If you’re like us, you’ve been counting down the days until you can once again hit the slopes at Angel Fire Resort. With more than 80 runs, a ski & ride terrain park, a tubing hill, more than 30 acres of gladed trails to explore, and the only night skiing and snowboarding in New Mexico, our mountain offers all the family-friendly outdoor fun you could want.
This year, you may be visiting with some snow bunnies who need to learn the basics before they can keep up with you. Not to worry! Director Robin May is here to answer all your questions about Angel Fire Ski & Snowboard School. Robin has more than 30 years of experience helping young skiers develop a love of the sport, and he’s one of the main reasons we can confidently tell you our group and private lessons are the best in the Southwest.
Read on to learn how you can set up your child for Ski & Snowboard School success!
How far in advance should I sign up my child for Angel Fire Ski & Snowboard School lessons?
Robin May recommends registering your child for Ski & Snowboard School at least two to three weeks in advance of your visit to Angel Fire.
How old does my child have to be to participate in ski school?
Children as young as 3 can begin to learn to ski. For young snowboarders, those lessons can start as early as age 4.
All Angel Fire Resort Ski School instructors are certified early childhood specialists.
According to Robin, children between 7 and 12 are the “fastest learners.”
How long are your lessons?
Ski School days are just like regular school days. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and classes are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. “We like to get an early start so we can maximize your child’s time on the snow,” Robin says. For children 7 and up, that can be longer than 4.5 hours per lesson.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Ski School group lessons?
Our Ski School staff prioritize the personal attention and instruction they provide to each of their students. Angel Fire Ski & Snowboard School is among the best in the Rocky Mountains because classes are kept small, especially for younger skiers.
The Ski School will assign a teaching assistant if and when needed to help in classes and ensure students are getting the proper attention.
What is the Flaik GPS system? What do parents need to know about this technology and how it is used?
The Flaik GPS system helps keep each Ski School cohort together — and safe. It alerts instructors any time one of their students becomes separated from the group by more than 150 feet.
Angel Fire Ski & Snowboard School instructors also use this technology to make real-time adjustments in instruction. In addition to tracking each skier’s or snowboarder’s location, Flaik GPS provides detailed analyses of turn shape. Using this data (as well as images captured multiple times per second), instructors can personalize directions and suggestions for each student.
Finally, Flaik GPS generates an online report card that parents can view to track their child’s progress.
Please note: Flaik GPS is for instructor use only. Parents are not provided with access to the real-time tracking or data provided by this system. But please rest assured that your children are in good hands with our expert Ski School staff.
What clothing, gear, and/or equipment will my child need to participate?
Robin reminds us that, when it comes to having fun in the snow, proper preparation is a must. Take the following steps to ensure your child is ready to get the most enjoyment out of their ski lessons.
- Dress them in warm socks that fit snuggly and go up to the knee. Do not double up on socks.
- Outfit them with waterproof mittens.
- Provide them with goggles. Sunglasses do not offer adequate eye protection.
- Apply sunscreen before dropping your child off for their class or lesson. Ski School staff will reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
What can I do at home to help make sure my child has a great Ski School experience?
Robin believes parents should understand that “it’s like the first day of school every day of ski season.” Each day brings a new class, new excitement, and new unknowns. Since parents are not allowed to attend their children’s lessons, prepare your kids for this ahead of time to minimize separation anxiety. Discussing the arrangements and building excitement before you ever arrive at Angel Fire Resort will make drop-off much easier for you, your children, and our instructors.
To help build that excitement, Robin recommends watching beloved wintertime movies like Frozen as a family and sharing your favorite memories of skiing or snowboarding. If you’re enthusiastic about it, your kids will be, too. As Robin says, “The first lesson is the most important one.” If children come to the Ski School experience wanting to learn, then they’ll be in a great position to acquire the skills they need to ski and snowboard for a lifetime.
Remember: Winter Season is fast approaching at Angel Fire Resort. That means now is the perfect time to book your stay!