Learning To Ski and Ride
What’s a yard sale on the slopes?
- Something you’d rather not attend but love to watch!
- Yard sale: A wipeout fall in which skis, poles, hat, etc. end up strewn along the mountain.
- Dry powder snow driven and packed hard by the wind so that it becomes hard enough to partially support a skier.
- A sudden gust of wind kicking up the snow’s surface. A gust so dense as to obscure vision.
- Besides a piece of machinery?
- Snowplow: Often the first technique a beginner learns. The front tips of the skies are almost touching as the back tips are bowed outward, creating friction and helping with balance and control. Even advanced skiers use the technique at the beginning of runs while they put on gloves or adjust goggles.
- Schussing: Skiing straight downhill, often in a full tuck position. It’s dangerous and not permitted.
How do I get the right fit in my ski boots?
- Ski Boots: Getting the right fit.
- When trying on boots, nothing else (pant legs, gaiters, etc.) should go in the boot but your foot and sock. Make sure there are no wrinkles in the sock and please only one pair of medium weight socks.
- Buckle the boots completely and stand up. The buckles go on the outside of each foot. Bend your knees and lean forward. Your heel will drop into the heel pocket of the boot. There should be limited heel lift and the front of your foot should be just about touching the toe of the boot. You should be able to wiggle your toes slightly.
- Rebuckle the boots tighter for a snug fit, or loosen it too tight. If your foot slides around too easily within the boot, try on a smaller size. If you toes or instep are cramped and you feel that your circulation is reduced, try a larger boot. Adjust the buckles until the boot fits snugly but comfortably. They should NOT hurt.
- Do not be concerned if your boot size does not match your street shoe size. Since many ski boots are manufactured in Europe, the sizing may not coincide with American shoe sizing.
- Keep your boots buckled securely when skiing. You can loosen the buckles when walking, not skiing, or riding the ski lift.
Should I decide what length ski to ask for if I rent?
- Nope. Here’s why..
- Skis have changed quite a bit over the last few years. Let a certified rental tech guide you into a ski that will be safer and cooler for you to use. Straight skis are like last decade!
What should I know about equipment bindings?
- Bindings
- Ski bindings will not release in all situations
- All rental snowboarders are equipped with strap or step –in bindings for ease of entry and exit.
- Unlike ski bindings, snowboard bindings are designed not to release when you fall. Make sure your bindings are compatible with your board and boots and the style of riding you plan to do.
- Be sure you understand how bindings work. Snow that builds up on the bottoms of your boots can interfere with the binding connection. Skiers can tap their boot bottoms with their ski pole handle. Skiers and snowboarders can scrape stubborn snow against something solid, such as the top of your binding’s heel piece.
What about my equipment length?
- Ski and Snowboards
- Skis and snowboards should be about chin high or shorter for beginners. The shorter the ski/board the easier it is to learn on it.
- Measure up—Riding stance: Regular-foot riders stand with their left foot forward on the board. Goofy-foot riders stand with their right foot forward. If you skateboard, surf or wakeboard, you probable already know what your stance is. If not, have someone push you lightly from behind. Whichever foot you put out first to balance yourself is probably the foot you should in front.
- The two most important measurements of a snowboard are length and waist width. Snowboards are measured in centimeters (cm). Your board length will depend on you weight, your riding style and the type of conditions you will ride in most often. A shop employee can help you decide on the appropriate length. The waist width will depend on the size of your feet. The toe and heel of your boot should be flush with the edges of the snowboard. This will give you the most leverage and allow you to turn easier. In general, snowboard boots come in a traditional American sizes and also “mondo point”, which is simply the length of the boot in centimeters.
Are shaped and parabolic skis the same thing?
- Yes. Parabolic skis: Also called hourglass skis or shaped skis. Allowing strong intermediate skiers to ski like experts, and beginners to make those pretty turns sooner. They promise speed and control, responding to the slightest pressure.
- It depends…it is a personal preference. Beginners often start without poles…they are not needed when learning…and are an added hassle.
- Poles are used to help you with your balance and rhythm while skiing. Poles can be made from fiberglass, aluminum, graphite, or some combination of these materials. Poles are measured in inches.
What do people mean by off-trail skiing?
- Off–Trails: In most cases, probably where you shouldn’t be.
- Moguls: Mounds of snow, both natural and skier made, dotting usually ungroomed runs.
What other tips do you have for riding lifts?
Instructions for riding chairlifts
- Loading Instructions
- Straps off wrist
- Hold poles in inside hand
- Step quickly into position
- Look over outside shoulder, grasp bar as chair approaches and sit down gently.
- Do not bounce or swing
- On Triple and Quad Chairs: Middle skiers should grasp back of chair as it approaches. Sit down gently.
- Unloading Instructions
- Stand up at designated point and ski down the incline.
- Move quickly away from moving chair and keep unloading area clear.
- Loading Instructions
- Straps off wrist.
- Hold poles in outside hand.
- Step quickly into position.
- Look over inside shoulder, grasp post as chair approaches and sit down gently.
- Do not bounce or swing.
- Unloading Instructions
- Stand up at designated point and ski down the incline.
