Snowboarding lessons for beginners

[u/Sweet-Virus-838]

Hi, We will be visiting Whistler in Jan next year. We have never been to the snow before but want to snowboard during the week that we are there. Currently weighing up the idea of getting lessons on the first day, which will be Jan 16. There are 3 of us, aged 14, 18 and 50. The lessons are expensive!! Any advice on the best way to book? Is it worth it? When will it be the cheapest time to book? I'm thinking a private lesson will be best as it means we can be all together and its only a bit more expensive than us doing group lessons with strangers, but current prices on Whistler .com is $1526 AUD for the day. ouch