1st Timer's Guide to Whitetail Resort

 

Now it is time for your lesson with our team of award winning ski and snowboard instructors...

 

The Lessons

You're properly dressed, you've got the right package, and your rental equipment is ready to go - now is when the fun really starts! In the next hour or so, you'll learn all of the basic skills that you need to get started for a lifetime of skiing or snowboarding.

 

Your First Lesson

The first thing you will learn is how to put on your skis or snowboard and how to move around on the flat. This will give you a chance to get to know your equipment and get the feel for sliding around. You will also learn how to climb up the hill and turn yourself around while standing still. All of these skills are presented in a very flat area with a "runout". A runout helps you stop yourself while you are learning. Next you will learn to slide straight down the hill. Unless you are an ice skater or in-line skater, your brain has been programmed to believe that sliding across the ground while standing up is, as a rule, something to be avoided. It takes a few runs down the hill before your brain figures out that it is not only OK, but a lot of fun. You also may be introduced to the moving carpet lift. This is the easiest way up the mountain. The moving carpet is just like the conveyer lifts you will find in airports. You will simply stand on the carpet and it will move you slowly a short distance up the hill. From this point you will get a better idea of what it feels like to slidedown the hill. Once you have mastered "straight runs", you will be taught how to turn your skis or snowboard. Turning offers two benefits, it allows you to avoid things you do not wish to meet up close and it allows you to stop whenever you want, both commendable goals. Your rental skis or snowboard were designed to turn easily so you'll be happily turning in no time. Once you get to the point that you can go where you want to go and stop yourself with confidence, it is time for your first lift ride.

 

Your First Chair Lift Ride

As you slide out onto the loading area, the chair will come up behind you. When the chair touches the back of your legs, simply sit down and enjoy the ride. There is a restraining bar that you pull down in front of you for the ride, please use it. At the top of the lift, you will see signs instructing you to raise the restraining bar and prepare to unload. The snow will gradually come up to meet your skis. When you get to the "Unload Here" sign, stand up, lean slightly forward and slide straight down the ramp. Your instructor will give you instructions on where to meet.

 

 

What's Next

Snowsports can be a very social, exciting, fun and rewarding activity in the winter months. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please be sure to share them with your instuctor. All of our instructors are PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) and AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors) certified, and their main goal is to share with you their love of the sport. After the lesson, your instructor will remind you of the Mountain Passport Card. This is a great way to continue your snowsports experience at a great savings. For more information about the Mountain Passport look below.

 

When Your Lesson Is Complete

When your lesson is complete, you will have the option of purchasing your very own Mountain Passport Card, entitling you to outrageously great deals designed especially with you, the beginner skier or boarder in mind!

 

Your Mountain Passport

When you purchase your First Class Lesson Package, your instructor will give you a handout describing the Mountain Passport. This is an exclusive beginner's only card loaded with discounts! For just $45, your Passport Card will entitle you to:

• A free All Mountain Package, good on your very next visit; a $110 value
• 40% off all lift and rental equipment each visit for the rest of the season
• FREE class lessons each visit for the rest of the season (ages 8 and up)
• This card is valid for the same discounts at all three resorts - Whitetail, Liberty Mountain and Roundtop Mountain!
• Please Note: If you have had the privilege of owning a Mountain Passport or any other pass at Whitetail Resort, Liberty Mountain or Roundtop Mountain a previous season, you are not eligible for another one.
• To purchase your Mountain Passport please come to the Private Lesson Desk, located in the Rentals building, after your lesson. Please make sure you have the Mountain Passport Business Card from your instructor and your punched lift ticket.

 

You Are On Your Way; With some practice and some free lessons, you will be well on your way to a lifetime of great winter fun and memories! ENJOY!