What do I need to bring?
Things to Bring
Well, no surprise here but clothes that will keep you warm and dry.
And that's really important if you end up falling a couple of times.
We do not recommend cotton clothing (jeans and a sweatshirt) it
becomes wet, then cold. What's great is that you probably have most
of what you need. If you don't, just borrow some from friends.
Layer Up
The best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you
flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and
your activity. Turtleneck shirts, sweaters, long underwear and
footless tights work well as under-layers. Avoid wearing cotton next
to your skin, because it will absorb sweat and snow and make you
shiver. For that same reason, wool or acrylic socks are better than
cotton athletic socks. Wear one, thin pair. Ski and snowboard boots
are designed to be warm. Thick socks, or multiple layers of socks,
will only give you blisters. If you buy anything, it should be a
pair of waterproof shell pants and warm long underwear. You probably
have a winter sports jacket already. You may not need as many layers
of clothing as you think. On a sunny day, you may only need two
layers - the waterproof outer layer and the turtleneck/long
underwear first layer. But bring a middle layer (fleece or wool
sweater) just in case. You can always take off clothes as you get
warmer. The three main layers can be broken down to wicking
, insulating and weather protection layers.
Wicking layer: This is the layer worn next to your skin,
usually consisting of long underwear.
Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic - usually polyester -
fiber that has "wicking" power. This means the fibers will
wick (move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the
fabric so it will evaporate. This keeps you warm, dry and
comfortable. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking
abilities.
Even though it's cold, you will sweat.
Insulating layer: This middle layer includes sweaters,
sweatshirts, vests and pullovers. The purpose of this layer is to
keep heat in and cold out, which is accomplished by trapping air
between the fibers. Popular insulation materials include:
Fleece, a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability
even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly.
Wool, which naturally wicks away moisture.
Protection layer: The exterior layer, generally a shell and
pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. It
should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind,
while also letting perspiration evaporate.
Most genuine winter shells and pants are made waterproof and
breathable to some extent by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with
a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows
perspiration to escape, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Depending on the weather and type of winter activity you will be
doing, you may be interested in uninsulated pants and
jackets/shells, or garments with increasing amounts of insulation.
One-piece suits, which combine a jacket and pants, are popular with
many alpine skiers, especially on cold days and days where there is
a lot of fresh powder snow.
Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers - details that
truly make garments comfortable in a snowstorm.
Although less baggy than in previous years, most snowboard clothing
is still designed to fit looser than alpine skiwear, giving
snowboarders freedom of movement. In addition, many snowboard pants
are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when
kneeling or sitting on the snow.
Headwear: Up to 60 percent of your body's heat can escape
from an uncovered head, so wearing a hat, headband or helmet is
essential when it's cold. (Tip: If you wear a hat, you may be able
to wear one less layer on your body.) There are thousands of styles
of hats and headbands, usually made from fleece or wool. Many have
non-itch liners. Helmets are becoming very popular. Not only do they
protect your head from bumps, but they also keep your head warm. A
fleece neck gater (like a collar) or face mask is a must on cold
days.
Sunglasses and goggles: Sunglasses do much more than make you
look cool. They also protect your eyes from damaging solar
radiation. Snow, or any other reflective surface, makes ultraviolet
(UV) rays stronger, while increased altitude also magnifies the
danger. On flat-light days or when it's snowing, goggles are vital.
They protect your eyes and special lens colors increase the contrast
so you can properly discern terrain features.
Gloves and mittens: Look for gloves and mittens that use
waterproof, breathable fabrics. Mittens, in general, are warmer than
gloves, but offer you less dexterity. Consider the type of activity
you'll be doing. Snowboarding gloves and mittens often have a
reinforced palm because of extra wear from adjusting bindings and
balancing on the snow. Some snowboarding gloves and mittens also
have built-in wristguards, which are excellent for novice
snowboarders.
Socks: One pair of light-weight or medium-weight socks works
best for skiing or snowboarding. Socks are made from a variety of
materials, including polyester, silk, wool and nylon. Some socks
have wicking properties similar to long underwear, meaning your feet
will stay dry and comfortable.
