In short . . . no, the PC instructors are not better than at any other destination resorts. Vail Resorts offers a discount to Epic pass holders, which can make the ski school lesson prices comparable.
Note that with a Full Day Lesson, it's possible to split how the time is used. It's easier if there is direct communication with the instructor beforehand.
As you get to know people in the clinics, ask around and see if anyone is interested in a semi-private lesson or two. Or has had private lessons with a favorite instructor.
Stories . . .
For Diva West 2025 at Alta I set up a lesson with the instructor I know best, Arthur Haskell, months in advance. Only my name was on the reservation. The actual lesson was split into two 3-hour lessons. In the morning, I was with a Diva who had a specific focus in mind. In the afternoon, I was joined by three other Divas who were interested in an "adventure run" off-piste. I'd skied with all of them before. For details and pictures, check out
my post in the Diva West trip report thread.
Note that if the people sharing the lesson are on the same wavelength about who is the focus of the lesson, the people do not need to be of the same ability level. That works better with a Level 3 instructor (or a Level 2 with 15+ years of experience teaching). I've had several lessons together with advanced intermediates or low advanced skiers since I became a solid advanced skier. I always learn something. It has helped me to integrate what I've heard over the years to gain a deeper understanding in a way that works for how I think.
Alta and Snowbird share a Mt. Baldy but operate very differently. Alta Ski Lifts owns the lifts, the ski school, Alta Ski Shop, while food service and the lodges in the town of Alta are independently owned and operated. Alta Ski Lifts only operates during ski season. Snowbird is a 4-season resort owned/operated by Powdr with resort lodging, resort restaurants on-mountain and at the bases, and so on.
Note that Alta doesn't require a deposit for lessons. In fact, Alta Ski School won't take payment until the day of the lesson. That means if driving conditions or another situation makes it difficult to get to the lesson, it's straightforward to call and cancel. Another difference is that Alta private lesson prices are lower if only one student, but there is a noticeable charge to add student(s) for a semi-private lesson.
Snowbird allows 1-5 students in a Private Lesson. It's fairly common to have a price for 1-4 or 1-5 people. In that case, sharing the lesson with even one other person is a great idea.
From what I've read, Solitude has a good ski school. Before Solitude was sold, one of the Level 3 instructors at Alta came from Solitude. He was an older man then. Still teaching at Alta I think.
My friend was lucky enough to have him for 3 group lessons in a row where she was the only student during an April trip. It was her first trip skiing anywhere but Massanutten (northern VA), where she was skiing greens and the easy blue. She took a few lessons to learn while her kids were in full-day ski school. He had her skiing the easiest blue groomers at Alta by the third lesson. I was impressed with him and her. She's had lessons with Arthur since then. Even though she essentially has only skied during a late season week at Alta in the last four years, her form on an easy black groomer is fabulous. She didn't develop bad habits because she did lessons at least once a season and is willing to practice on the Sunnyside greens at Alta until last chair.
