Your Beginners’ Guide to Snowshoe
If it’s your first time on the slopes, then you’ve come to the right place. There’s no better place to learn to ski or ride than Snowshoe Mountain. From our lessons to our terrain, it’s a beginners paradise. But first things first – you’ll need to outfit yourself with the right gear, know what to expect, book a lesson and rental equipment, and, most importantly, have fun! Here’s the beginners’ guide to snowshoe.
Get in the Right Gear
Nothing can ruin a perfectly good ski day like being soggy and cold. As they say “there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.” Make sure you’re prepared for all weather situations with these few tips:
- Layer Up: On the mountain, you can see a range of temperatures and conditions within a couple of hours. It’s best to layer your clothing so you can adjust when necessary. And there’s no layer more important than the base layer. You won’t regret wearing a pair of long underwear, a long-sleeved shirt, and a sweatshirt. Socks are also very important. Try a thin wool or polyester pair and only wear one pair. It’s a common misconception that wearing multiple pairs will keep you warmer than one.
- Outer Wear: Your coat, mittens, and pants/bibs should be comfortable, warm, and most importantly, water-resistant. As a beginner you can expect to fall from time to time, even the best skiers and riders do. Water-resistant clothing will keep you warm and on the slopes longer. In my personal opinion, nothing beats Goretex…and yes, it’s well worth the price.
- Equipment: Check out our equipment rental options and reserve yours in advance. Once you get to the mountain our experienced rental technicians will find all the right equipment for you based on your beginner status. Pro tip: pick up your rental equipment the night before you’re lesson so that you’re extra prepared.
- Helmet: Not to sound like a broken record, but you will fall. Be prepared and protected. There’s no reason to risk it for the biscuit. Plus you can add a helmet to any rental package for only $15. That’s a small price to pay for protecting your greatest asset. Pro tip: get a helmet that has ear covers to keep your head extra toasty.
- Additional Accessories: Don’t forget to grab lip balm, goggles or glasses, and sunscreen (for those bluebird days). You may wish you had them when you hit the slopes.
Listen to Your Body
Skiing and boarding will take quite a toll on your body. More than you’d expect. While it’s wildly exciting physical activity, it can also be rigorous. We recommend getting in shape to ski and ride. Not skiing and riding to get in shape. When you’re on the slopes, listen to your body and take a break at the first sign of fatigue. And always make an honest assessment of your physical skiing and riding abilities when determining which trails to hit.
How to Book a Lesson at Snowshoe
We have various group and private lessons that are specifically geared towards beginners. But we think you’ll be most interested in our New Intro-to-Snow lesson which includes your rentals, lift ticket and a specially targeted beginner lesson. You’ll learn how to strap-in, stop, and everything in between. Check out our full lineup of lessons here and be sure to book well in advance to ensure availability.
Know Where to Go for Your Lesson
Kids World, Group & Private lesson Drop Off & Pick Up is on Skidder Slope, next to Expedition Rentals & The Depot.
Pre-Ski School Drop Off & Pick Up is on the Lower Level of Mountain Lodge.
Even though Kids World drop off & pick up are not in Mountain Lodge, Kids World activities will take place there, and parents are welcome to visit the Parent Zone. There is a viewing area of the new teaching terrain on Mountain Lodge, and you can grab a bit to eat at The Basin for lunch.
And Most Importantly, Have Fun!
There’s nothing like the feeling of sending it downhill, the wind on your face, and adrenaline pumping through your veins. While being cautious and focused, don’t forget to have fun and take it all in. Enjoy the scenery, the rush of excitement, and feeling of child-like wonder. We guarantee you’ll want to keep going, and going, and going.
So what are you waiting for? You’ve mastered the beginners’ guide to Snowshoe. Book your lesson, rent your gear, and get ready to see what all the hype is about! We’ll see you on the slopes.