Prepare For Your First Ski Trip

Prior Preparation for your first ski trip is easy and will give you more enjoyable extra hours on the slopes. Start by getting your clothing and equipment ready before you reach the mountain. If you're like me and like to sleep in, do your packing the night before while watching the weather report.

Avoid the morning rush at the rental shop by getting there before the lifts open giving yourself time to fit your skis or snowboard. Rental shops and lift ticket windows are often crowded by midmorning. With your preplanning you'll be ready for first tracks when the lifts open. The snow is usually best, and the lift lines shortest, early in the morning.

Once you're are at the ski area, ask the ticket window or ski school if the area offers "learn to ski" package that combines rental equipment, lift ticket, and lessons. If you are traveling to a destination resort, ask about weekend and multiple-day discount packages and check whether your lift ticket can be purchased with the rental package.

A lift ticket allows you onto lifts for skiing and are good for a specific time period. Some ski areas sell "learn to ski" packages, multiple day, and season passes.

The trail map shows a layout of the mountain. You can ask at the ticket window for a trail map to keep in your pocket. Many ski areas will post trail maps at the top of each chairlift. Read the map carefully to ensure you don't wander onto terrain for intermediate or advanced skiers. Ski resorts mark beginner trails with a green circle, intermediate with a blue square, advanced with a black diamond, and double black diamond slopes for experts. If you're not sure how to find a green trail, stay near the base of the mountain and ask a ski patroller, ski instructor, lift attendant, or other area employee for assistance.