Beginner Lessons
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned skier, our instructors bring a wealth of skiing and snowboard knowledge and their passion for the sport to each and every lesson they teach.
Our instructional staff is well trained and inspired to provide you and your family a friendly environment for group, private and children’s lessons. Most members of the Ski & Ride School staff are certified members of PSIA-E (Professional Ski Instructors of America) and AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors). Whether this is your “First Time” or “an advance snow sport”, our instructors are ready to meet your individual needs in a Safe, FUN and nurturing environment.
For more information regarding these programs, please email Snowsports School Director, Mike Bouquard michael@kbski.com or Assistant Director, Will Bogacz will@kbski.com.
New to Skiing or Snowboarding?
So you're interested in skiing or snowboarding? That's great! Let us walk you through the steps to getting started...
Equipment
Decide whether you are skiing or snowboarding, and then get your equipment.
Renting: You can rent equipment each time you visit KB, or for the season through Snowflake Ski Shop/245 Board Shop. When you rent equipment, it typically includes skis and poles, or a snowboard with bindings and boots.
Helmets are not part of your rental package but are available for an additional fee. Helmets are highly recommended for any age/level of skier or snowboarder.
BUYING: If you are confident about pursuing this sport, you may decide to buy. There are many reputable Ski and Snowboard shops in the area, including the Snowflake Ski Shop/245 Board Shop.
In addition to these items, you'll also want:
- Warm Gloves
- Snowpants
- Warm Jacket
- Ski Socks
- Helmet
- Warm Under Layers
- Neck Gaiter
Passes/Packages
You can choose to purchase a pass, rent equipment and schedule a lesson separately. For a greater value, check out any of KB's First Time Packages. These are designed for beginner skiers or snowboarders, or those who have not been out on the slopes in a while and want to get back out there.
It is highly recommended that you purchase your passes or packages ahead of time online.
Purchase Your Passes or Package
Schedule Your Lesson
Lessons are given in groups or privately; this will depend on your preference, budget, and if you've selected a specific package.
Head over to "Reserve Your Lessons" below before you arrive to streamline your experience. You will be paired up with an experienced instructor who will teach your group or private lesson with the knowledge to make your first experience a great one here at KB!
Do you still have questions? Give us a call at 716-592-4963 x2230 or email Michael@kbski.com.
We can't wait to see you on the slopes!
First Time KB Mini Cruisers (age 3)
The KBC “Mini Cruiser” program is for pre-school aged skiers and boarders. The Mini Cruisers program is broken up into small groups and meets for sessions on a gentle learning hill ideal for building confidence through age appropriate lessons and having fun!
Single Session: $60
- 1 hour lesson
- Session Times: Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am and 1:30pm.
- Does not include rentals – rental equipment can be purchased through Snowflake Rental Shop
ALL LESSONS REQUIRE ONLINE RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
KBC Mini Schedule:
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
10:30am – 12pm
1:30pm – 3pm
First Time KB Cruisers (ages 4-12)
Our signature program for the junior skier or snowboarder in your family age 4-12 years.
Sessions are 90 minutes long and are taught by our highly energetic and creative children’s coaches.
Our main goal is to provide your child with personal on-snow training in a safe, FUN environment. Whether your child is enjoying his or her “First Time” experience or are active all mountain skiers or riders – our instructors are ready to help them enjoy our slopes at Kissing Bridge. Each session includes a group lesson, and lots of FUN and camaraderie on the slopes. Our goal is for your child to ask, “When are we coming back?”
KB Cruisers Lesson Prices
Single Session: $60
Card for 8 sessions – transferable! $450
Does not include rentals – rental equipment can be purchased through Snowflake Rental Shop
ALL LESSONS REQUIRE ONLINE RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
KB Cruiser Schedule:
THURSDAY 6:00pm- 7:30pm
FRIDAY 6:00pm-7:30pm
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10:30am– 12pm, 1:30pm- 3pm
KB Cruisers lessons begin when the KB season starts (estimated for the 2023-2024 Season to be 12/23/2023)
KB Cruisers night lessons begin on Thursday, 1/4/2024, and end Friday, 3/1/2024.
KB Cruisers lessons end Sunday, March 10, 2024
First Time Learn to Ski or Snowboard Intro Package
Designed for the true “First Time” skier or snowboarder, our caring and professional instructors will introduce you to your WNY skiing or riding experience!
Package includes:
90 minute Group Lesson (ages 12 and older).
All-Day Beginner Hill Lift Ticket
$40
For First Time Lesson times and additional Group Lesson Information, please see our Group Lesson Information & Schedule.
Does not include rentals – $15 rental equipment available thru online or in-person. Reserve your rental //
ALL LESSONS REQUIRE ONLINE RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS.
KB 1-2-3
Kissing Bridge’s best value beginner package!
You choose the day and time! KB 1-2-3 program is designed to get you more time on the snow to learn your new sport. Our instructors will work with you as you learn a variety of different skills and terrain while progressing from initial introductory lessons to “seasoned” intermediate classes.
For $145, this package includes:
3 times out to Kissing Bridge – You choose the day and time!
3 Group Lessons
-1st time out, receive a Beginner Slope Lift Ticket
-2nd & 3rd time out, receive an all area Lift Ticket
(Customer must choose skiing or snowboarding for all three times out.).
