am from a volunteer instructor. Every child must attend a lesson to have afternoon access to the lift.
AN ADULT MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE CHILD. THERE ARE NO DROP-OFFS. Registration will NOT be approved until an adult is registered
Age 18+
Support member
Support Members are adults who participate in making Sky Tavern happen but are not instructors. Support Members are parents that want to ski or snowboard. This pass gives you access to the lifts and gives you a chance to keep up with your kids on the slopes. Support members are required to volunteer 2 hours per day, helping in everything from the parking lot to the kitchen. We are all volunteers!
NOTE: There are no child drop-offs. All youth memberships require a parent or guardian on the mountain for the entire duration the child is here. The only exception are "Bus Students". Adults are 18+ years. If you don’t wish to use the ski lift or take lessons buy the Member Only membership.
Age 18+
Member Only Membership
Non-Skiing Adult Volunteers
Membership for volunteers and supporters who wish to be on the mountain but do not wish to ski must purchase a Member Only membership. For insurance reasons, all individuals on the mountain must wear an ID Badge or day pass otherwise will be asked to leave. There is no exception to this rule.
bus student Program
Our Bus Student program is an independent membership pass for children ages 9 and up wishing to ride the bus to Sky Tavern from a local high school drop-off location, Wooster, or Reed High Schools. Bus students may attend one or both weekend days. Each bus ride is an additional charge and ride vouchers must be purchased online every Wednesday by 5 PM for the following weekend.
AGES 9+
Bus Student member
Passes for children, ages 9 and up, wishing to ride the bus to Sky Tavern from an area drop-off locations (Wooster & Reed) for one day of each program weekend, each bus ride is an additional charge, and ride vouchers must be purchased online.
Age 18+
Bus Supervisor
Adults 18 years of age and older, who wish to ride the bus and VOLUNTEER as adult supervisors. The Bus Supervisor checks kids in each time they ride the bus.
This pass allows lift access and includes adult lessons and fulfills the 2-hour volunteer requirement.
