Didn’t know you were allowed to tip your ski or snowboard instructor? Don’t worry, you are not alone.

Many lesson takers are not sure what the protocol is regarding tipping, how to tip or what is an appropriate amount.

Here are some suggestions to help students and instructors navigate the world of tipping:

1. A tip is not expected, but it is VERY MUCH appreciated. As in any service business, a tip is a thank you for good service.
2. In particular, if your child is in a lesson your instructor has been with them for most of the day, helping them out of the snow, teaching them, wiping noses, etc. Just as you know parenting is tough, so is teaching children. And it’s worth a tip.
3. Many instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) or even a foreign certification body. These instructors attain and pay for this certification out of their own pocket (the resorts they work for do not pay for this). The time and cost of various certification levels can take many years, require skill, expertise and cost thousands of dollars. Again, tips are appreciated.
4. Ski and snowboard lessons can be expensive and the tip is not included in the listed lesson price at the resort. Just like eating out at a restaurant, you should leave a tip.
5. As a general rule, most parents tip $10-$20 per day for a kids group lessons. Just slip the instructor the folded bill when picking up your child. Tip $5 to $10 for half day lessons.
6. For private lessons (which are typically assigned to the most seasoned and highest certified instructors), a recommended tip is $30-50 for half day private lesson. Or $60-100 for a full day private lesson is fairly common at most resorts.
7. If you are taking private lessons by the hour, then consider $10-$20 per hour as the tip. Some people tip more, some tip less, but everyone tips for a private lesson.
8. At the end of the lesson, if you don’t see your child’s instructor, or don’t have cash on you, you can leave a tip at the ski and snowboard school reservation desk. No cash? No problem! You can tip with a credit card at the reservation desk.
9. As a last option, if you’ve left the mountain already and you want to tip me you can do it right here on this website.

Hope this helps everyone understand the value of tipping. The next snow pro you take a lesson from will appreciate the tip.