Tips & FAQ's |
Winter sliding sports — downhill skiing and snowboarding — are fun, and only partly because of the sports themselves. For urban dwellers, a snow sports vacation allows escape from everyday routines. We can admire stunning scenery created by the hands of nature rather than the hands of humans, and breathe fresh air. Winter sports provide an opportunity for family togetherness or outings with friends your age, because all ages can learn and enjoy them. Here are answers to questions you may have:
When to Go?
Mountain Creek is less busy during the week- Monday through Thursday. And particularly in the mornings and afternoons. once the grownups are done with work and the kids are out of school, they are most liekly to hit the slopes come evening into the night. Generally the best time to go is Monday through thursday early morning and afternoon.
Are Snow Sports Dangerous?
Is driving dangerous? Drivers who are reasonably cautious usually reach their destination without harm. If they drink and drive, or drive too fast for the conditions, the risk of an accident increases. The same applies to snow sports. Thousands of people learn to ski or snowboard each year with no injury more serious than a bruised back side.
Undoubtedly, you've seen TV commercials or movies showing skiers and snowboarders jumping off cliffs or doing flips in the air. Perhaps you fear that's what skiing and snowboarding are ultimately all about. Mountain resorts have plenty of terrain — most of it for those who want to ski or snowboard at moderate speeds and keep their board(s) flat on the snow.
Skiing and snowboarding are what you make of it. Simply put aspire to have fun. Don't feel pressured into doing something you're not comfortable doing. Mountain Creek offers bundled packaged programs which offer lessons and step by step bring your ability level where you want it to be. Ask about our "Guaranteed Learn to Ski or Ride" 3 time product sold for $119. Aspire to exercise, aspire to go from the top of the mountain to the bottom, and aspire to be with friends and family! The point is go at your pace and ski or ride what YOU are comfortable with, not what someone else says you're able to do.
Are Snow Sports Difficult?
Depending on your natural coordination, you may find skiing and snowboarding a bit tricky at first. They are like no other sports you've tried, so don't think that natural athletic ability will carry you through. No matter how heavy the peer pressure, do not head for the summit with your friends the first time. At best, you'll have a lousy time getting back to the bottom. At worst, you'll get hurt. If you try to learn on your own, you'll develop bad habits that later will make it difficult to progress to a level that is more fun.
It's always a good idea to take a few lessons to get the basics. If you are very athletic, one or two lessons may be all you need. For those of normal athletic ability, three days of lessons is a reasonable expectation.
Which Sport is Easiest to Learn?
The easiest sport for YOU to learn is the one you think will be the most fun. We've seen plenty of skiers who take a spill or two when they try snowboarding, and snowboarders who can't seem to make their skis go the same direction the first time they try two boards.
The first snow sport you learn will be the most difficult. But once you master the first one, it's easier to pick up a second one, because you will have mastered some basic principles of sliding on snow, such as balance and using the edges of your equipment to turn and stop.
So choose the one you want to learn, take a lesson or two, and you'll be having fun before you know it.
What Should I Wear?
Clothes that will keep you warm and dry. Du-u-u-uh, I'll bet you're saying. But after you fall a couple of times — and you probably will fall — cotton clothing (jeans and a sweatshirt) become wet, then cold. You'll need the right kind of clothes to keep you warm and dry. You probably have most of what you need. If you don't, borrow some from friends.
Dress in layers. Turtleneck shirts, sweaters, long underwear and footless tights work well as under layers. Don't wear 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, non-cotton long underwear (tops and bottoms). You probably have a winter sports jacket.
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.
Why Mountain Creek?
Mountain Creek is in the business of teaching and developing skiers and snowboarders. In fact Mountain Creek has developed the largest after school program in the country for kids and young adults learning to get into the sport! This means we're pretty good at what we do. We also offer adult learn programs which we think are pretty exciting and offers easy access to the sport through our $119 three-time Guaranteed Learn to program. Regardless of how you come to us we offer a number of ways for you to acquire the skills you need to progress into the sport. Also, we offer many programs which offer value pricing to bundled packages that offer you everything you'll need for your outing with us which includes: lift tickets, lessons and rentals. This package does not include clothing.
What do Beginners Usually Forget to Bring the 1st day?
Sunglasses, goggles and sunscreen. The sun is very strong at high altitudes and against a snow-white background. Also remember to bring water-resistant gloves or mittens and a hat. If you're taking snowboard lessons, wear wrist guards if you have them (and try to rent them if you don't). Knee pads will help cushion snowboard falls.
Do You Have to be in Good Shape?
The better shape you're in, the more fun you'll have. Most ski/snowboard areas are above 6,000 feet. Skiing and snowboarding are exercise, and exercise is tougher at high altitudes. A moderate and regular exercise program that includes aerobics and stretching can mean the difference between fun and no fun. If you live near sea level and you are at a mountain resort above 6,000 feet, take a morning or a day to get used to the altitude, if time allows. You probably will have a lot more energy for your first lesson.
How do I Sign Up for a Lesson & get Rental Equipment?
Your first stop should be the ski-school office or at the front of the rental shop where we sell our packaged products and services.
The rental shop will want a credit-card imprint as insurance you'll bring back the equipment, so bring one. If you don't have a credit card, you often can leave your driver's license at the shop until you return the equipment.
Don't think you'll be the oldest person on the hill, either. Lots of people learn when they are in their 40s, 50s or 60s. Children's instruction begins at age 3 or 4 at most areas. Children younger than that usually don't have the necessary motor skills to learn, and we must enforce minimum ages. Group lessons have a minimum age of 13 for participation at Mountain Creek. We do offer kids programs for different prices but you should understand because of the attention needed to instruct children, class ratios are lower thus necessitating more instructor attention during the lesson. Mountain Creek Snowboard lessons for children usually start at about age 5, though will teach younger children. If you have a toddler (4 for skiing and 5 for snowboarding), call ahead to ask about children's lessons. Now you're ready! Take your time, don't get discouraged, and we'll see you out on the snow.
Story credit: Diane Scholfield edited several consumer websites for SnowSports Industries America from 1996 to 2005. She received the Excellence in Snow Sports Journalism award from the North American SnowSports Journalists Association (NASJA) three times. She has been an avid skier since the age of 19. She definitely remembers when getting off the chairlift was the most challenging part of the day.
