Frequently Asked Questions about Summit Lesson Programs
1. WHAT ARE THE SNOW CONDITIONS UP THERE?
Please call our Snowline 206-236-1600 or visit our conditions page.
2. WHAT ARE THE ROAD CONDITIONS UP THERE?
Please call the WA D.O.T. Road Report at 511. The D.O.T. website for Snoqualmie Pass is found here.
3. DO I NEED CHAINS?
Please call the WA D.O.T. Road Report 511. The Summit at Snoqualmie is a mountain environment. The Summit highly recommends you carry chains in your vehicle in the winter. Conditions can change at any moment.
4. I WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EZ 2 LEARN PROGRAM, BUT I CAN MAKE TURNS & RIDE THE CHAIR…
Sorry! EZ 2 LEARN is for absolute, first-time beginners only. Please try our Private Lessons or Consecutive Week Lessons.
5. DO I NEED TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR THE EZ 2 LEARN BEGINNER LESSONS?
Reservations are not accepted for the EZ 2 LEARN lessons. Day 1 (first-time) beginner skier and snowboarder lessons go out at the same time as the daily group lessons. Students and instructors meet at the Summit Learning Center meeting areas at Summit West and Summit Central. Students participating in Day 2 and Day 3 lessons, and anyone other than first-time beginners, meet for lessons at 1pm ONLY at Summit Central and Summit West.
6. HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE AT THE MOUNTAIN RENTAL SHOP BEFORE A GROUP LESSON?
You should arrive about 1 to 1 ½ hours before the lesson start time. Check in at the rental shop if you need rental equipment. Please allow even more time on Weekends and Holidays.
7. I HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD WHO WANTS TO SNOWBOARD. WHAT DO I DO?
For children under the age of 7 who wish to snowboard, we offer private lessons.
8. WHAT IS A CONSECUTIVE WEEK PROGRAM?
A consecutive week lesson program allows a student to pre-register for a set number of weeks of lessons (usually 4, 6 or 8) at the same time, same place and generally with the same instructors and students. Consecutive week lesson students meet at the numbered signs within the Summit Learning Center meeting areas at Summit West, Summit Central and Alpental. Lessons DO NOT meet at rental shops.
Consecutive week lessons require pre-registration, freeing you up from lesson paperwork each week! Just be sure to check the posted roster each week to see if your instructors changed your class assignment. See Consecutive Week Lessons on the website.
9. HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A CONSECUTIVE WEEK LESSON?
Click here for Consecutive Week Lessons. Please remember that lift tickets and rentals are an additional cost.
10. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KID’S CLUB AND KID’S CORRAL?
- Kid’s Club is at Summit West. Kid’s Corral is at Summit Central.
- Kid’s Club operates Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. Kid’s Corral operates Monday thru Sunday.
- At Kid’s Club, we boot and fit in the Kid’s Club Facility. At Kid’s Corral, you go thru the Rental shop with your child and help them get fitted into their rental gear.
11. IS LUNCH PROVIDED FOR MY CHILD?
½ DAY PACKAGE – No lunch provided.
All DAY PACKAGE – Includes supervised lunch at Kid’s Corral & Kid’s Club
Consecutive Week Programs – NO lunches included for Consecutive Week Lesson Programs. But remember to provide a bag lunch for Alpentykes at Alpental.
12. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD?
Three year old children can participate in ski lessons with the Summit Learning Center. Private lesson options are located here. Be aware! Three year old offerings sell out quickly. Register or reserve as soon ahead of your trip as possible!
13. DO YOU OFFER ANY CHILDCARE SERVICES?
Unfortunately, no. However, there are plenty of lesson opportunities for children 3 and up. Expose them early to our beautiful mountain environment and the joy of snowsports!
14. DO I NEED A RESERVATION FOR PRIVATE LESSONS?
Reservations are not required, but are highly recommended. Private Lessons are very popular and do reach capacity before reservation deadlines. For more information check the Private Lessons webpage or call 425-434-6748.
15. DO I NEED A RESERVATION FOR KID’S CLUB OR KID’S CORRAL?
Reservations are not required, but are highly recommended, as they fill up quickly. Reservations are strongly recommended as lesson programs do sell out. Avoid disappointment by placing reservations as far in advance as possible. Reservations can be made online with 36 hours advance notice, by phone with 36 hours advance notice, or on operating days only, in person at Kid’s Club or Kid’s Corral.
16. I MADE A PRIVATE LESSON RESERVATION, WHERE DO I CHECK IN?
Summit West: Summit Learning Center (SLC) counter in Welcome Center Building, Main Rental Level
Summit Central: Monday thru Thursday: 3rd Floor Rental Shop
Friday thru Sunday & Holidays: 2nd Floor Rental Shop
Alpental: Summit Learning Center (SLC) office
17. CAN I USE A SLED TO TRANSPORT MY CHILD/EQUIPMENT TO AND FROM LESSONS?
NO. Sleds are not allowed anywhere on the premises due to safety concerns.
If you’re interested in sliding on the snow, please check our Tubing Center which offers lift-served tubing and rentals (click here for the Tubing page). While The Summit does not allow sledding, several local sno-parks do. Click here for more information.
18. WHERE CAN I GO SLEDDING AT THE PASS?
Our tubing center has lift-served sliding on tubes and rentals. If you are looking for free sledding, you can go sledding at the John Wayne Trail SnoPark (SnoPark pass required).
19. DO YOU SELL SNOPARK PASSES?
No, we do not sell SnoPark passes. SnoPark passes are not available anywhere on Snoqualmie Pass, so please plan ahead. Visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/permits.asp for information from Washington State Parks.
20. WHERE CAN I GET A SNOPARK PASS?
At the Ranger Stations in North Bend 425-888-1421 or Cle Elum 509-674-4411. At the Forest Service Information Center at Summit West (425-434-6111- call first to make sure they are available). You can also get them at many sporting goods stores. (Be aware — government offices are closed on federal holidays. On weekends and some holidays there is a state park ranger at the John Wayne Trail who will sell you a SnoPark pass. Visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/permits.asp.
21. WHERE CAN I GO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING?
The Nordic Center is located at Summit East (Hyak) exit 54 on I-90. Rentals are available Fridays thru Sundays.
22. WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR DURING SKI OR SNOWBOARD LESSONS?
You or your child should dress in layers and you should be sure to label all your child’s clothing. Be prepared for changes in the weather! Warm, dry clothing for the ride home is also a good idea!
Clothing Checklist:
- Warm waterproof pants or bibs.
- Warm waterproof jacket.
- Long (to upper calf), thermal or wool socks
- Long underwear
- Turtle neck (poly/cotton blend)
- Sweater (wool or fleece)
- Wool or fleece hat.
- Gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer) – 2 pair in case one goes missing
- Rain gear
- Goggles (make sure that they fit or sunglasses
- Sunscreen /lip balm
WARNING! Wearing all these items on a warmer day may cause extreme overheating…use your judgement to decide what is too hot to wear.
23. EQUIPMENT TIPS FOR CHILDREN
If you are using your own equipment, please make sure that it is all in good working condition before arriving for your first lesson. It is a parental responsibility to make sure a child’s equipment fits properly and to determine the equipment is in proper working order. Practice putting the equipment on at home so your child is familiar with its use. Be sure to label all equipment including gloves (mittens) and goggles.