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Preparing for your
first ski trip is easy and will give you extra hours on the slopes. A few bits
of inside information will also make your first trip (and all those that follow)
more enjoyable.
Start your preparations well before you leave, by
getting y clothing, equipment and other necessities ready before you reach
the mountain. Call the resort to find out whether they offer a discount
"learn to ski" package that combines equipment rental, lift ticket,
and lessons.
Getting there
Avoid the morning rush at the on-mountain rental shop by getting there half an
hour before the lifts open. Rental shops can get jammed by midmorning and by
avoiding the rush you're guaranteed an hour or so of extra snow time. Besides,
the snow is usually best, and the lift lines shortest, early in the morning.
At the mountain
Head straight for the ski school desk to ask about a discount "learn to
ski" package, that combines rental equipment, lift ticket, and lessons.
Make sure to ask about weekend and multiple-day discount packages and check
whether your lift ticket can be purchased with the rental package.
Lift ticket
A lift ticket allows you onto lifts and the snow for a day's worth of skiing.
Also sold in "learn to ski" packages and multiple day passes.
Trail map
Shows a layout of the mountain, but unfortunately doesn't include a "You
are here" flag--not yet anyway! Read the map carefully to ensure you don't
wander onto terrain for intermediate or advanced skiers.
At U.S. resorts, beginner trails are marked with
a green circle  , intermediate with a blue
square  and advanced with a black "diamond"
 . At some
bigger mountains you'll also find double black diamond slopes for experts. If
you're not sure how to find a green trail, ask a ski patroller, ski instructor,
lift attendant, or other area employee.
Print this out for future
reference and remember to have fun!
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