Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I purchase ski/snowboard or tubing tickets?

All ski/snowboard or tubing tickets must be pre-purchased online before arriving at Powder Ridge. No tickets will be sold onsite.

Is my ski/board lift ticket also good for the tubing hill?

No, a lift ticket and tubing ticket are two different tickets and need to be purchased separately. Both tickets are required to be purchased online.

Do we need to buy a ticket for just the beginner hill?

You are able to buy a ticket and rental that is good for JUST the beginner hill at a reduced cost. This is a great chance to get your little ones or first timers out to see if they like skiing or boarding. You can upgrade to a ticket good for the full hill at the front desk if you want more access and more challenging runs.

If you are walking along side a child while they are learning, you do not need a ticket when on foot. However, a ticket is always required when using ski/snowboard equipment.

Do you have group rates?

We have great group rates! To qualify for a group rate you need to make reservation by calling us at 320.398.7200. Groups must be 25 or more people.

Can we bring a sled to pull our young one around at the foot of the hill?

No. The bottom of the hill is a very busy place with experienced and non-experienced skiers and snowboards zooming around. For the safety of your little ones, we do not allow sleds to be pulled around.

Is there a place from which non-participants can watch?

We have great views all over the chalet to watch the action! You’re more than welcome to make yourself comfortable and take in a great winter sport.

Can we reserve a table in the chalet?

Unfortunately we do not reserve tables in the chalet. Please be aware that leaving your bags on tables to “save” them is at your own risk. In busy times or areas of the chalet, bags left on tables may be moved to accommodate others if there is limited seating or room. We offer lockers to lock-up your valuables while out on the slopes, or strongly suggest leaving extra belongings in your vehicle.

Where are the restrooms located?

There are men’s and women’s restrooms located on the main level near the front desk and upstairs before you enter Chester’s Lounge. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Both women’s restrooms have diaper changing stations.

Can I use my laptop there?

Yes, we offer free WiFi.

Can I bring or fly a drone?

Due to safety and privacy concerns, Powder Ridge Ski Area prohibits the operation or use on or above Resort property of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, by the general public—including model aircraft by recreational users and hobbyists—without the prior written authorization from Powder Ridge Ski Area. This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within the area boundaries. This prohibition extends to any devices launched or operated from Resort property, as well as any launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries. Please contact a resort representative if you have any questions or if you seek prior authorization to operate any such devices. Any authorized operation of drones on or above Resort property will be governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, local law enforcement, as well as those policies separately established by this Resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage, indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability. Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your access privileges to the Resort, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any prohibited equipment, and may subject violators to any liability for damages, including, but not limited to, damages for trespass, violations of privacy, and physical injuries to persons and/or property, as well as legal fees.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own box lunches, but they may not be brought upstairs into Chester’s Lounge. We do not allow microwaves, crockpots or toasters to be brought in. Please review our Carry-In rules for more information.

Do you have food?

Yes, we offer cafeteria style dining in our Ridge View Kitchen with burgers, hot dogs, french fries, and soups. We also offer a more sit down dining experience upstairs in Chester’s lounge with a full bar, burgers, wraps, and pizza.

Can we bring our own skis or snowboards?

You are more than welcome to bring your own equipment! We do require snowboards to have leashes and metal edges. If you need to purchase a leash, they are for sale in the ski shop. If your equipment could use a tune up, please ask about our waxing fees within the rental shop!

Is there plenty of parking?

Yes, we have a large parking lot with plenty of parking. There is a convenient drop off zone when you first pull in to drop your equipment and lots of parking in the main lot or the overflow lot. There is no cost to parking.

Do you have a chalet or warming place?

We have a lot of room in the chalet to come in and warm up! There are great views of the hill throughout the chalet so you don’t have to miss any of the action on the hill.

When do you open for the Season?

Opening date is all weather dependent. Typically our skiing/snowboarding opens around Thanksgiving, and snowtubing opens around Christmas. Please keep checking the website and follow us on social media to keep up with the latest news on the hill!

What type of payments do you accept?

We accept cash, checks and credit cards. Credit cards we accept are Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express. We also have an ATM available that is located near the Front Desk.

