Skiing/Boarding 101
You've made the decision
Your friends abandon you every weekend from December to March. Your kids have been begging for three years. You've just watched the Olympic downhill. For whatever reason, you've decided to take the plunge and try skiing or snowboarding and this web page is your first step towards the time of your life. Now What?
Spending a few minutes now, is your first step towards a great first day experience! A little preparation before you leave for the slopes will assure that your first day on skis/snowboard will be the beginning of a love affair with the mountains and winter. This web page will provide you with a wide range of information and will hopefully answer all of your questions about your first day at Blue Mountain. We've designed the page so that you can use it in one of two ways. Read it from top to bottom. Everything you need to know, from getting in shape to your second day on skis/snowboard, will be covered. Or, if you have a specific question, simply click on one of the topics below, and go straight to your area of interest. Topics
Preparation before leaving for the ski area.
From home to hill.
What to expect at the hill.
Other activities at Blue Mt.
Safety at Blue Mt.
Your second day on skis/snowboard. Preparation before leaving
for the ski area. Getting In Shape for Snow Sports Skiing/Boarding are not the most strenuous sports, but taking the time to get in shape will prepare you for your first day and will help avoid sore muscles the next morning. Skiing or snowboarding is great because they exercises all parts of your body. Obviously, lower body strength is important as you will be walking and using your legs to steer your skis or snowboard downhill. But, don't overlook your chest and arms. You will be using these muscle groups to push yourself across the flats. Skiing/Boarding is an aerobic exercise. Light jogging, swimming, or bicycle riding will get your heart and lungs ready for the higher altitudes you will encounter in the mountains. Finally, don't forget stretching! A few minutes of stretching before and after skiing or boarding will help avoid pulled muscles during the day and sore muscles the next morning. "Snow Sports Tip"As a way of introducing you to their facilities, many health clubs conduct "FREE" get ready for skiing/boarding sessions. Preparing Your Car for the Mountains
Just like your body, your car will require some preparation before heading off to the mountains. Conditions in the mountains will often be quite different from the city. Expect temperatures to be 10 to 15 degrees colder and often snow will be falling at the ski area when it is sunny back home. Getting your car prepared before leaving will avoid "on the road problems". 1. Four-wheel drive, snow tires, all season tires, or chains are mandatory. Snow on the road is much more likely in the mountains than in the city.
2. Have your mechanic do a complete tune up. A well-tuned car is more likely to start easily when the temperatures head down.
3. New windshield wipers and a full washer reservoir are a must.
4. Be certain that your car's heater and defroster are in good working order.
"Snow Sports Tip" November is a great time to have yearly service done on your car. Not only will your car be ready for the mountains, it will be in top shape for the upcoming winter. Dress for a Day in the Mountains
Dressing correctly will assure you a warm dry day on the slopes. There are several ironclad rules. 1.Dress in layers. Starting with insulated long underwear and ending with a waterproof / windproof outer covering, several layers will be warmer than one bulky layer. An example of layering is long underwear, turtleneck, fleece pullover or sweater, parka and pants.
2.Avoid cotton next to the skin. Cotton does not wick moisture away from the body and will quickly become cold and clammy. Synthetic materials such as "Cool Max" will keep you warmer.
3.Wear a hat. 80% of body heat loss is lost through the head. A wool hat will be warmer than acrylic or fleece.
4.Helmets are available to rent in our Rental Shops or to purchase in our Skiers Store.
5.Mittens are warmer than gloves. If you are prone to cold hands, choose mittens. In either case, do not wear cloth gloves or mittens. Snow will stick to them and you will have wet and cold hands for the entire day. Choose either leather or nylon.
6.Sun reflecting off the snow can be very bright. Don't forget a pair of UV filtering sunglasses or goggles, and sunscreen.
7.Your parka and pants should be of a nylon type material. Avoid jeans or warm up pants as they will collect snow and become wet.
8.Wear one pair of wool socks. Wearing two pair will create a loose fit in your ski/snowboard boots and will cause blisters.
9.Pants should be worn outside your ski/snowboard boots. Tucking your pants into the boots will cause wet feet.
"Snow Sports Tip"Don't forget sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the snow will quickly sunburn exposed skin. From home to hill Driving Directions
Unlike many northern ski areas, you won't be spending most of your first day driving to the slopes. Blue Mountain is close and convenient to all major metropolitan areas. The area is less than 30 minutes from the Lehigh Valley and less than 11/2 hours from Philadelphia and New York. Click here for a map and directions to Blue Mountain.
