Skill Level Descriptions
Snowboard Level Description
Level 1 Beginner
Level 2 Can ride the chairlift Can read the fall line Can do garland turns Can vary my garland turn shape
Level 3 Can link skidded toeside to heelside turns Can control my speed with turn shape Can absorb uneven terrain. Can make turns on Green terrain
Level 4 Can link skidded turns in varied terrain Can comfortably ride all Green runs and easy Blue runs
Level 5 Can use turn shape for speed control, reduction, maintenance, and generation Can ride switch on Green trails Can ride comfortably on all Blue runs in varied conditions Comfortable on most Black terrain
Level 6 Able to handle anything the mountain can throw at them
Skiing Level Description
Level 1 (Beginner)
Level 2 (Wedge Turns?) I can make control linked wedge turns to the bottom. I can control linked wedge turns and make spontaneous wide and narrow turns. I can make spontaneous turns and come to a complete stop by turning in either direction.
Level 3 (Wedge Christie) I have begun working on reducing the size of my wedge turns. I can start all my turns in a wedge and bring my skis to a match at the end of each turn.
Level 4 (Adv. Wedge Christie) I have begun working on adv wedge christie (bringing my skis together early in the turn.) I can wedge my skis slightly at the beginning of each turn but bring them together very early in my turn. I can ski moderately and I am beginning to use my inside pole as a timing steady devise.
Level 5 (Open Parallel) I have begun to work on keeping my skis parallel without a wedge. I can change the edges of my skis at the same time without a wedge. I can use a pole touch to time and steady my turns.
Level 6 (Dynamic Parallel) I can use my whole body towards the new turn to change directions. I can Swing and touch my pole to the snow to start each turn. I am linking parallel turns continuously.
Frequently Asked Questions Multi-Week Lesson Programs
What kind of clothing should I wear?
Layers. Layers of appropriate winter outerwear, waterproof gloves, no loose articles of clothing, and goggles are recommended.
Should my child ski or snowboard?
This depends on your child’s interest. It doesn’t matter which sport your child learns first. If you child expresses an interest in one over the other, go with that.
Can I switch to skiing from snowboarding and vice versa?
Yes, we will allow you to switch programs, however, only during the first week of the program.
How are children placed in classes?
We ask that you review the Skiing and Snowboarding Ability Level Descriptions on the lesson registration form and register your child accordingly. On the first day, children are tested and placed into classes according to age and ability.
Where do the classes meet?
Classes meet in our Ski and Snowboard School Learning Area. Snowboard classes meet at Orange Cones with numbers that correspond to their assigned group number. ¦ Group numbers are based on the ability level that each group is being taught to. Ski classes meet at Yellow Cones with numbers that correspond to their assigned group number.
Where do I meet my child at the end of class?
Students are released at the bottom of the trail that class ended on. Please arrange a meeting place with your child before the lesson begins. Lessons may begin and end on different slopes. Stress to your children where you will be when their lesson is completed.
Can I watch the lesson? Yes, but you must stand at the bottom of hill and out of the way of skiers / snowboarders on the hill.
How early should I arrive? At least a half hour early.
When should I have my rental equipment fitted? We ask that you get fitted for your equipment at least one week prior to the scheduled multi- week or multi- day lesson program.
Do I need to wear a helmet? This decision is at the parents’ discretion. Lost Valley does not require that a helmet is worn, however helmets are available to rent.
Will classes be held in the snow, rain, or cold weather?
Lessons are often held in inclement weather conditions. If the weather is questionable, please check lostvalleyski.com/cancellations.html or call (207)-784-1561 to check the status of your lesson.
What if a class is postponed by Lost Valley? Classes, if postponed by Lost Valley, will be made up at the end of the program. If you or your group elects not to come on a day when Lost Valley is open and lessons are running, there will be no make up day.
What if my child is sick and can’t attend class? Classes cannot be made up due to illness or schedule conflicts. You must attend your scheduled class, or forfeit lesson, lift ticket, and rental fee.
What if my child gets hurt or doesn’t want to attend class anymore? Can I get a refund? We will issue refunds in the case of an injury or illness with a doctor’s note. If your child does not want to attend classes, we may offer credit for the unattended portion of the lesson program. This credit may be used for any other purchases at Lost Valley.