Showdown Beginners’ Guide
Skiing and Snowboarding are great ways to get out and enjoy winter in Montana, but that first visit to the mountain can seem pretty intimidating to a beginner. Here are some easy tips to get you going and make your first day on the slopes a smashing success!
Before You Arrive
A fun day in the mountains begins at home
- Fill up the tank! Skiing or riding is hard work, so be sure to eat a good breakfast and bring or be prepared to buy a smart, healthy lunch. It never hurts to bring a quick snack along to keep in your coat pocket.
- Dress the Part While it may not be super cold on the day you’re on the mountain, you’ll still want to be prepared with plenty of layers.
Here’s a list of stuff to throw in the old backpack before you leave home:
- A good, warm coat that will stop the wind and keep you dry
- Snow pants, wind pants, or insulated Carhart or wool overalls.
- A warm hat that covers your ears. Headbands work great when it’s warm out, but bring that hat along just in case—you’ll be glad you did!
- Warm, wind-proof winter mittens or gloves. Avoid knit ones since they get soggy wet and don’t block the wind.
- Scarf or neck gaiter to keep the wind and snow off your neck.
- Long-johns, tights, sweats or sweaters to wear underneath as layers.
- Sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from wind, sun and snow.
- Sunscreen and chapstick! If you forget that, you’ll go home looking like a lobster—or a raccoon, if you were wearing your goggles.
- One pair of good, thick socks to wear while you’re on the slopes—and a dry pair to wear on the way home!
- A couple of dollars in quarters, for the pay-lockers and glove warmers.
Lessons
The best thing you can do as a beginner is take a lesson! Our fun-loving and professional instructors will show you how to use your rental equipment, how to go up the chairlift, and how to get down the mountain safely.
When to Get Here
We offer Group Ski and Snowboard lessons every day that we’re open, at 10:30 and again at 1:30. Pick the one that fits your schedule—but be sure to get here at least one hour ahead of time.
Where to Go
Your first stop when you arrive at the mountain should be the Learning Desk, inside the “old” part of the lodge, near the kitchen. Our staff will help you pick the lesson package that’s right for you, including rental equipment and lift tickets for the whole family. Then head for the Rental shop to pick up your board & boots or skis, boots & poles. After that, just go outside and down the hill to the Learning Area.
To register in advance
If you are in Great Falls, you can stop by our Town Office, where we can sell you lift tickets, lessons, and rentals before you even leave town! Just come see us the day or week before your planned ski day, and we’ll set you up. We’ll even send your rental forms up to the mountain ahead of you, and our rental staff will have your equipment ready and waiting when you arrive!
If you have any questions, give us a call at 1-800-433-0022 and we’ll do our best to help make your ski day a success!
Visit our Learning, Programs and PE Program pages to learn about the services we offer to get you started.
Kids can learn all about Ski and Snowboard Safety with the