Lesson

Can I watch my child in their lesson?

You are more than welcome to watch your child in their lesson, although, we do ask that you let the instructor do what they do best and observe from a distance. We have great accommodations in the Ridge View Kitchen area or Chester’s Lounge for viewing the hill and watching your child learn a great lifelong sport!

How do I book a lesson?

All lessons and Kid’s Club reservations must be made in advance either online or by calling us at 320.398.7200. Spots are limited, so don’t wait to make your reservation.

How many people will be in the lesson?

All lessons are private lessons to give you a better experience with one-on-one instructing. However, we also offer semi-private lessons which allows you to decide who would be a part of the lesson. Call 320.398.7200 today to secure your spot in a lesson or make a reservation online!

What does my child need to know before going to a lesson?

As a parent, your main responsibility is to ensure that your child’s instructor understands your child’s skill level and that your child is dressed properly. Beyond that, just let the helpful instructors do their thing! They are trained to help teach new skills at any level.

How knowledgeable are the instructors?

Your instructor will always be an advanced skier and will range from Professional Ski Instructor Association (PSIA) instructor to local young people who are passionate about skiing and snowboarding and have been trained to PSIA standards. Most often, young children will learn from well-trained ski instructors whose full-time job is to teach kids to ski. Powder Ridge can usually be selective in choosing their instructors, ensuring you or your child has a great experience during their lesson.

How should I dress for my lesson?

As you pack for your journey to PR, please make sure to bring your basic winter gear: snowpants, warm jacket, hat, scarf or neck-up and waterproof gloves or mittens. For your comfort, under layers should be comfortable and layer-able. Remember that you can always take off layers if you’re too warm but if you don’t bring enough, you may be cold! Other items you may want to grab: goggles, extra socks, boots, and sunglasses.

Where do I check-in for my lesson?

Please check-in at the Ski School office which is located behind the Front Desk. Please arrive 30 minutes before your lesson to ensure enough time to get ready.

Rental

What is the size range for rental equipment?

We have ski and snowboard equipment available for children as young as 2 and up to Men’s size 16.

Do you rent cross country skis?

No.  We do not offer Cross Country Skiing.

I only need to rent boots. Is that allowed?

Yes, you can rent ski or snowboard boots only. However, if you need ski boots only, we are not allowed to adjust your skis for you; this is a liability issue. So, if you do not know how to adjust your own skis to our rental boots, then we suggest you rent a full ski package.

What do I do to rent the equipment?

When you arrive at PR, first, purchase your tickets and rental packages at the front desk. The front desk staff will then direct you straight into the rental area where you will fill out your paperwork and get your equipment. There is room to put on your gear in the rental area, cubbies for your boots or lockers to store your stuff.

What kind of equipment can I rent?

Our Ski Package includes: skis, boots and poles. We have great equipment but if you’d like to upgrade to a High Performance Package, please let the front desk know when you’re purchasing your tickets and rentals.

The Snowboard Package includes: boots and snowboard (leash comes with board).

Helmet rentals are available for all ages, as well!

Snowtubing

Where do we purchase tubing tickets?

Tubing tickets must be purchased online.  Tickets will not be sold on site.  Click Here For Tubing Tickets.

Does the cost include the tube?

The cost of the ticket does include the tube for 2 hours.

Is there food at the tubing hill?

There are food and beverage options available at Wild Chutes! You can get hot dogs, nachos, pop, donuts, and beer. In the main chalet at Powder Ridge, we also have Ridge View Kitchen and Chester’s Lounge for more dining options!

Is there a bathroom at the tubing hill?

There is one port-a-potty located at the tubing hill and regular bathrooms in the main chalet.

Is there a place to warm up at the tubing hill?

There is a warming building at the tubing hill and there is typically a nice bonfire burning to warm your hands by!

How long does your ticket last?

A tubing ticket last for 2 hours. Please note, all tubing tickets must be pre-purchased online before arriving. Please make sure to purchase well in advance as tubing tickets do tend to sell out quickly.

Where is the tubing hill located?

Wild Chutes Tubing Hill is located to your left as you drive into Powder Ridge. You can park right out at the tubing hill.  Remember, must purchase tickets online before arriving.