Park City Mountain Resort • Canyons Village • Ski Instructor
Providing an Experience of a Lifetime

Welcome! I’m Jen Bookman, a PSIA-certified ski instructor currently working at Park City Mountain Resort (both Canyons and Mountain Village)—and I’m also a mom of three boys. My sons grew up taking ski lessons and racing in Vermont. (My husband and I made the 4–5 hour round-trip drive every Friday and Sunday to give them that opportunity!) Although they no longer race, they still love to ski. In fact, two of them have coached with me at PCMR, and one even spent a short stint as a junior ski patroller.Skiing has always been a source of joy for our family—whether it's time outdoors together, skiing as a family, or sharing a few peaceful, kid-free laps with my husband. Being able to pass that joy forward through coaching truly is a dream come true for me.I’m the head coach for our local kids’ program and coach the local women’s program each season, but I also love working with visiting families. When I’m free-skiing, you’ll usually find me exploring moguls or carving beautiful groomers on a bluebird day. I’m always in search of good snow, and I prefer controlled, mindful skiing. I’m a big believer in listening to our bodies and honoring our comfort levels—those can change daily! Skiing is an adventure, and part of that adventure is adapting to snow conditions, terrain, and the people we share the mountain with.Before coaching, I spent the earlier part of my career as a project manager in advertising and marketing, with a focus on relationship marketing. I’ve worked in nonprofits, served on boards, done outreach, consulted in marketing, supported education initiatives, and taught in various settings. Through all of this, I’ve aimed to lead with intention, take meaningful risks, stay engaged, and find purpose in my community, my home, and my work.I believe the most successful outcomes—on the mountain or off—come from strong relationships built on communication, transparency, and a genuine commitment from everyone involved. Relationships take work, passion, and constant attention to grow. The same is true for our relationship with the mountain. Life is about effort and about showing up.So let’s show up together on the mountain and create an unforgettable experience! My family and I have shared countless incredible ski memories, and I wish the same joy and magic for you. Cheers to powder days and to making new, fun-filled memories!
“Jennifer gave us the gift of learning to ski. We moved to Park City with zero experience. She made our lessons fun, safe, and appropriately challenging. Now we have a local friend for life. See you on the slopes!”
— Aubrianna W., Park City
“Jen upped my game! She’s a fantastic instructor and gives so many personalized exercises and tips to improve. I hadn’t had lessons since childhood, and Jen was a game changer. I feel much more confident on all terrains now, and I appreciate that she saw my potential and challenged me. Thanks, Jen!”
— Christine C., Park City
“Jen was my instructor for eight weeks in the local women’s ski program. She’s highly technical, but explains everything in plain, easy-to-understand language. I always knew exactly what to focus on, and I now feel confident practicing and improving on my own when I’m out skiing.”
— Yvonne M., Park City
Do you want to schedule a lesson or just have a question? Don't hesitate to get in touch with me. Complete the form below, or reach out by text at 617-733-0402 or email at [email protected].
As a Park City Mountain instructor, I do have teaching reciprocity at some resorts. However, if you’d like to book me to coach at another mountain, the lessons must still be booked through PCMR. In that case, I’d be considered a traveling instructor and wouldn’t receive any line-cutting privileges at the other resort.
Step 1 – Coordinate a date with Jen
Get in touch with me first so we can choose the best day, time, and lesson type for you or your family.Step 2 – Begin checkout on ParkCityMountain.com
When you’re ready, start the lesson checkout on Park City Mountain’s website.Step 3 – Request me as your instructor
In the “Configure Your Products” section of checkout, request Jennifer Bookman as your instructor.Step 4 – Keep in touch
After you book, please let me know so I can confirm everything went through correctly on my end.
Ski lessons are expensive—especially if you’re signing up multiple people—and getting everyone’s gear organized can feel overwhelming. While I can’t help with the morning chaos, I can share insider tips to help you get the most out of your lessons, your gear, and your child’s time on the mountain.⸻1. Getting the Most Value From Ski Lessons• Book a private lesson if you have multiple people.