At The Mountain
Blue Mountain has 2 lodges with parking. The Summit Lodge & The Valley Lodge. For your first day on skis or board use the lot near the Valley Lodge. Take a few minutes to orient yourself with the facilities you will be using. Have a scheduled meeting place with your family and friends if you should become separated during the day. If you become slightly "Misplaced", just ask any Blue Mountain employee, and they will cheerfully point you in the right direction.
"Snow Sports Tip" Weekdays are the least crowded days at Blue Mountain. Convince your boss that a midweek day in the mountains is therapeutic and a day of skiing/boarding will greatly increase your productivity at work. What to expect at the Hill Drop off and Parking
Directly in front of the Summit Lodge and Valley Lodge are "Skier/Boarder Drop Off" areas. No parking in these areas, but just like at the airport, stop here and drop off your family and friends. Leave your backpack or duffel with your friends for an easier walk in from the parking lot. "Snow Sports Tip" For the closest parking, arrive early, especially on weekends! Lift Tickets and Rentals
We suggest you go right to the Valley Lodge Rental Shop where you can buy the "First Time on Skis or Snowboard Package." This package includes your rental equipment, a lift ticket and lesson ticket. Rental technicians will ask questions such as your weight, ability and shoe size. They will use this information to select and adjust the equipment that is perfect for you. You are not expected to know everything the first day. Ask Questions! The staff will be happy to help you out. Remember one pair of socks and pants outside the boots.
Special note! A credit card or Photo I. D. is required to rent skis or snowboards. When stopping for a break always lock your equipment, including rental equipment. As a special service to our skiers & riders we will now watch your skis, poles or snowboard for you...FREE... Ski/Board Checks are located in the courtyards by Summit Lodge & Valley Lodge. We also provide ski & board locks outside our lodges which require quarters to operate. We provide areas for customers to secure their equipment, using their personal locks. Personal locks can be purchased in our Skiers Stores. If you use the Summit Lodge you will have to purchase your "First Time Package" at the ticket window before you go to the Rental Shop. Look at the signs at the ticket window and make sure you are in the right line. Cash or Credit. After buying your tickets go to the rental counter. You can expect the same procedure as in the Valley Rental Shop, with the technicians asking you the series of questions to fit you personally with the right equipment for you. Helmets are available to rent in the Rental Shops or to purchase in the Skiers Store. www.LidsOnKids.org
Click here for more information on the rental shop.
"Snow Sports Tip" Resist the temptation to rent equipment at home or at a shop "down the road". You'll have to transport the skis or snowboard inside your car, which are going to be cold and wet at the end of the day. Also, should your equipment need adjustment, you will need to return to the shop where you rented the equipment. NEVER borrow your friend's equipment. It is adjusted specifically for them and may not operate safely for you.
Snow Sports Lessons
Always take a lesson your first day out. Never take a lesson from your friend or relative. Blue Mountain maintains a staff of expert PSIA Certified Instructors. These professionals will have you skiing the beginner slopes after just one lesson. Professional instruction assures you an enjoyable safe introduction with no bad habits on your second day. Lessons aren't just for skiers. A staff of certified snowboard instructors will make sure your first day riding is safe and enjoyable. Click here for more information on ski or snowboard lessons.
"Snow Sports Tip" Buy a "First Time on Skis" Package for $40 and a "First Time on Snowboard" Package for $45. Both Packages include the equipment rental, a class lesson and unlimited use of three school hills. Top quality equipment + professional instruction + as many runs as your legs can take = the perfect ski day.
Food Services
Skiing and snowboarding burns calories! Blue Mountain serves up some of the best food you will find at any ski area. Hamburgers, pizza, hot soup and enough hot chocolate to float the Queen Mary is available in our second floor cafeteria of the Summit Lodge, or in our Valley Lodge cafeteria.
After skiing/boarding, stop by the cocktail bar on the second floor of the Summit Lodge. This is a great time to sit by the fireplace, meet new friends and trade stories about your day on the hill.
Click here for more information on banquet services.
"Snow Sports Tip" Like driving, skiing/snowboarding and alcohol don't mix. In fact, alcohol dilates the blood vessels and will actually make you lose heat and feel colder outside.
