A snowboarder in black winter gear and a helmet performs a jump against a bright blue sky, with snow spraying beneath the blue snowboard. Ski lift towers are visible in the background.

SnowSports Academy

Three Rivers offers downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing lessons for all ages and abilities in the Twin Cities. Our SnowSports Academy instructors are among the best in the Midwest, using proven techniques to help students master winter sports.

Choose from public, private and semi-private lessons, or our terrain park development program, to meet your needs this winter.

Downhill Ski & Snowboard Lessons

Three Rivers offers a variety of lessons and teams throughout the winter season for both downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Public Lessons

Public lessons are offered throughout the winter season for youth and adults, with most sessions being for three weeks. Students are evaluated on the first day and separated into groups by age and ability. 

All public lessons include a lift ticket. Read our lesson policies for more information on registration, instructions for the first lesson and weather closures.

Lessons at Hyland Hills

Register online at the links below or by phone at 763-559-6700.

View all downhill ski and snowboard lessons at Hyland Hills or browse by lesson type:

You can also learn more about Hyland Hills.

Lessons at Elm Creek

Register online at the links below or by phone at 763-559-6700.

View all downhill ski and snowboard lessons or browse by lesson type below:

You can also learn more about Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area.

Private Lessons

Learn at your own pace and realize your goals with personalized instruction through our private and semi-private lessons! Private lessons are available at both Hyland Hills and Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area. 

  • Private lessons for downhill skiing (ages 4+) and snowboarding (ages 5+) are 90 minutes and include a lift ticket. 
  • Semi-private lessons have a limit of two people of similar age and ability. 

Scheduling is based on instructor availability.

Private Lessons at Hyland Hills

For one-on-one lessons at Hyland Hills, register online or by phone at 763-694-7800, ext. 1.

For semi-private lessons at Hyland Hills, register by phone at 763-694-7800, ext. 1.

Pricing

  • Private Lesson: $78
  • Additional person for a semi-private lesson*: $63
  • Discounted lesson equipment rental**: $19

*Semi-private lessons available for ages 6+ only.
**Available for purchase on the day of a private lesson.

Private Lesson Times at Hyland Hills

Downhill Ski

Mondays–Fridays (non-holidays): 1 PM, 3 PM or 5 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 9 AM, 11 AM, 1:15 PM or 3:15 PM

Snowboard

Weekends & Holidays: 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:30 PM or 3:30 PM

Private Lessons at Elm Creek

For one-on-one lessons at Elm Creek, register online or by phone at 763-694-2050. 

For semi-private lessons at Elm Creek, register by phone at 763-694-2050.

  • Private Lesson: $60
  • Additional person for a semi-private lesson: $42
  • Discounted lesson equipment rental: $10
  • Helmet rental: $7.50

Private Lesson Times at Elm Creek

Downhill Ski

Mondays–Fridays (non-holidays): 3 PM, 5 PM or 7 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM or 3 PM

Snowboard

Mondays–Fridays (non-holidays): 3 PM, 5 PM or 7 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM or 3:30 PM

Terrain Park Development Programs

The Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek offers development programs for young, intermediate skiers and riders looking to advance their skills in the terrain park. 

These club-style, season-long lesson programs include an Elm Creek season pass and Elm Creek apparel.

Learn more about each program and register below:

You can also explore the 2024-2025 brochures for Hyland Hills and Elm Creek. 

Cross-Country Ski Lessons

Three Rivers offers classic cross-country, adapted cross-country and skate ski lessons for adults and children at least 6 years old. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Public Lessons

Three Rivers offers group lessons and clubs for adults and children, including adapted ski opportunities.

View all cross-country ski lessons and clubs or browse by type:

Private Lessons

To request a private lesson, complete this form.

Private lessons will begin after December 8, as snow conditions allow.

Choose between classic or skate techniques. Lessons are 90 minutes long, and will begin and end outdoors. 

Skiers must be at least 6 years old for classic lessons and at least 10 years old for skate ski lessons. 

In accordance with the Safe Sport Law, all participants ages 17 and under must be accompanied by another participating skier or onsite adult. Youth ages 11 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult skier.

Rates*

  • $70/one-on-one private lesson
  • $85/group of two
  • $100/group of three
  • $115/group of 4–6 people

*Equipment not included in lesson rates. View rates and reservation information for classic and skate-style rentals.

Scheduling a Private Lesson

Requests for private lessons should be received at least seven days prior to your requested date. Lessons are not confirmed until payment has been received. 

You can request private lessons using this form or by calling us at 763-559-6700.

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Other Questions? Contact Us

Have questions about about our skiing and snowboarding lesson programs? 

We're happy to answer them. Call us at 763-559-6700.