What to expect when you arrive
Carrying your equipment:
If you are arriving with equipment, the trek from your car to the Learning Center will be much easier if you know the proper way to carry your gear.
Skis: Place the skis base-to-base, with the brakes locked together. If you're outdoors and have plenty of space, carry the skis on a shoulder, with the ski tips in your hand. Your other hand is free to carry your poles (and boots unless you've changed footwear at your car). When indoors or near other people, carry the skis upright, with the tips pointing up and your hand below the binding toe piece.
Snowboard: Boarders have the advantage of more comfortable boots. Tuck your board under one arm like a stack of books and you're on your way.
Where to go when you arrive:
Ticket Sales/Learning Center: The Learning Center is located adjacent to the Main Base Lodge, on your left as you look up at the Mountain. It houses everything you need to get out on the Hill.
Attaching your Lift Ticket: Lift tickets allow you access to the lifts and the slopes. Expect to show it to the lift attendant at least every time you board a lift. Attach it to something easily visible, but not someplace right next to your face. Avoid attaching it to your jacket's principal zipper, as when the zipper is pulled up to your neck, the ticket may flap in your face on your way down the hill. Most ski jackets have a lift ticket loop somewhere on the front. A jacket pocket zipper is often a convenient attachment place. Make sure to attach it to something you'll wear all day.... not on a glove or a hat.
Restrooms: Restrooms are conveniently located just before you enter the Rental Shop in the Learning Center. There is also a small shop where you can pick up any last minute items or accessories you may have forgotten.
Rental Shop: You will need to read, fill out, and sign the form you received when you purchased your package before you pick up your ski or snowboard equipment. You may want to have a locker token with you when you enter the Rental Shop so that you may easily and safely store your street shoes, car keys, and other possessions.
Equipment Rental Suggestions:
Boot fitting: Both ski and snowboard boots are designed to hold your foot snugly to the surface of your skis or board. Any movement of the foot within the boot translates into loss of edge control and lessens performance. Boots are engineered to fit snugly. The critical area is the heel, which needs to be held tightly into the "heel cup" of the boot. Slide your foot into the boot, making sure that the tongue is pulled forward and out of the way. Push downwards on the heel of the boot to properly set your heel into the cup. Latch the buckles to a comfortable tightness, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Buckles may be readjusted after all have been fastened. Pay particular attention to the buckles on top of the instep of the foot as they hold your heel in place. When you stand up, your toes should have just enough room to wriggle. Press into the front of the boot by bending your knees. If your heel lifts up and out of the heel cup, the boots are too big.
Ski/Snowboard Length: Correct length is a correlation of your height, weight, and ability level. Modern shaped skis and snowboards turn much more easily than those of just a few years ago.
Are you goofy?: Snowboarders have to decide on their stance on the board. Most people are right-foot dominant, meaning their right leg is their "balance" foot. In this case, the right foot goes in the back binding, facing the rider to the right on the board. This is known as a "regular" stance. Some people are left-foot dominant, and ride facing the left side of the board.... this is known as "goofy" stance. Here's how to tell which foot is your balance foot. If you run and slide on a linoleum floor in your socks, whichever foot goes second is your balance foot. This is the foot that does most of the work by supporting the majority of your weight.
Helmets: Most snowboarders choose to wear helmets for a variety of reasons. Because beginner boarders tend to fall backwards a lot, helmets should be strongly considered. Advanced boarders like to do tricks which greatly increases the level of risk in the sport. Beginner skiers, however, tend to ski at slow speeds, and falls are usually forward or to one side. Pros and cons: Helmets keep you warm, but in warm weather can tend to be hot. Protection is particularly good at low speeds. We suggest that you consider helmet use and make an informed, educated decision.
