Parent's Page

Welcome to the Brighton Ski and Snowboard school, where our goal is to provide students with the best experience possible. We have earned our reputation as “The Place Utah Learns to Ski and Ride” by having a caring staff, trained on safety, childhood development, customer service, teaching methods, and the latest ski and riding techniques. But this is not the only reason we are so good; we are good because we only hire staff with compassionate personalities that care about your child’s experience. Below are some helpful hints to make your day at Brighton easier, less stressful, and nothin’ but FUN for the whole family. 

Plan your time well:

Give yourself extra time for driving and parking. Know that it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to get through the rental shop depending on the day and the number of people in your family. During holiday weeks, plan for even more time to get through rentals. The rental shop opens at 8:30 a.m.

Click here for updated road conditions.  

What to expect from your lesson:

Keep your expectations reasonable; learning to ski and board takes time and a lot of practice. Remember that you didn’t learn to swim or ride a bike in one day. In our group lessons you should expect an instructor that engages students in learning. Every lesson starts with a goal that is established with student input and then a logical plan developed to achieve it. At the end of the lesson your child should know the milestones they have met and what the next steps should be. We have developed the ENGAGES teaching model to ensure a successful lesson:

•    Engage students and set parameters for lesson (e.g. safety rules).
•    Needs assessment.
•    Goals that have student behavior outcomes.
•    Architect and execute a lesson plan.
•    Gauge student’s progress with indicators or measurements.
•    Evaluate and revise.
•    Summarize with past, present, future.

Rules of the mountain:

At Brighton you will see people enjoying the slopes in many ways using alpine, snowboard, or telemark equipment. Regardless of you how decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Have your children memorize the Responsibility Code. The code consists of seven rules of the slopes and many accidents can be avoided by adhering to the code.

1.    1)  Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2.    2)  People ahead of you have the right of way.
3.    3)  Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4.    4)  Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5.    5)  Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6.    6)  Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7.    7)  Know how to use the lifts safely.

Click here for an interactive game to help kids learn the code.  

Helmet considerations:

Helmets are a good idea. Make sure the helmet fits correctly. A helmet is not an item you buy for your child to grow into. Educate your child about the benefits and limitations of the helmet. Wearing a helmet doesn’t give permission to ski or snowboard faster or recklessly. If your child wears a ski helmet, remember you may have to raise your voice more to get their attention because a helmet may impede their hearing. Ultimately, wearing a helmet is a personal or parental choice.

The National Ski Areas Association, together with the help of many others in the ski industry, has developed this site to help educate parents about putting helmets on their children while they’re on the slopes. 

For more info on helmets go to: Lids on Kids 

Proper dress:

Click here for a fun, interactive tool dressing Snowball the Ski Cat that teaches kids how to properly dress.  

Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. For example, dress your kids in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat, and keeps you warm. Next you will want to wear one or two insulating layers, like a turtleneck, fleece, or sweater. Lastly, you will want a waterproof jacket.

Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Kids should wear a hat. 80 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Kids should also wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for kids who are susceptible to cold hands). Gloves or mittens should be waterproof and insulated. Cotton knitted gloves and mittens are useless in cold winter conditions.

Be sure they wear sun protection, even on cloudy days. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think! A ski vacation with a sun burn is no fun! Kids should have sunglasses and goggles with them. Skiing is a lot more fun when you can see. Always wear eye protection.

When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and deep pockets. Be sure to buy your children quality clothing products.

Socks: Wear one pair of good ski socks (not cotton). Get a pair that wicks away the moisture. Always bring an extra pair of socks for everyone. You never know when your little ones will walk on a wet floor with their boots off and need to have that extra pair of socks.

Label all clothing and personal items: Coats, pants, hats, goggles, gloves, etc

Equipment selection:

Safe Equipment! Whether you are renting from a valley rental shop, borrow equipment, or you have equipment in your garage, you want to make sure it fits well and it is not too old. If you have older equipment, it is best to take it to a reputable ski shop that can evaluate the safety of your equipment.

Label Equipment. If you are bringing your own equipment, make sure you label it well. Know your equipment. If you are renting equipment either from Brighton or another shop, make sure you know what it looks like and what the rental numbers are. Most rental equipment looks alike.

