FAQ

How big are your classes?
We keep our workshops small so that students of varying skill levels can be accommodated in a single class. With a maximum of 6 - 10 students per class, all students get individual attention. 

How old do you have to be to take a workshop at Snow Farm?
All Snow Farm workshops are open to students ages 18+.  Weekend workshops are also open to students ages 13+.  During the month of July, Snow Farm Summer is a program for high school students ages 14 - 18. 

What is the difference between a materials fee and an instructor kit fee?
Both the materials fee and kit fee assure that you have all the necessary materials for your workshop. The main difference between them is how the materials are sourced and when the fee is paid.  When Snow Farm is providing consumable materials, the supply fee is paid to Snow Farm at the time of registration. Some instructors prefer to bring a kit for their students which makes the fee payable directly to instructor at the time of the class. Lastly, in some cases, materials are available for purchase during the class and the cost will vary depending on an individual's choice of project or usage. We provide a range of the cost you might incur. 

How do I register for a workshop? 
Online registration is simple right from our website.  Choose a workshop, add your housing if you are staying at Snow Farm, and pay with a credit card - you're all set. You will need to create an account when you register online which you can access anytime you register in the future.  We will save your contact information and account record but not your credit card. You can also call our office at 413-268-3101 between 9am - 5pm (EST) and we can register you by phone with a credit card. Please note: If you would like to redeem a Snow Farm gift certificate towards your registration, you must call the office to process the transaction.

How much in advance should I register for a workshop?
We encourage early registration.  Our classes are small and they do fill up.  If a class is full, put your name on the waiting list, and we'll let you know if an opening becomes available.  Most workshops have a minimum of 5 students, and if the minimum is not met three weeks before the start of the class, it will be canceled - another good reason not to wait until the last minute if you want the class to run.

What are the accommodations like at Snow Farm?
Housing at Snow Farm is simple, clean, and comfortable. We have four dorms with five room type options: double, single, single plus, single plus with queen bed, and single deluxe. In response to COVID-19, double rooms are available only to people in the same family or who are traveling together. Double rooms can be reserved by calling the Snow Farm office (413-268-3101). There is also one cottage available which offers more privacy. The cost of housing depends on the option you choose and the length of the workshop.  If you prefer to stay off-campus, there are many nearby inns and hotels. 

What is the difference between a Single, Single Plus, and Single Deluxe room? 
It's not as complicated as it seems!  The Single dorm room is our standard, with 2 single beds (each with a pillow and blanket), one bedside table with a reading lamp, shelves, and pegs for hanging clothes. Single rooms are located in a dorm building with two bathrooms shared by 6 - 8 rooms. The Single Plus is the same room as the Single, with the same shared bathrooms, but one bed instead of two, and a few extras, including a window air conditioner, a reading chair, a desk, and some special decor.  One Single Plus has a queen bed which is identified in the room choices at registration. A Single Deluxe is the same as the Single Plus (one bed, reading chair and desk, air conditioning) but there are only two available on campus, and they share one bathroom between them.  The Housing page on our website includes a video tour of the Single Deluxe rooms. 

Can I share a room with my spouse/friend/family member? 
Currently, double rooms are available only by request for people who are traveling together. To reserve a double room, call the Snow Farm office at 413-268-3101, 9am - 5pm EST. 

Can your kitchen accommodate my food allergies and preferences? 
We want mealtime at Snow Farm to be a nurturing and delicious part of your experience.  We serve fresh, homemade food and ask students to choose in advance a meal plan from these choices:  regular (no restrictions), vegetarian, or vegan. All dishes are accompanied by a list of ingredients so guests can choose what best suits their needs or preferences. Meals are designed with an awareness of common preferences (i.e. gluten free) and multiple options allow for most people to easily assemble a delicious and satisfying meal. 

Snow Farm is unable to accommodate food allergies or sensitivities beyond our standard meal plans, and we rely on our guests to read ingredients and make choices that meet their needs. We care about your health and safety, so anyone with severe or life-threatening allergies is advised to bring their own food. A shared refrigerator and a microwave is available for student use. Call the Snow Farm office (413-268-3101) to arrange a housing option without meals. 

What is Snow Farm's policy on smoking and drinking on campus?  
Snow Farm is a smoke-free environment and no form of smoking or vaping is permitted.  In addition, while marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, Snow Farm complies with federal law and does not permit the use of recreational marijuana in any form on campus. For guests over the age of 21, we have a  Bring Your Own (BYO) policy for alcoholic beverages, which can be consumed only in the dining hall and on the grounds, but never in the studios.  You can review our full policy on tobacco, alcohol, and drug use here.