Taking organised lessons is the safest, most enjoyable and most efficient way to learn to ski or snowboard. Here’s why we strongly recommend the fun, active and hands-on approach of our Snow School:

• You’ll build a strong skill foundation, based on correct form and technique
• You’ll relax, have fun and build confidence at your own pace
• You’ll feel safer, reduce risk of injury, form good habits, and get it right from the start
• You’ll learn from the best, guided by qualified experts passionate about their work
• You’ll have good company, learning alongside other participants of similar ability levels
• You’ll have lots of choice, from private or group lessons, or multi-day kids’ camps
• You’ll enjoy more time skiing and less time waiting, thanks to lift line priority and expert instructors who know how to avoid crowds and find the best places on the mountain.

The weather on Cape Breton can be extremely variable. Make sure you are dressed appropriately with warm clothing, eye protection (goggles or sunglasses), snow pants and jacket, waterproof gloves/mittens etc. Link to What to Wear If you have any questions, we can help over the phone with what’s appropriate. While we don’t offer clothing rentals (jackets, pants, goggles, gloves), we do offer excellent equipment rentals (skis, poles, snowboards, boots, helmets). Find out more about our rentals Link to rentals

We strongly recommend that you make a reservation by calling us on 1-902-776-0108 (in-season). Our Guest Services team will be happy to guide you through the process and answer any other questions that you may have.

Please check in at the Guest Services Desk located in the main lodge next to the cafeteria. Our team will get you set up and ready to go to meet your instructors outside at our lesson meeting spot.

It is best to arrive about an hour before your lesson if you require getting ready and rental equipment. This will allow you enough time to relax and enjoy your experience rather than be rushed before hitting the snow. Please check-in no later than 30 minutes prior to your lesson start time.

If you know you will be arriving late, or unable to attend your lesson, please let us know. Call 1-902-776-0108 or email snowschool@capesmokeyholding.com. Groups will not wait longer than 5-10 minutes past the start of the lesson. After this point they will go for a run and check back in for you. If you will be arriving late, please give us a call in advance to avoid class disruption and any disappointment. If you are beyond 20-30 minutes late, please be prepared to reschedule your lesson.

All of our groups are created on the following criteria: skiing/snowboarding ability, age, and special requests. Our primary focus is to group people with similar skill abilities together. This promotes the learning experience, and makes for a more enjoyable group dynamic. We make groups based on age to encourage the social experience for our students. It is not always possible based on abilities to have exact matches in age, but we are always considerate of ‘age appropriate’ placements. Special requests will be taken into consideration, but will not always be possible. If you have requested a specific instructor, groupings with friends, or anything that goes beyond our regular grouping methods, we will do our best to accommodate this. Requests are dealt with on a first-come-first-serve basis and on a scale of importance. We care about where each student is placed and aim to provide the best groupings for all involved in our programs.

• Link to Jump start 
• Link to Kidsport

The best way to dress for any outdoor winter activity is in layers. By wearing three layers you have the flexibility to add or take away layer depending on the weather and how active you are. Most times you will be warmer in the Learning Zone than up on the hill.
 

• Wicking Layer / 1st Layer – Long johns made of wool or synthetic material that will allow perspiration to pass through keeping you drier and more comfortable. Avoid cotton as a 1st layer. Cotton holds moisture next to your skin that will make you cold.
   
• Insulating / Warm Layer – The best materials for insulating are wool, fleece, down or other synthetic insulations. Your insulator could be a down vest or a thin fleece or sweater. Combine more than one layer when it’s really cold.
   
• Protection Layer / Outer Layer – Usually made of a shell material, this layer should be wind and water-resistant.
   
• Feet – Ski and snowboard boots are warm. One pair of medium thickness tall socks is fine. Bring an extra pair. Short ankle socks are not recommended at all. Remember cotton is cold! Wool or synthetics are best.
   
• Hands – Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wool is warm but gloves or mittens made of nylon will keep the wind and wet out longer. Bring an extra pair.
   
• Head – Helmets provide the same warmth as a good hat and it is the law in Nova Scotia to wear one at all times while skiing and snowboarding. There is no need to wear a toque under your helmet, a think balaclava is all you would need on the coldest of days. A helmet is included with each rental package.
   
• Face – Your face is usually the only skin exposed in the winter. Make sure you use a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen. Bring along a neck warmer, face mask or bandana if you’re worried about wind chill.
   
• Eyes – Goggles or a pair of UV rated sunglasses.