Brighton has an excellent Rental Shop on the 2nd floor of the Brighton Center. The rental tech crew is great at fitting equipment to all sizes. Click here for rental info.

Lesson information:

We have three lessons options: daily group lessons, private lessons, and multi-week lessons. All are excellent options for learning. 

Daily group lessons start at 10:15 or 1:15 seven days per week. Reservations are not needed, but you will need to be on time to be guaranteed a spot. Classes are divided by ability and by ages 4 to 7, 8 to 12, and 13 and older. For pricing and package options on daily lessons click here.

The great thing about multi-week lessons is that you are with the same group of students and instructor for multiple weeks, building camaraderie and consistency in building skills. For Adult Multi-Week options click here. For Kids' Multi-Week options click here.

Private lessons are a great option for individual attention. Reservations are recommended for private lessons and can be schedule at times convenient for you. For more information on privates click here

For information on our ability levels  click here.

Make sure your child has been to the bathroom before lessons. Tell your child it is okay to let the instructor know if they need to use the restroom or need a warm up break.

Let your kids know it is okay to tell the instructor if they are nervous or not comfortable with the terrain or task being given.

Three-year-old options:

We have two options for three year olds: a parent/child private or our daily three year old group lesson, scheduled daily from 10:45 to 12:15 (reservations required).

Three-years-olds are not allowed in our other daily lessons, primarily for safety reasons. At this young age they require a lot of hands-on teaching, and in larger groups the instructors have to divide their attention among the entire group. Separation anxiety for younger children can also be difficult, so prepare them before the lesson by assuring them that it will be fun and safe and that you will be nearby. Our three-year-old options are designed to make your child’s experience positive and safe.

MORE SAFETY TIPS:

-Family Meeting Place: Although the likelihood of your child being separated from you or the instructor is slim, it is always good to have a family meeting place. We suggest you use the ski school as your meeting place so we can help you reconnect faster.

-You may want to put your cell phone numbers and names on a card in child’s pocket. Put your child’s name and age on the card also.

-Do not let your child ski between your legs. This is a very dangerous practice for you and your child. Remember, lessons will teach your child how to stand up and stop on his/her own.

-Don’t take your children on terrain that they are not ready for. Just because they can do a power wedge down just about any run doesn’t mean they should. Be safe with them.

-Whistles: It is a good idea to have a good plastic safety whistle on each child. Sometimes they can’t be heard if they are yelling but a whistle can be heard for a longer range. Also, teach them to use the whistle responsibly. It is a safety tool, not a toy.

-Lifts: Please remind your children not to wiggle while they are on the chairlifts. Have them use the safety bar and not try to look down at someone as they watch them go under their chair. Don’t turn around while sitting on the lift. Skiers should never try to get the snow off of their skis by knocking their skis together while on the lift. We lose a lot of skis that way and it is a danger to those below.

-Be well hydrated. You and your family will tolerate the cold, altitude, and exercise better if your muscles are well hydrated. Start hydrating before you come to Utah or up to Brighton.

-Watch for frostbite. Watch for little white/grey patches of skin. If you see any, get your child or yourself out of the cold weather. If it looks serious, go to the clinic to have it checked out. If your child says his/her toes or fingers are cold, they really are cold.

-Put hand warmers in your children’s pockets, just in case they need them during the day.

-If we have a problem or concern with your child while in a class we will either call you on your cell phone or write your name on the white board at the bottom of each lift.

Terrain Parks

We believe the “Smart Style” message along with existing safety messages will help to heighten the sense of education and awareness about the proper use of terrain parks. The more people we can educate and get involved to help to spread the knowledge, the better!

There are four main messages that are associated with Smart Style:

• 1) Make a Plan. Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach, and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
• 2) Look Before You Leap. Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.
• 3) Easy Style It. Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials are not recommended).
• 4) Respect Gets Respect. From the lift line through the park.

For more info on terrain park safety got to: http://www.terrainparksafety.com/

For more info on Brighton Terrain Parks go to: http://www.brightonterrainparks.com/

Cool Links for Kids

Ski Games and Activities from Lids on Kids 

Snow Monsters 

Winter Feels Good 

Daycare

YES, Brighton now has a child care!  http://www.brightonchildcare.com/