ALL LESSONS REQUIRE ONLINE RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
Group Lessons
For skiers and snowboarders.
Groups are created based on students skill levels, from Novice to Advanced.
Lift ticket and rental equipment are not included.
Group lessons begin when KB opens for the season.
Whether you want to continue working on your new skills or tune up your old skills, our instructors are ready to help!
Options available to “bundle” a lift ticket.
One-hour group lesson: $35 (Pre-reservation required)
5x Transferable Group Lesson Card: $135
For Group Lesson times or more info, please see our Group Lesson Information & Schedule.
Important Dates
Group lessons estimated to begin when KB opens, tentatively planned for 12/23/23.
Group night lessons start 1/4/24.
Group night lessons end date 3/1/24.
Group lessons end Sunday, March 10, 2024.
ALL LESSONS REQUIRE ONLINE RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
Group Lesson Info & Schedule
Group Lessons are held in our Central Ski Area for students of all abilities age.
All of our seasoned instructors are available at the following times to help you master that new skills:
- TUESDAY: Call for availability or stop at ticket counter
- WEDNESDAY: Call for availability or stop at ticket counter
- THURSDAY 11am, 1pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm
- FRIDAY 11am, 1pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm
- SATURDAY 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- SATURDAYS 9am Season Passholders ONLY
- SUNDAY 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
- SUNDAYS 9am Season Passholders ONLY
Weekday Group Lessons begin on opening day.
Student “Ski Club” group lessons start date TBA.
Group lessons begin when KB opens for the season and end Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Group night lessons end date Friday, March 1, 2024.
Monday Holidays (January 15, 2024 and February 19, 2024)
Group Lesson Times: 11am, 1pm
ALL LESSONS REQUIRE ONLINE RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
ALL LESSONS REQUIRE ONLINE RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
Does not include rentals – rental equipment can be purchased through Snowflake rental shop.
Free Lessons
“Free” Lessons for Season Passholders.
A number of our multiple day/season pass programs include lessons as a part of their package.
Free lessons start when KB opens for the season.
Does not include rentals – rental equipment can be purchased through Snowflake Rental Shop.
For Lesson times and additional Lesson Information, please see our Group Lesson Information & Schedule.
ALL LESSONS REQUIRE ONLINE RESERVATIONS:For Free Season Pass Holder Group Lessons: Please select the day/time for your lesson and then go to your cart. Enter your Season Pass number and then your total will change to $0.00.
Important Dates
Free Lessons end Saturday, March 2, 2024.
KB Family Fun
The KB Family Experience! A Family “FUN” Adventure.
A “First Time” package for parents and their children to learn to ski or snowboard together as a family.
This session includes a 90 minute family coaching session and beginner lift hill tickets for 2 parents (adults) and 2 children. (For rates with additional children, please contact us at the number below).
Everyone in the group must choose the same discipline, skiing or snowboarding. A “family focused” instructor will be assigned to work with your group, however, the lesson content will be adjusted to the youngest member in your group.
After the coaching session, your instructor will offer “tips” to parents as to how to continue coaching their children on the slopes.
Does not include rentals – rental equipment is $15 through Snowflake rental shop.
$325.00 per family group
To schedule your “KB Family Experience” coaching session at the most convenient time for your family, please email privatelessons@kbski.com or call the Snow Sports School at 716-592-4963 x2230 or x2231.
Lessons must be paid at time of registration. No refunds.
Private Lessons
Whether it’s your first time or you already know KB’s terrain better than anyone else, our experienced KB instructors will help you gain the abilities and confidence to reach your snow sports goals. Our expert KB instructors will tailor your specific needs into fantastic experiences from learning or mastering the basics, to experiencing the fun of our varied terrain of parks, bumps and steeps. You will learn from our nationally certified instructors.
When you opt for a private lesson option, like the Family Fun Experience, these specialized lessons go well beyond the basics with a personal KB touch. Consider a private lesson today-a lifetime of skiing and riding fun is waiting for you!
You can also request a specific instructor for your private lesson or we will select an instructor who best suits your needs and goals. If you would like another person to join your lesson, this is also an option; we only ask that this person be of similar ability and discipline as you.
90 minute Private Lesson: $155
Add one additional person of the same ability: $135 (Limit one)
We offer specialized private lessons for Telemark, Terrain Park, bumps, and gates for skiers and snowboarders.
Private lessons are offered daily (dependent on instructor availability) at the Central Area.
Lift ticket and rental equipment are not included.
5x Transferable 90 minute Private Lesson card: $699- Add one additional person of the same ability: $135 per lesson (Limited to one additional student)
Students must be 12 years old or older for 90 minute Private Lessons.
Book a Private Lesson:
For children up to the age of eleven, we offer 1-hour lessons taught by our children’s coaches.
1-hour children’s private lessons are offered at 9:30am, 12pm and 3pm on weekends only.
1 hour Children’s private (3 yrs – 11 yrs.): $135
5x Transferable 1-hour Children’s Private Lesson card: $575
No additional students per lesson
To schedule your private lesson email privatelessons@kbski.com or call the SnowSports School at 716-592-4963 x2230.
Lessons must be paid at time of registration. No refunds.
For Free Season Pass Holder Group Lessons: Please select the day/time for your lesson through the Reserve Your Lesson button, and then go to your cart. Enter your Season Pass number and then your total will change to $0.00.