- Move quickly away from moving chair and keep unloading area clear.
Instructions for Riding Rope-Tows
- Loading Instructions
- Straps off wrist.
- Hold poles in outside hand.
- Step quickly into position.
- Look over inside shoulder, grasp tow and hold on.
- Do not sit down or lean back.
- Riding Instructions
- Flex knees.
- Keep skis in the track.
- Do Not sit down or lean back.
- Get off only at designated area.
- Unloading Instructions
- Drop the rope and ski away from the unloading area.
What should I know prior to using a lift?
What should I expect in a first lesson?
- Our beginner’s area is wide with a gentle slope and a magic carpet. At the Ski School Meeting Area, your instructor will introduce himself and familiarize you with your equipment. During the first lesson you will learn how to walk, maneuver and control your skis by turning, slowing down and stopping. If you are ready, he instructor will show you how to ride the chair lift and will ski down with you. After your lesson you can continue practicing what you’ve already learned.
How long will it take to learn?
- With today’s modern teaching methods, you can be past the beginner stage after 2 or 3 lessons, which means you can ski 50% of the ski trails in the United States. Just in you first day, you’ll learn how to turn, slow down, stop and ride the lifts.
How do I attach a lift ticket?
- There will be a wire wicket available where you obtain your ticket.
- Always attach your lift ticket to a garment that you will be wearing all day, such as your pants or jacket. Do not attach it to your gloves or hat or any item of clothing that could be misplaced or broken.
- Put the wire wicket or holder through a button whole, strong belt loop, or zipper pull. (If there is a chain on the zipper pull, do not attach the ticket to the chain as it may break).
- Tickets are attached to the holder by the adhesive on the ticket itself. To use the adhesive ticket, remove the backing from the adhesive and fold the ticket over the holder. Put the backing in the trash receptacle.
- Most ski areas do not replace lost tickets, including Snowstar, so be careful to attach your ticket properly and to an item that will not break. If it is on your jacket or parka, do not leave it unattended in the base lodge.
I need an excuse to get out of a lesson, have any?
The following have all been tried. None of them have worked:
- I don’t like to ski or ride by myself. You aren’t alone. Surveys show us that this is the main reason people don’t ski or ride more often. Join in on a lesson to meet a new friend, while polishing your existing skills to make your experience more enjoyable.
- I need more confidence. All levels, our coaches take their time to assess and address individual needs, enabling you to ski or ride with confidence, which will dramatically improve your experience.
- I use to be pretty good: Been a while since you’ve been to the slopes? We’ve come a long way, baby! Whether you want to brush up on your existing skills or check out what you’ve missed over the years, let us help take your winter to a new level of excitement.
- I already know how: Maxed out your skills? Why not try something new? Cross over into a new world of winter fun by challenging yourself with snowboarding.
- I don’t want to hold anyone up: Don’t worry! Our staff works hard so you don’t have to. We’ll find the right group by matching you with other skiers or riders with similar skills and desires.
- I get so tired: Regardless of what you use to slide down the mountain, we’ll show you how to use your skills more efficiently. Beat those “burning thigh blues” and keep going ‘til sundown or sun-up! I can’t keep up with my family and friends: Tired of being the last one to the bottom? Are your kids faster than you? We’ll give you tips to increase your skills and confidence so you can gain the speed you need!
- I’m already an expert: It’s time to push the envelope! Join one or our top guns in an advanced coaching session or racing. We’ll coach you in steeps, bumps, carving, prevailing conditions, terrain park, trees, you name it!
What do the green circles on the trails mean?
- Green circles, blue squares, and black diamonds: The markings used to indicate the difficulty of a mountain’s slopes. Green are easiest, blues moderate of intermediate and blacks advanced. A double black diamond indicates the toughest run. Be aware that designations are for that particular mountain; a blue run at Snowbird is not necessarily as easy as a blue run at Snowstar. They also differ on each mountain.
How to use lifts—Here are some basic rules for riding all ski lifts:
- Obey all loading and other instructions on lifts.
- Do not use a lift until you are familiar with its operation. Read the instruction signs. Watch and learn. Ask if you are in doubt.
- Slow down before approaching the entrance to a lift.
- Load and unload only at designated areas.
- Be polite and courteous at the loading area. Wait your turn, try to keep off other people’s skis, and double or triple up for chairlifts.
- Have your lift ticket or season pass visible to the ticket checker or lift operator so you do not hold up the line.
- On chairlifts, keep ski tips up as you leave the loading area and upon approaching the unloading ramp.
- If you fall while getting on or off the lift, keep your head down and crawl quickly out of the way.
- Do not bounce, or other wise abuse lift equipment. You may cause injury to yourself or other.
- Make sure no loose clothing or long hair is caught in lift when unloading.
- Move quickly away from unload areas to make room for the next skiers.
- If a lift stops, Do NOT attempt to get off or jump…This is dangerous to yourself and others. Remember, if there is a mechanical problem, area personnel will provide assistance.
- Take special precautions to help small children loan and unload. Do not allow them to ride a lift alone until they can do so properly. You are responsible for your children and their actions.