Most resorts allow up to 5–6 people at one rate, which often makes a family private less expensive than several group lessons. You’ll also get a fully customized experience tailored to each skier.• Group lessons can be big—especially during holidays.
There may not be strict caps on class size. During peak times, instructors focus on safety and group management, which means less individual coaching.• Ask for referrals if you want a great instructor.
Many certified coaches work part-time and aren’t always on the schedule. If you just call to book, you may be assigned someone who isn’t the best match. Ask friends, locals, or ski Facebook groups if they can recommend a coach with the experience you’re looking for.• “Sold out” doesn’t always mean no lessons.
Often, it simply means all scheduled instructors are booked. Part-timers may still be available if requested directly—again, referrals help.• Advocate for yourself.
If an instructor isn’t enthusiastic about your level, goals, or group dynamic, choose someone else. You’re investing a lot—you deserve the right fit.• Don’t forget to tip.
Most of the lesson fee goes to the resort, not the instructor. Gratuity is standard and greatly appreciated.⸻2. Ski Gear Basics Every Family Should KnowI’m not a gear expert, but I get asked about equipment all the time. While my family gets fitted at reputable ski shops (and yes, we price-check online later), here are my go-to basics:• Boots, helmets, and goggles must fit well.
Bring your own boots if you love them—bad rentals can ruin a lesson fast. Poorly fitting helmets, foggy goggles, or blisters? No thank you. If flying, check airline gear-bag policies; many charge a single fee for skis/boots/helmets.• No bulky socks or baggy layers inside your boots.
Nothing should be tucked into the boot besides one thin ski sock. Thick socks, doubled layers, or bunched fabric cause discomfort and reduce performance.• One pair of socks, always.
More socks ≠ warmer feet. If multiple socks fit in your boot, your boots are too big.• Always wear a helmet.
Helmet culture has changed—helmets are the cool thing now. If buying new, look for MIPS technology.• Protect your eyes and your skin.
The winter sun is intense, especially at altitude. Wear goggles or sunglasses and pack sunscreen to reapply at lunch.• Layer smartly.
Start with long underwear, add a midlayer, and adjust with vests or neck warmers depending on the day. Temps vary widely from base to summit.• Glove liners are amazing.
I wear them daily—under mittens on cold days, or alone on warm ones.• Pack snacks.
If you’re coming from a different time zone, especially East → West, your kids will be hungry right when lessons start. Even if lunch is provided, send a pocket snack. It makes a huge difference.• Kids run warmer than we think.
We tend to over-bundle them—and then they’re melting. If they say they’re too hot, believe them.• Heated gear can be great—for adults.
I love my heated socks. Some skiers swear by heated vests and gloves. But I wouldn’t use heated gear on kids.• Label everything.
Label jackets, gear, and gloves—especially for little ones. Attach their gloves to their coat so your après time is spent drinking hot cocoa, not buying replacements.Bonus tip: Don’t rush the littles. They should be able to walk, balance, and want to ski. If they aren’t ready, it’s okay to wait.⸻3. Skiing With Toddlers: Keep Expectations RealisticLittle kids have short attention spans, developing balance, heavy boots, and different body mechanics—so small progress is huge progress.• Make sure they can walk and balance first.
Don’t rush skis too early.• Start with snow play.
Sliding, exploring, and having fun in the snow builds confidence.• Introduce equipment gradually:
Boots → one ski → two skis.• Use games and imitation.
Follow the Leader, Simon Says, copying your movements.• Keep directions simple and offer tons of encouragement.If they last an hour, celebrate—it’s a big workout for little legs. Most toddlers will be ready for hot cocoa and s’mores long before they’re ready for real laps.Bottom line: keep it playful and fun.
© 2026 Jen Bookman. All rights reserved.