I took the 1 week beginners course at Fox Maple back in '86. Great experience. If I were a younger less settled kind of guy, I'd have been up for an apprenticeship and or looking for a job. Anyway, Steve runs a good school,and has good people around him. Nice place to visit and learn. I stayed in a cabin about a mile or so up the road. The week cost me around $1100 including; tuition, rent for the cabin, food, and flight out of Chicago. Recommend Fox Maple.