Where to Learn: Ski & Snowboard Schools

For all the reasons to take a skiing or snowboarding lesson, there always seems to be twice as many reasons — or rather, excuses — not to take one. This is often more true for adults who already know how to ski or ride. If you already know, why bother? The answer is simple: because you'll have more fun. Improving your technique means you can ski or ride better, which not only opens up new options for terrain to explore, but helps you stay on the slopes for longer. Our two ski resorts — Winter Park Resort and Ski Granby Ranch — both offer an extensive array of lessons options. Here's a quick rundown.

FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

At Winter Park Resort, the Kids Ski and Ride School combines everything you need into a convenient lesson-tier structure. Groups are carefully organized by skill level, age and ambitions, and both full-day and half-day Max 4 lesson programs include GPS access so you can relive your child's day exploring the mountain. Winter Park Resort is a large mountain with extensive facilities. Learn more about their kid's programs by visiting their website.

At Ski Granby Ranch, children's lessons are divided by age into fun-filled programs such as Buckaroos, Cowpokes and Wranglers. Facilities include a magic-carpet lift and beginner and intermediate terrain that helps boost confidence in an easy-going environment. Learn more about their extensive kid's programs.

FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENS

Teens can sometimes be the hardest to please when it comes to ski school lessons, but fortunately, Winter Park Resort offers plenty of options for teen skiers and riders of all abilities, and perhaps more importantly, a variety of terrain for them to up their game. Aspiring shredders of the terrain park can get a private lesson, and for those seeking a graduation to black-diamond terrain, an advanced group lesson will build their confidence. Skiers and riders up to age 14 have their lessons at the Kids Ski and Ride School, while those older are grouped with the adult lessons program.

At Ski Granby Ranch, teens age 13 and older can join the adult group lessons or enjoy one-on-one instruction with a private lesson.

FOR ADULT BEGINNERS

For adults looking to take their first turn, Winter Park Resort offers group full and half-day lessons in both skiing and snowboarding. If you've always skied and want to give snowboarding a shot (you know... to ride along with that aspiring teen shredder in your family), Winter Park's entry-level group lessons for adults are a good fit. The resort's knowledgeable ski school staff will place you in the right group to fit your abilities.

Over at Ski Granby Ranch, their adult group lessons help "never-evers" quickly learn the basics of either skiing or riding. The resort's intimate size and frequently uncrowded slopes also give adult beginners a leg up on runs that foster confidence.

FOR ADULTS LOOKING TO RAISE THEIR LEVEL

With its Seven Territories ranging from chill to challenging, the ski pros at Winter Park Resort have more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain to choose from for their advanced adult group lessons, private lessons and multiday camps. Highlights of their programing include Bob's Bump Jamboree (for intermediate skiers wanting to master moguls), the Gravity Goddess Ski Weekend (a women-only camp with performance coaching) and the Max 4 Tele Daze (3-hour lessons geared for telemarkers).

Meanwhile, Ski Granby Ranch also offers intermediate and advanced adult skiers and riders a set of lessons to hone their skills. One- to five-hour private lessons are front-and-center for adults who want individualized pointers to improve their technique.