Trail Layout and Difficulty
Not all trails are created equal. Trails at Blue Mountain range from beginner slopes with less tilt than a pool table, to gut wrenching drops that look like a parachute is in order. However, not to worry. All slopes are marked using an internationally recognized code. Green circles are the easiest, blue squares are more difficult, black diamonds are for experts only, and orange ovals indicate Freestyle Terrain. Look for these icons on the trail map and at the beginning of every trail.
"Snow Sports Tip" Familiarize your self with a Blue Mountain trail map, available at the ticket window. NEVER let your friends talk you into skiing or boarding a trail beyond your ability. Ski Patrol
The Blue Mountain Ski Patrol is staffed by members of the National Ski Patrol. They are recognized by their rust colored parkas with the NSP cross on the back. Contact one for information on trail difficulty, snow conditions, or any other safety questions you might have. By all means, stop a patroller if you need help getting off the mountain. Ski Shop
The Skiers Store, located on the first floor just past the ticket window, is one of the largest and best stocked area ski shops. Forget your hat? The skier's shop can help. No sunscreen? Stop by The Skiers Shop. And definitely stop by at the end of the day for a T-shirt or pin as a souvenir of your first day on skis or snowboard. Other Ski Area Services
Kids too young to ski or board are no excuse for not heading to the mountains. Monday through Friday (Non-Holiday) babysitting is $2.00 per hour $4.00 per hour on weekends and Holidays. Lockers are available throughout the lodge for your convenience. Other activities at Blue Mt. Tubing
This is the modern version of taking your flexible flyer to the local park. Eleven slides with three levels of excitement will have the whole family whooping and hollering. And the best part, no walking. Three lifts whisk you to the top after each death-defying plunge.
Just like skiing and snowboarding, dress in layers. However, since tubing requires less work (you just sit in the tube, the tube does all the work), add an extra layer or two. Also, no ski boots on the tubing hill. A pair of insulated snow boots are perfect .
Ski/Board during the day and stay for a session of night tubing.
Click here for more information on tubing. "Tubing Tip"
Tubing is a great alternative for those family members that do not ski or snowboard. Blue Mountain is a family area. There is something for everyone.
"Snowboarding Tip"
During your first day on a snowboard you will spend quite a bit of time sliding on your bottom. A pair of snowboard pants that are waterproof and padded are a good investment.
When entering a Terrain Park, survey ALL the jumps/hits BEFORE actually attempting any hits. Make sure they are all within your ability.
Safety at Blue Mountain
Everyone at Blue Mountain wants you to have a safe enjoyable experience. It's your first day in a new sport. Ask Questions! Before leaving the rental shop, make sure you fully understand your equipment. If at any time you feel your equipment is not operating correctly, return to the rental shop for a quick check. Don't allow your friends to adjust your equipment. Talk to the ski patrol, they have been on the mountain since dawn and can guide you to the slopes best suited to your ability. Finally, you are going to be doing something you have probably never done before. Riding the lift! At your lesson you will be instructed on how to use the beginner lift. When you move up to the chairlift, watch how other skiers and boarders load, read the instructions at the loading area, and tell the lift attendant that you are a new skier or boarder, they'll slow the lift for your first ride.
Your second day on skis. Rent or Buy?
After your first day on skis or snowboard you are going to want to go right out and buy new equipment. Resist the urge until you ski/board several more times. The first few times you ski/board, your ability is going to increase quickly. After five or six days on the hill you will be ready for your first set of equipment. In fact your first ski or snowboard equipment will be higher performance than the rental equipment you have been using. More Lessons?
Absolutely. Even Tiger Woods still takes lessons. Blue mountain instructors will improve your technique allowing you to ski/snowboard faster on more difficult trails. "Snow Sports Tip"Buy an all mountain ski or snowboard package your second day out. A ski or snowboard rental package, an all-mountain lift ticket and a class lesson are included. Click here for All Mountain Package rates. Moving up to the Blue Square and Black Diamonds
By your second day you will probably be trying the more difficult slopes. Take your time. You have all season to work your way up to the double black diamond "Challenge Slope". Remember, slope difficulty changes from day to day. Slope conditions, snow, and lighting all contribute to the difficulty of the slope. Check with the Ski Patrol if you are not sure. "Snow Sport Tips" Conditions are always best first thing in the morning. Conditions will change throughout the day. Avoid taking that "Last Run" when you are tired and your muscles are well exercised.
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