09 Dec First Time ON THE SLOPES?

Follow our 10 step guide to keeping it fun (and under control).

Skiing and snowboarding have an almost mythical appeal, from the sports portrayal in film to the acrobatic and seemingly edge-of-the-precipice descents of televised freestyle and racing, snowsports call to our inner voice of adventure.

Before we schuss (pronounced “shoosh”), we need to glide, stop, and turn. The key is to take it slowly, stay within your limits, and allow your skills to develop. You may not look like a movie star on the slopes of St.Anton on your first day, and you probably won’t (intentionally) find yourself exploring all of the resort terrain—but you’ll get comfortable with your new, long feet, and the unique feeling of gliding on snow.

1. Before you go, visit the resorts website to help plan your day. Unless you go midweek, you will need to plan for a busy parking lot, and often some distance from where you park (your car) to where you’ll park your stuff. First stop for most families is the bathroom, so get a sense of where the nearest ones are to the parking lot.
2. Next—most resorts have lockers. Think about the things you need to have with you, and those you don’t. Many skiers seek to bring travel bags with their snacks and “stuff”, and some resorts allow you to stash them under a table in the lodge—but this is not the norm, and it isn’t best form. Don’t plan to take over a table for the day in the lodge. Few resorts have the space for every family to take over a table like their own personal beach cabana. Store your items in a locker—you’ll be happy, and a responsible member of the ski and snowboard community.
3. OK—let’s think about your intentions. Are you hoping to ski or snowboard? Skiing is easier to learn, Snowboarding starts out a bit rough but gets better rapidly. Think about what other sliding platforms you’ve experienced (skateboards vs rollerblades? Water skis vs wakeboards, even moving walkways and escalators) to get a sense of which you prefer, and how you like to stand. Sideways on the escalator or moving walkway? Try snowboarding.
4. Alright—so your everyday resort has a few different stops you’ll need to make and to plan around. This next bit is going to be important, and you might want to call the resort you are visiting to get the details and avoid frustration. You need to think about how you’ll get 1.) Lift Tickets 2.) Ski Rentals 3.) Lessons.
5. In Michigan, some resorts don’t charge, or only charge a nominal fee to use the beginner area. Don’t spend the money on a “lift ticket” if you are not sure you’re going to advance beyond the beginner area. This can be a conundrum because most resorts discount lift tickets for advance purchase, whereas buying one on the slopes is most expensive the day of. Check with the resort if they offer a discounted upgrade from the beginner slope, or consider an afternoon only lift ticket for full mountain access. Most resorts have an outside ticket window, or even a kiosk where you can purchase tickets or pick up your advance purchase ticket. Plan on a line if you are heading out on a busy weekend.
6. Then, head to rentals. The rental experience can be pretty quick if you are experienced, but give yourself time if it’s your first time out. Most resorts don’t rent ski clothes, and you want to wear snowpants (especially if snowboarding, but even if you are skiing). Leggings won’t really do it, and you don’t want to wear anything you can’t roll up to at least mid-calf (to fit over the top of the boot). Don’t be fooled into thinking you need thick “ski socks” like hunting socks. Most frequent skiers and snowboarders wear thin wool, wool blend, or compression socks for the best fit.
7. Your boot should fit like a confident handshake—not the bone crusher, not the dead fish. Your toes should graze the front of the boot but not be cramped. Buckle them so the buckles close with a nice “snap”, keeping that comfortable handshake in mind. The cuff is different—you need to be able to move your ankle, so don’t buckle the cuff down like a cast—leave about a ½ inch of play. If the boots have a velcro strap at the top, this is not a carry strap, it wraps around the top of the boot and acts like one more buckle, moving leverage up the boot. Don’t leave it dangling.
8. The rental tech will size you up for your skis—matching them to your height and setting the bindings to your weight. Pro tip: if you’re an ice skater or rollerblader, size down on your skis. You’ll thank me later. They’ll also direct you to a rack for poles—these will help you move about. Prepare to feel totally out of your element carrying skis and poles out the door while wearing ski boots. This is where snowboarders have it easier.
9. You’ll want to head over to the ski school desk. Expect another line, so this is where your advance phone call really comes into play. If the resort allows advance booking of lessons, do it—you’ll feel better not standing in another line, but be sure you give yourself plenty of time for tickets and rental before booking your ski lesson. Note that some resorts have different processes for tickets and rental for kids who are in ski school. Some resorts have the kids staff set up the rentals (which is great), but you want to know in advance where you need to go, and to drop off the kids.
10. Take a lesson from an actual, certified pro. We cannot stress enough how big a difference a lesson can make in the comfort of your journey to the slopes. Your instructor paces the lesson to your needs, can help you understand and help you acclimate to the gear, and guide you in terrain selection. Their insights are invaluable. Worth every penny.

Article by Ron Shepard, PSIA Central CEO and Alpine Education Staff