Preparethe placeget us ready

Getting ready for a ski lesson at Ski Cooper.

A small, family ski area near Leadville with one-hour lessons for little kids in groups of two or three. Cooper says a private lesson is best for kids afraid of speed, heights or being in a group.

Know before you go. Ski Cooper doesn't list sensory supports. It recommends a private lesson, booked by phone, with your kid's needs shared up front.

Ski Cooper (Cooper | Chicago Ridge): Ski School

Address
232 CR 29, Leadville 80461 Directions
Hours
Opening day is Dec 9, weather permitting, 9 am to 4 pm. Kids' one-hour lessons (ages 3 to 5) start at 9:45 am, 11 am, 12:45 pm and 2 pm.
Call
800-707-6114 Lessons, ext. 3 (from Nov 23)719-486-2277 Reservations desk
Email
skischool@skicooper.com Ski school

What it's like

In their own words

Crowds
“3-year-olds will have a maximum of 2 per group.” Four- and five-year-olds: “a maximum of 3 per group.” skicooper.com
Access
“Anyone who has fears such as fear of speed, motion, heights, lack of balance or being in a group setting while learning will benefit most from a private lesson.” skicooper.com
Space
Kids under 15 use the EZ Street Magic Carpet and the Buckeye lift. “Use of the chairlift requires a parent attend the lesson to ride with the child.” skicooper.com
Waits
“When you arrive please check in at the Ski School Window first. If you plan to rent a ski or snowboard package plan to arrive at least 1 1/2 hours prior to your lesson start time.” skicooper.com
Rules
“We have a limited availability for lessons. Pre-booking at least 2 days in advance is recommended.” “We may not be able to accommodate walk-ups.” skicooper.com

Booking, in Cooper's words

In their own words skicooper.com

“If a Snow Sports Lesson is being booked for someone with special needs, please inform us when booking the program. Please call our Reservations Desk at: 719-486-2277. A Private Lesson will ensure the best outcome.”

Our note Lessons book by phone only, starting Nov 23, 2026: 800-707-6114, ext. 3. For a kid who needs extra support, Cooper gives its Reservations Desk number, 719-486-2277.

Our note Cooper also lists adaptive programs nearby (BOEC, Crested Butte's Adaptive Sports Center, NSCD and STARS) if a fully adaptive lesson fits your kid better.

Three things to know

  1. Ski lessons start at age 3; snowboard lessons at age 6.
  2. “Young children must be potty trained!”
  3. Ask for 2026-27 lesson prices when you call to book.

What it doesn't list

  • sensory hours or a quieter session
  • a quiet room
  • sensory kits or headphones to borrow
  • a social story

To ask about any of these, call 800-707-6114.

More: the terrain, rentals, other lessons

Ski Cooper names no loud or quiet spots

Louder

Quieter

Quiet roomnot stated
  • Cooper has “Colorado's longest Magic Carpet conveyor lift” serving its learning terrain.
  • Cooper recommends renting on site so staff can adjust the fit.
  • Private and semi-private Platinum lessons for ages 6 and up run 10 am to noon and 1 to 3 pm; meet 15 minutes before.
  • For lessons for someone who doesn't speak or understand English, Cooper asks you to call and book a private, one-on-one lesson.
  • Questions by email: skischool@skicooper.com.

What Cooper doesn't say

  • not stated 2026-27 lesson prices
  • not stated where parents wait during a lesson
  • not stated a lodge quiet area
  • not stated whether private lessons can be shorter than an hour

Source: www.skicooper.comChecked Sun, Oct 25, 2026

Visual schedule

Ski Lesson

  • Drive to the mountain
  • Park the car
  • Put on snow pants
  • Check in
  • Meet the teacher
  • Put on my ski helmet
  • Put on mittens
  • Ride the ski lift
  • Go skiing
  • Take a break
  • Find my grown-up
  • Walk to the car
  • All done
Make it yours →

More ways to get ready for the ski lesson

What to expect

Book by phone starting Nov 23, 2026, and tell them when you book if your kid needs extra support. On the day, check in at the Ski School Window first. Lessons for ages 3 to 5 are one hour, with at most 2 three-year-olds or 3 four- and five-year-olds per group. If the lesson uses the chairlift, a parent rides with the child. Change anything.

Common questions

What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?

That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.

Can I make this in Spanish?

Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.

Do I need an account?

No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.