Tonkawood teaches skiers from age three. Preschoolers ski in small groups of around five, in two-hour lessons, six times across the winter — building on the week before each time rather than starting over in a one-off lesson.
Very young beginners are not an exception here. They are a large part of who we teach, and have been for more than 45 years.
No. Most three- and four-year-olds who join Tonkawood have never had skis on. Children are placed by ability, not age, using the information you give at sign-up, so a first-time skier starts with other first-time skiers.
After each lesson, instructors evaluate every skier's skills and development. Children move between groups across the six lessons as they progress, which means a child who takes off after week two isn't held back, and a child who needs longer isn't pushed.
If your child is 3 or 4, you are expected to help with their group. Very young skiers need more hands on the hill, and a familiar one makes a real difference on a cold morning.
Once children are older, helping is optional — parents who want to ski along and pitch in with their child's group are very welcome to.
Worth knowing before you register: the youngest ages are a commitment for the grown-up too, not a drop-off.
You do not need much, and you should not over-buy for a child who will outgrow it.
Renting is usually the right call at this age. Powder Ridge offers a seasonal package — skis, boots and poles — for $199. You take it home each week and return it at season's end. Say you're a Tonkawood parent for that pricing. If you're renting, collect the gear before the first lesson or arrive an hour early on day one to get fitted.
Hoigaards and Gear West Alpine are our retail partners if you'd rather buy, new or used.
$400 for the season, covering six instructor-led lessons and your child's ski pass. Equipment is not included.
Lessons are at Powder Ridge Ski Area, 15015 93rd Ave, Kimball, MN 55353. Tonkawood is a Twin Cities ski school — families travel out to Powder Ridge for lessons.
Sessions run Saturdays and Sundays. Arrive by 9am for Saturday sessions and 1pm for Sunday sessions. Check in at your group's flag, where you'll meet your instructor; there is always someone in the chalet who can help if you can't find it.
If the temperature or wind chill hits -10 degrees or lower we may cancel, and we'll tell you by 6am on Saturdays or 8am on Sundays. Cancelled lessons are covered by the scheduled make-up dates.
Tonkawood accepts children ages 3 and up. Three- and four-year-olds ski in beginner groups alongside other young first-timers.
Because groups are formed by ability rather than age, a young beginner is never placed with more advanced skiers simply because of their birthday.
Parents of 3- and 4-year-olds are expected to help with their child's group. Very young skiers need more hands on the hill, and a familiar one makes a real difference.
For older children, parents are welcome and encouraged to ski along and help out with their child's group if they would like to.
Groups are small — around five skiers. Children are grouped by ability rather than age, so a group may include a range of ages.
Instructors evaluate each skier's progress after every lesson, and children may move between groups across the six-lesson season as they improve.
Each Tonkawood lesson is two hours long. Your child skis six of these lessons across the winter season, in a small group of skiers at their own ability level.
By skill level. Tonkawood places each child using the skiing information you provide at sign-up, so the ages within a single group may vary.
Instructors evaluate progress after every lesson, and children move between groups as they improve over the six-lesson season.
No. Tonkawood skiers do not use poles until they reach intermediate or advanced level, so there is no need to buy them for a beginner. Your instructor will tell you when your child is ready for poles.
Yes. Every Tonkawood skier needs a helmet. Please put your child's full name on tape on the front of the helmet so instructors can identify skiers quickly on the hill.
Each child needs skis, boots, a helmet, goggles, warm layers, snow pants, a warm jacket, ski mittens or gloves, warm ski socks and a neck gaiter. Beginners do not need poles — you will be told when your skier is ready for them. Hand warmers make happy skiers and parents!
Renting
Powder Ridge offers a seasonal rental package — skis, boots and poles — for $199. You take the equipment home each week and return it at the end of the season. Identify yourself as a Tonkawood parent for this pricing.
If you are renting, either pick up your gear before the first lesson or arrive an hour early on the first day to get fitted and ready to ski.
Buying
Hoigaards and Gear West Alpine are our retail partners. They carry a full line-up of new and used boots, skis, poles, helmets, clothing and winter accessories.
Six lessons, ski pass included, for skiers ages 3 and up at Powder Ridge.
Register for the Season
