4 tips to get you on the slopes even if you’ve never skied before
I am a retired skier. I skied three times and then made the decision to call it quits. I can appreciate the excitement of jumping off the lift in expectation of heading down the slope at a fast clip. But, I was better at the reward part – hot cocoa or a cold beer in front of the fire.
The act of skiing or snowboarding takes some coordination – and I don’t mean physical ability. I mean figuring out where to go, what to bring and how to do it. These four easy tips will help you get started:
(1) Choose a location
Do you want to commit one day or a weekend to this adventure? A two-to-three-hour drive gets you to several ski options. Drive up early one morning, ski all day and be home before midnight. CharlotteFive covered many of the resorts, listing snow base, trails and amenities in this story last year.
Basil Marcus, the manager at Alpine Ski Center, gives his opinion on these nearby resorts:
Appalachian Ski Mountain – This one is best for lapping and free style. It is smaller and family friendly.
Beech Mountain Resort – The laid-back atmosphere is probably due to the microbrewery on top of mountain. They also offer a good blend of trails.
Cataloochee Ski Area – This is a smaller mountain with shorter trails. They have an excellent ski school.
Sugar Mountain Resort – They have the best downhill trails for skiers and snowboarders.
Winterplace Ski Resort – Located in West Virginia, it is close to I-77 so no windy mountain roads to get there.
Snowshoe Mountain – If you want a weekend getaway, this one is a five to six-hour drive to West Virginia.
(2) Buy your lift tickets
If you can take a day off during the week, lift tickets and equipment rentals are typically less expensive and the slopes are not as crowded. Some resorts offer a discount if you buy them online a few days ahead of time.
Lift ticket prices are based on full-day, half-day and twilight rentals. Lift tickets range from $35-$99 depending on resort, day and amount of time you want to spend on the slopes.
(3) Attend ski or snowboarder school
The bunny slope isn’t just for kids. I recommend lessons for new skiers and snowboarders. You learn how to stop (this is key), how to get in and out of skis, how to move down the hill and basic safety skills. Lessons may be purchased as part of a lift package or separately, depending on the resort’s policies. Group and private lessons are also available at some locations.
(4) Get equipped
James Hunt, store manager at Ski Country Sports, recommends being well-equipped. Things like waterproof outerwear, helmet, water-freeze gloves and goggles are essential and can make the experience more enjoyable. Hand warmers are a bonus. Helmets are rented at the resort. Goggles are not a rentable item, so consider buying — or borrowing — those before you go.
When you rent skis, they come with boots and poles. Snowboard rentals come with boots. They can be rented locally or at the resort. Ski and snowboard rentals range from $15-$45, depending on what you need and whether you rent the items locally or at the resort.
Pro tips
– Save money and time on line by renting skis or snowboard equipment from local shops such as Ski Country Sports and Alpine Ski Center.
– Check out weather and snow conditions before you head out.
– Wear a helmet.
– Don’t overdress. It can be as bad as being under-dressed.
– Take advantage of the lodge. You deserve a hot cocoa or beer after all that work.
Photo: James Hunt
This story was originally published January 18, 2017 at 11:00 PM with the headline "4 tips to get you on the slopes even if you’ve never skied before."