Pre-Arrival Tips

What kind of shape do I have to be in?

Café sitting and actually getting out on the slopes are two very different pastimes. If you've spent the fall on the couch, it would be a good idea to begin toning the body a bit before venturing out on the mountain.

Both skiing and snowboarding require your body to be in adequate physical condition. Veteran skiers and boarders are naturally active people, but even they make a point of conditioning themselves before the first flakes fly. Experts cross train year-round, but you don't have to get intense. Simple exercises to strengthen your legs, abdominal, and back muscles will prepare you to enjoy your on-mountain experience. From knee bends to sit-ups, bending and stretching exercises will make your experience that much more enjoyable. Walking and climbing up or down stairs are great conditioners. Skip the elevator for a month before hitting the slopes and you'll amaze yourself! Snowsports are a great excuse to get into shape now and to stay toned all winter.

Should I borrow my friend's equipment or should I rent?

It's tempting to borrow equipment, especially when the boots actually seem to fit your feet. But you're better off renting. Here's why. All of our beginner equipment is designed for beginners. They're specifically engineered to turn more easily and are more forgiving than either upper level or budget equipment. Your boots will really match your feet; if you need a half size up or down, we can accommodate you. Your first time out should be enjoyable and productive. Our beginner packages include ski or snowboard rental equipment specifically matched to your size and stature.

Skiing or boarding? Which is easier?

Generally speaking, snowboarding is easier to learn, but harder to master. Boarders tend to fall more frequently than skiers when first learning, but with either sport, at the beginner level, speeds are slow and the falls are usually pretty tame. But with either sport, don't rush things! The athletes you see on TV have been performing tricks and stunts for years. They have dedicated countless hours to perfecting them. Turning and stopping whenever and wherever you want are more than suitable goals for beginners.

I don't have special clothes. What should I wear?

You don't need to buy expensive ski or snowboard clothes to try the sport... you probably have everything you need in your closet.

Surprisingly enough, even though you're outside in the winter, you will perspire! Layering is the key. You don't need to invest in specific clothing, but dressing appropriately is important and may be done by selecting items from your existing wardrobe and wearing them in suitable combinations.

Pants: Un-insulated wind or rain pants and sweatpants under them can approximate insulated ski pants. Nylon running pants can break the wind, but sweat pants and/or long underwear under them are essential. By the way, don't tuck your pants into your boots. Ski pants are designed to fit over the tops of your boots. The only things that go inside your boots are your feet and your socks. A note for boarders: snowboard-specific pants that have extra padding and waterproofing in all the right places are a good idea. Boarders spend more time sitting on the snow than do skiers. It's the nature of the sport, even for advanced riders. Good pants are invaluable!

Tops: A long-sleeved shirt (a turtle neck is a great idea) with a sweater and medium weight jacket offers a variety of options should the temperature change. On very cold days, a layer of long underwear worn on the upper body is a great insulator and may always be removed if conditions warrant. A ski jacket with armpit vents can be very effective at regulating body temperature.

Headgear: Cover your head! Your body loses 80% of its heat through your head. A hat is essential! A warm wool or fleece hat is ideal. Don't sweat "hat hair".... you can fix it after the last run and before you head out for drinks and dinner.

Socks: Wear one pair of light to medium weight socks! Your boots are designed to keep you warm. Don't cut off circulation to your toes or start your feet sweating with heavy socks.

Gloves/Mittens: Personal preference rules here. Generally, mittens are warmer but restrict dexterity. Glove liners (available in our shop) are a viable option for some. Boarders tend to prefer long, waterproof mittens. Handwarmers (also available in our shop) are single-use pouches that produce heat for several hours and are used inside gloves or mittens.

Neckwear: Leave the long woolen scarf your grandmother knit for you at home. It's a potential hazard. You're much better off with a neck warmer, a non-allergenic fleece tube that slips over the head and keeps your neck toasty warm. This wonderful, inexpensive piece of apparel is actually long enough to be pulled up to cover your chin, mouth, and nose.

Extreme Cold: Insulated long underwear is priceless. The best ones are made of high-tech synthetic materials, but inexpensive cotton-poly blends work fine as well.

Accessories: Goggles protect your eyes from the sun and from the wind. Sunglasses are helpful, but don't block the wind. Tearing eyes and cold temperatures are not a fun mix. On nice days, headbands are less fuss than a hat. Sunscreen and lip balm are recommended.

What should I avoid wearing?

Skip the blue jeans, unless they're worn under a waterproof layer. Wet and cold denim has little to recommend it. Knit wool mittens or any other non-windproof gloves should be avoided.

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