Fashion Tips
The wicking layer should fit snugly (not tight) next to the skin in
order to effectively wick moisture.
Comfort is key for the
insulating layer. It should be loose enough to trap air between
layers, but not so bulky that it restricts movement.
Whether you are a skier or snowboarder, your protection layer should fit
comfortably, offering you maximum range of motion.
Look for 100 percent UV protection in sunglasses. Make sure the
glasses fit snugly behind your ears and rest gently on the bridge of
your nose.
Goggles should form an uninterrupted seal on your face, extending
above your eyebrows and below your cheekbones. Watch for gaps,
especially around your nose.
Don't buy gloves or mittens that are too tight. There should be a
little air space at the tips of your fingers, which acts as
additional insulation.
Don't wear jeans or street pants. Denim is not waterproof, so water
will soak through and you'll end up cold, wet and miserable.
Cotton is a no-no. Cotton is great for towels, because cotton soaks
up and retains moisture. That's precisely why cotton is all wrong
for on-slope apparel. It absorbs moisture (sweat and snow), and
retains it. When the wind blows, you will get very, very cold. Don't
wear cotton athletic socks, cotton jeans, cotton sweatshirts, or
cotton T-shirts.
Resist the temptation of putting on too many pairs of socks. You'll
restrict circulation and actually cause your feet to get colder.
What do beginners forget to bring the first day?
Sunglasses, goggles and sunscreen. The sun is very strong against
a snow-white background. Also remember to
bring water-resistant gloves or mittens and a hat. Future
snowboarders, wear wrist guards if you have them. If you already
have knee pads, they will help cushion snowboard falls.
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Where do I go once I get to the mountain?
If you do not have equipment - (Skis, snowboards, boots etc.)
Head straight to the rental shop where you can rent your equipment, purchase a snow pass(lift ticket)
and lessons. (A snow pass is required to use the area.) Before you enter the rental area
pick up a form and fill out all necessary information. This will speed up the process.
(Please note, we do not rent clothing. Hats, gloves, handwarmers, sunscreen and other small items
are available for purchase at the customer service desk in the main lodge area.)
When you pay, you will receive a snow pass. This is attached to something that you will wear the
entire day. The ticket is attached with a metal wire looped through a zipper or pull, fold the ticket
in half, remove the backing and sandwich the wire between the two halves.
Now you are ready to get your equipment:
Pick out your boots. Sizes generally match your foot in a dress shoe.
You can notch up or down several sizes by adjusting the buckle. Only one pair of socks please!
Otherwise the boots will not fit properly.
Find a spot on the benches. Try on your size. The boots should feel tight but should not hurt your feet.
Make sure you close all the buckles. Small coin lockers are available to store shoes and extra socks.
Proceed to the Equipment Counter to receive your skis or snowboard. Let the technician know you are a beginner.
You will be asked your height and weight so your equipment will be properly fitted to you.
Once you receive your equipment, carry it to the Learning Center Meeting Area directly behind of the rental building.
An Instructor will help you and direct you where to go.
If you have equipment -
Head to the windows in front of the main lodge where you can purchase your snow pass
and lessons. Please make sure that your equipment has metal edges and
stopping devices such as; brakes on skis and leashes on snowboards.
You can place your skis on the racks in front of the lodge while you get your pass.
Your snow pass must be attached to something you will wear the entire day.
The pass is attached with a metal wire looped through a zipper or pull, fold the ticket
in half, remove the backing and sandwich the wire between the two halves. Now you are ready to go
to the learning center, directly in front of the lodge, where an Instructor will help and direct you where to go.
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What about lessons?
When just starting out, lessons are always a good idea. We have Skiwee lessons which are
geared toward children between 4 and 6 years of age. Regular group lessons are for skiers
and boarders 7 years and older. The groups are separated by ability and sport so first time skiers
would be in one group and first time boarders in another. Private lessons are also available
to provide for one on one teaching.
We have special learn to ski/board packages which include rentals, snow pass and group lesson.
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