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.
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.
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.
BECOME A SKI OR SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR
Volunteer to teach skiing or snowboarding with an option to become a certified instructor. Training for all instructors begins this fall and on snow as soon as possible. Reach out to Eric Ruud, Snowsports Director, if you have questions or are interested in volunteering as an instructor at Sky Tavern. Email Eric Here.
We can train you to become a certified instructor with PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) or AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors). These are the professional accrediting organizations for snow sports instruction in the US. A minimum single season process, certification involves classroom studies, on-snow clinics and teaching students. Classes start after Thanksgiving. If you are interested in pursuing certification reach out to Frank Deras, our Sky Tavern PSIA representative. Email Frank Here.
Click below for more information on PSIA and AASI
CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR 2026
PSIA/AASI Must have a Certification Number. Must be current.
Certified Instructors really help us run the program. They are those who organize and teach classes in skiing or boarding, what this is all about! This membership gives you access to the lifts.
Certified Instructor's Only!
INSTRUCTOR AGES 18+ 2026
We can teach you to teach! Instructors teach kids (6+) for the 2 hr lesson in the morning. Instructors have lessons in the afternoon. In-person operations are provided before the season
Sky Tavern Instructors are the keystone of it all!
JR. INSTRUCTOR AGES 12+
To become a Jr. Instructor the child must be 13 years of age or older and approved by the department head, Frank Deras.
Jr. Instructor shadows an instructor during the 2 hr morning lesson. They are required to attend afternoon training. Must be a level 6 or above.
Email- Info@skytavern.com for more information.
This is a great opportunity if the child needs volunteer hours.
BECOME A SKI PATROLLER
When you imagine a ski patroller, you might think of a first responder in a red jacket performing a mountain-side rescue of an injured skier or executing safety protocols to ensure mountain terrain is safe for all skiers and snowboarders. But there is no “typical” ski patroller; it takes all kinds to form this elite on-mountain safety team.
While there is no specific mold for being a ski patroller, there are a few common traits that all patrollers share. Ski Patrol members strongly desire to help others, learn emergency care techniques, improve their skiing and snowboarding skills, and enhance the safety and enjoyment of snow sports for all.
Being a member of the Ski Patrol means dedication to helping make snowsports safe especially when things don't go as expected. It means possessing the ability to ski any terrain, in any condition. It means acquiring a high level of outdoor emergency training in order to help someone when they are most in need. And, yes, it means having a lot of fun too!
Does this sound like you? If you would like to join those who proudly wear the cross on the slopes, Sky Tavern has a program for young adults and older folks for Ski Patrol membership and certification. The certification process involves extensive medical and on-the-mountain training, but the time and commitment are incredibly rewarding. The skills gained in Ski Patrol at Sky Tavern are carried beyond the mountain, leading to careers in medicine for many young adults.
Sky Tavern begins Ski Patrol training at age 15. Space is limited.
Sky Tavern Ski Patrol members include doctors, paramedics, firefighters, and highly trained individuals that are ready to help in times of need. We couldn’t conduct our ski programs without them!
SKI PATROL 2026
Please contact the Patrol Director to register.
Ski Patrol are adults who participate in making Sky Tavern safe while everyone enjoys the mountain.
Sky Tavern exists because of our members!
Interest in becoming a Patroler-
Please email-skipatrol@skytavern.com