First Timers Guide To Skiing and Snowboarding
Interested in trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time? We'll give you our best advice on how you should prepare.
Travel Know-how
Before you leave the house be sure to carry tire chains in your vehicle. They are required during heavy snowfall on I-80.
Cal Trans requires all motorists to possess chains/snow tires during inclement weather. Up to the minute road conditions are available via Cal Trans at 800.427.ROAD. Nevada road conditions 775.793.1313. Call before you haul.
Ski or Snowboard Clothing Checklist
- Goggles (preferred over sunglasses)
- Sunglasses
- Hat (no, not a headband. 80% of your body’s heat is lost through your head)
- Long underwear shirt
- Turtleneck
- Long underwear tights
- Fleece pants as a liner (if you are susceptible to cold)
- Water resistant ski or snowboard pants (available at most sporting goods stores)
- Long-sleeve overshirt
- Fleece pullover
- Gloves or Mittens (mittens are warmer than gloves)
- Thin wool or synthetic knee-high socks (bring at least 3 pairs)
- Winter snow boots with some traction (Sorels are common)
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
Ski & Snowboard School Lesson Video
Ski/Snowboard Trip Tips
Jewelry such as rings and earrings transfer cold easily. If you are susceptible to the cold, stash your jewelry.
Keep a granola bar or cookie in an interior jacket pocket. Your body expends calories to keep your internal "thermostat" at a comfortable temperature, so a snack on the chairlift between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner is more than necessary.
Rule of thumb: NEVER WEAR COTTON while skiing or snowboarding. Cotton traps moisture next to your skin, allows heat to escape, and should be saved for summer. When choosing ski or snowboard clothing, look for fabrics like Capilene, Thinsulate, Goretex, Coolmax, or Polypropalene. These fabrics are specifically designed to keep heat in and moisture out. In the end, you'll be much more comfortable!
Don't spend an arm and a leg on clothing. You probably already own most of the listed items above. If you need to buy items, shop around. Most discount clothing apparel and generic sporting stores will stock everything you'll need. Yes, there are many specialty niche stores who will carry high-performance, name brand items, but if you're just starting, keep the clothing thing simple.
Even though temperatures are cool and you have a chair lift to transport you to the top of the mountain, you will need to drink lots of water. Make many stops at the drinking fountain. Some people even wear a hydration pack under their ski or snowboard jackets - whatever works for you, remain hydrated.
Earlier is better. Try to arrive at least one hour prior to a ski or snowboard lesson. You will need to be fitted with proper equipment, which may take a few minutes. If you're not an early riser, take the noon or 1:30pm lesson.
Skis and Snowboards
Your beginner program includes a lesson, a beginner lift ticket, and ski or snowboard equipment (complete with boots and poles). Alpine's rental team will outfit you with all your gear.