Statistically, skiing is no more hazardous than bicycling or tennis. It used to be though! Back in the days of long, stiff wood skis, non-support boots and non- release bindings, skiing did present safety concerns. Now, with modern equipment such as shorter shaped skis, high-support boots, and releasable bindings, skiing has taken huge strides in safety. For additional safety issues check out our Ski Patrol page and Resonsibility Code page.

Skiing is not as expensive as you think; per hour cost is quite reasonable. The latest ski equipment can be rented, and as for clothing, you probably already have clothes which could double as a ski outfit. Most areas offer season programs,  family packages, special programs, group rates and various other packages to save you money. Please see our skiing and snowboarding rates & hours as well as our tubing rates & hours. If you are staying overnight, several lodging properties offer special pricing for those skiing at Snowstar. We are a day resort and do not have overnight accommodations at our location.

Learning has become a whole lot easier with the new shorter shaped skies and the New Magic Carpet. Because there is no rope to hold onto, the stand and ride feature makes getting up the hill easier, quicker, and more fun. More time can be spent learning to ski instead of learning to use a rope tow. Just in your first day, you will learn how to make turns, control speed and stop. 

Generally, if you are trying skiing for the first time, you should be able to do quite a bit on your first day. Snowboarding is a bit more difficult the first time. However the learning curve is much easier after just a few tries. With today’s modern teaching methods, you can be past the beginner stage after a few lessons, which means you can ski 50% of the ski trails in the U.S. and probably all the trails at Snowstar.

See our Learning Center lesson rates and our just for kids lesson program!

You do not have to be an athlete to ski or snowboard. Today, modern equipment does most of the work for you. If you do some exercises before your first day, you will enjoy it more. First of all, you will learn faster, because you won’t tire so easily during the learning process. You are going to fall down some while learning so you will bounce back better if you are in shape. Brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope or stretching are great ways to get in shape for a day on the slopes.

It is the easiest and safest way to learn. Learning from friends is not typically a good idea. Ask anyone who has taken that route or decided to teach themselves and you will get the same answer. It is too hard…..I cannot do it…Take a couple lessons and you will get to the fun stuff before you know it. After your lesson you should practice what you learned on the teaching area. After you have mastered the fundamental skills (turning, slowing down, stopping, and riding a lift) you will be ready to explore other trails while you practice your skills. Keep to the easier trails at first. Do not get on the advanced trails until you have mastered your control skills.

• Obey all loading and other instructions on lift.
• Do not use a lift until you are familiar with its operation. Read the instruction signs, watch and learn, ask lift operator if in doubt and obey his instructions.
• Ask your ski instructor for help when you are ready.
• Slow down before approaching the entrance to a lift.
• Load and unload at designated area.
• Be polite and courteous in the loading area. Wait your turn, keep off other people’s skis/snowboard and ride with others to speed up the lift lines.
• Have your ticket or season pass visible to the lift operator so you do not hold up the line.
• On the chair lift, keep your ski/snowboard tips up as you leave the loading area and upon approaching the unloading ramp.
• If you fall getting on or off, keep your head down and crawl quickly out of the way.
• Do not bounce chairs. You may cause injury to yourself and others.
• Move quickly away from unloading areas to make room for the next chair.
• If lift stops, do not jump off.
• Take special precautions to help small children load and unload. Do not allow them to ride a lift alone until they can do so safely. You are responsible for you children and their actions.

We have state-of-the-art ski and snowboard equipment, including helmets to take care of your needs. When fitting the boots, remember one pair medium weight socks only! (preferably not cotton). The boots will fit snug, the toes should have room to wiggle and your heel should not pull up in the boot. A boot too tight or with thick multiple layers of socks will reduce circulation and lead to cold feet.

Please see our rental rates for more inofrmation.

Yes you can, but remember:

• Old, out of date equipment is dangerous.
• We cannot adjust old out-dated bindings.
• All skis/snowboards must have devices to prevent run aways.
• All snowboards must be safe. For your safety, we do not allow plastic or other unsafe snowboards. Bindings mounted to a board indicate a safe board; bindings mounted through a board indicate an unsafe board. All boards must have a metal edge.  All boards must have leashes.