Snow boarding for Floridians in Breckenridge

Question

Hi!

Native Floridian here. I will be visiting Breck in December. I am looking to do a half day of snowboarding lesson and based on my search it looks like it will be about $350 per person 🙊😮. This includes lift tickets and equipment... is this normal cost? I knew it would likely be expensive, but wasn't expecting this high. Any suggestions for local small business that might offer snowboarding lessons at a more reasonable price?

Thank you!

Answer

Visiting Breckenridge for the first time as a Floridian and trying snowboarding can indeed be a pricey endeavor, especially during the busy December season. The cost you found—around $350 for a half-day lesson including lift tickets and equipment rental—is actually in line with standard pricing at Breckenridge Ski Resort for private or semi-private lessons during peak holiday periods. Group lessons are usually slightly cheaper, but private instruction does carry a premium.

Here’s some context on costs and options:

Resort Lessons: Breckenridge Ski & Snowboard School charges premium rates for private lessons, especially for first-timers, because the lesson includes personalized instruction, lift tickets, and all gear. This can easily reach $300–$400 per person for a half-day during peak season.
Group Lessons: Group lessons can be more budget-friendly. For example, a 2–3 hour group lesson may cost $150–$200 per person, including equipment rental, but you will have multiple people in the class and slightly less individualized attention.
Smaller Local Schools: Some local independent instructors or smaller ski schools in the Breckenridge/Frisco/Keystone area offer lessons at lower prices, sometimes $200–$250 for a half-day, including rentals. They may not be affiliated with the resort, so you may need to handle lift tickets separately.

Suggestions for finding more reasonable snowboarding lessons:

Search for local instructors or small independent schools in Breckenridge or nearby Frisco, Dillon, or Keystone. Some advertise on social media or local boards and can offer more flexible rates.
Consider booking a lesson that does not include lift tickets—if you already have a pass or can get one separately, this can lower the overall cost.
Check for beginner packages or promotions, sometimes offered for early season or weekday lessons.
Another approach is to book a slightly shorter private lesson (e.g., 1.5–2 hours) instead of a full half-day; this may reduce cost while still giving focused instruction.

In summary, $350 is high but not unusual for a private half-day lesson with lift tickets and gear included during peak December. Exploring group lessons or small independent instructors can save money while still giving you a great snowboarding experience in Breckenridge.