Check my kids in with two different instructors for a half day ski school and watched most of the class for both of them while taking photos. Both instructors were extremely attentive and very helpful and patient with the kids. Generally I was very impressed with the staff at this resort they truly were all extremely nice and very helpful.
I sent a relative to the ski school over President's Weekend last year. The school seems to manage to accommodate everyone, but the lessons are compromised by groups which are too large trying to work in an area which is too small. My cousin (an adult) left the group and it is doubtful that her absence was noted. The school has a good reputation but the beginners areas are small. I am sure that it would have been a better experience at a less "prime" time.
The school - and much of the resort - caters to the beginner and is the perfect venue for families learning to ski. The instructors are attentive, the slopes ranging from near-flat to as aggressive as any beginner would want, and they have a complete rental facility.
We had a great time here at diamond peak. My five yr old and seven hr old had a full day lesson. The instructors all seemed to be great!!! By the end of the day, they both knew what they were doing. And it was their first time ever on skis!! The perfect long slight slope to learn on!! My husband and nine year old did the other runs and really enjoyed it. Even when the snow was just about gone!! End of season, but we will be back!!
Our three kids learned how to ski in about 30 minutes. Wide variety of slopes and difficulty, but for a local place it was perfect and resonably priced for a family of non-skiiers!
If you need lessons, this is a great place to do it. First, easy access to the mountain. Second, the beginner slopes are good, in terms of having more than one level to learn on. Third, the instructors all seem friendly and knowledgable. I got to know a half-dozen of them (three of us were taking lessons), and I liked them all. Last, can't beat the price here. No reason to pay a premium at Heavenly or Squaw Valley.
Had a lesson with Jim. He was a nice guy and really knows what he is talking about. He used to compete professionally and ran a ski academy. The downside was the $180 price tag and the fact we never really went over anything to do with the boots or skiis. My first tumble, I didn't know I had to push the clamp down to lock my boot in because we never went over that.
Parents also love the Sierra Scout All Day Adventure (ages 7-12) and March of the Penguins All Day Packages (ages 4-7) because it lets them get a full day of skiing in too! -Jackie
Loved the instructors. We went through several levels at several ages. Great instructors each time. More expensive than places we've been in Europe, but well worth it.
The ski school has great facilities, good instructors and is convenient for parents and grandparents alike.