Skip the I-70 traffic and long lift lines with this useful list of skiing and snowboarding facilities. These metro-area facilities can help your kids develop their skiing and snowboarding skills without the need to drive to the mountains. Our team at Corken + Company found this helpful for any parent wanting their kids to learn how to ski or board without the drive.
Snöbahn Indoor Ski and Snowboard Center:
The husband and wife team behind Snöbahn, Sadler and Gina Merrill, modeled their ski school in Centennial after European ski resorts. Located at Southglenn, Snöbahn’s nylon fiber carpet indoor slope operates on a belt that works much like a treadmill. It’s just as effective as learning on the mountain. Just half an hour of skiing or snowboarding on their slope is equal to skiing 3,300 feet on a mountain seven times.
Skiers must be at least three years old for private lessons and four years old for the group lessons. Snowboarding shredders must be at least five years old for group lessons. All gear is provided when you purchase a membership. Parents can join their little ones in skiing, or pass the time in the lounge. The lounge serves wine, beer, and hot chocolate. Individual memberships range from $75 to $250, and intro classes start at $30.
Shredder:
Shredder has four locations in the Denver metro area where kids can learn how to ski and snowboard close to home. They originally opened in 2012 and have a new Stapleton location opening in January. Shredder’s slopes are made of waxed turf material this is sprayed with water to provides skiers and snowboarders better control for turning and stopping. It imitates good powder days rather than icy slopes.
All gear is included when you enroll in a session. Shredder’s ski and snowboard schools are broken down into three groups: Yeti School for parents and children ages 10 months to two and a half years, Little Shredders for ages two and a half to five, and Ski and Board School for kids ages three to 10 who want to dive into the technical aspects of skiing and snowboarding. Six-week classes start at $200, with 12-week and weekend classes available.
Ski Maxx:
Susie Cole has been an indoor ski and snowboard instructor since the ’70s. As the owner, she brings her extensive experience to this spot in Colorado Springs. In addition to sending athletes to the special olympics, Ski Maxx operates Ski Maxx Lift, a nonprofit program designed to help children and adults with special needs learn to ski.
Ski Maxx offers 30-minute lessons that they say are equal to a full day of skiing for $45 per person. Families can buy a three or five lesson package for $120 and $185. All gear is provided free with purchase.
Learn more about these indoor ski facilities at: coloradoparent.com
