Any member who has never skied or snowboarded must complete a lesson with a certified instructor at a ski area or resort. Lessons must be scheduled and paid for in advance. If a lesson is completed outside of the club, parents are required to notify the club advisor.

This requirement ensures the safety of new participants by teaching them the basic skills, equipment use, and slope etiquette needed to reduce the risk of accidents. Proper instruction also builds confidence and helps students have a more enjoyable experience on the mountain.

No participant may attend a Vermont trip without having completed a lesson and participated in at least three day trips (or practiced independently of the club). This policy is in place because Vermont features more challenging terrain and much larger mountains than Pennsylvania.