| You're properly dressed, you've got the right package, and your rental equipment is ready to go - now is when the fun really starts! In the next hour or so, you'll learn all of the basic skills that you need to get started with a lifetime of skiing or snowboarding. |
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your first lesson
The first thing you will learn is how to put on your skis or snowboard and how to move around on the flat. This will give you a chance to get to know your equipment and get the feel for sliding around. You will also learn how to climb up the hill and turn yourself around while standing still. All of these skills are presented in a very flat area with a "runout". A runout helps you stop yourself while you are learning.
Next you will learn to slide straight down the hill. Unless you are an ice skater or in-line skater, your brain has been programmed to believe that sliding across the ground while standing up is, as a rule, something to be avoided. It takes a few runs down the hill before your brain figures out that it is not only OK, but a lot of fun.
You also may be introduced to the moving carpet lift. This is the easiest way up the mountain. The moving carpet is just like the conveyer lifts you will find in airports. You will simply stand on the carpet and it will move you slowly a short distance up the hill. From this point you will get a better idea of what it feels like to slide down the hill.
Once you have mastered "straight runs", you will be taught how to turn your skis or snowboard. Turning offers two benefits, it allows you to avoid things you do not wish to meet up close and it allows you to stop whenever you want, both commendable goals. Your rental skis or snowboard were designed to turn easily so you'll be happily turning in no time. Once you get to the point that you can go where you want to go and stop yourself with confidence, it is time for your first lift ride.
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your first lift ride
As you slide out onto the loading area, the chair will come up behind you. When the chair touches the back of your legs, simply sit down and enjoy the ride. There is a restraining bar that you pull down in front of you for the ride, please use it. At the top of the lift, you will see signs instructing you to raise the restraining bar and prepare to unload. The snow will gradually come up to meet your skis. When you get to the "Unload Here" sign, stand up, lean slightly forward and slide straight down the ramp. Your instructor will give you instructions on where to meet.
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