Skiing and Snowboarding can be very physically demanding sports. If you are an athletic person that plays sports, chances are that you are in pretty good condition for skiing or riding. Just remember to pace yourself. You do not have to push yourself to the limits. If you get tired, take a break and catch your breath, this way you can get your second wind and get out there again and again.
It's tempting to borrow equipment, especially when the boots actually seem to fit your feet. But you're better off renting. Here's why: all of our beginner equipment is designed for beginners or women's specific. They're specifically engineered to turn more easily and are more forgiving than either upper level or budget equipment. Our rental staff will make sure that your boots will properly match your feet; if you need a half size up or down, we can accommodate you. Your first time out should be enjoyable and productive. Our beginner packages include ski or snowboard rental equipment specifically matched to your size and stature. If any of the WebbSki rental equipment doesn't fit or feel right come back to the rental shop to exchange to equipment that fits and feels correct.
Surprisingly enough, even though you're outside in the winter, you will perspire! Layering is the key. You don't need to invest in specific clothing, but dressing appropriately is important and may be done by selecting items from your existing wardrobe and wearing them in suitable combinations.
Clothing that will absorb water - aka - Cotton. Cotton is great for towels, because cotton soaks up and retains moisture. That is precisely why cotton is all wrong for on-slope apparel. It absorbs moisture (sweat and snow), and retains it. When the wind blows, you will get very, very cold. Do not wear cotton athletic socks, cotton jeans, cotton sweatshirts, or cotton T-shirts..
If you are bringing your own gear, making sure you transport them in the proper way will make your trip from the parking or bus to the Webbski Ski School Chalet much easier
Parking can be sparse at times, so try, and get here early: Park in the main parking lot for the Summit Central Area. You can walk up towards the Ski Area main lodge and then go left (east) across the slope to the Webbski Ski School Chalet, or walk up, via trail, adjacent to the Central Express Chair Lift and head directly up the hill to the Webbski Chalet.
Restrooms: Restrooms are located in multiple areas around the mountain. There are restrooms in the Summit Central main lodge, the Summit Central rental shop, the Webbski Chalet, and the Silver Fir lodge
Ski Boots are engineered to fit snugly. The critical area is the heel, which needs to be held tightly into the "heel cup" of the boot. Slide your foot into the boot, making sure that the tongue is pulled forward and out of the way. Push downwards on the heel of the boot to properly set your heel into the cup. Latch the buckles to a comfortable tightness, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Buckles may be readjusted after all have been fastened. Pay particular attention to the buckles on top of the instep of the foot as they hold your heel in place. When you stand up, your toes should have just enough room to wiggle. Press into the front of the boot by bending your knees. If your heel lifts up and out of the heel cup, the boots are too big.
Snowboard boots fit differently than ski boots. First you open the boot bladder wide and slide your foot into the boot. Use the pull loops to get the boot onto your foot. Slide the lace lock down while tightening the inner laces until the fit is snug but comfortable. Now tighten the outer laces as tight as possible. If done properly, your toes will almost be touching the end of the boot. Stand up, bend your knees and make sure your toes are snug, but not cramped. Make sure your heel is being grabbed by the boot bladder and not lifting.
You've made it to the snow! Now the fun begins. Our instructors are trained to do one thing…teach. All of our instructors are trained to teach first-time lessons in a very specific, effective method. You'll start out by doing exercises to develop your balance and get you accustomed to the feeling of sliding, with a focus on teaching you to feel the ski or snowboards "edge." Edge control is what the game is all about. By going through these simple exercises, you will quickly learn how to do the two rudimentary actions needed to progress…stopping when and where you want, and turning when and where you want.
You shouldn't expect miracles your first time out. As we've said earlier, it takes three lessons for most people to reach the point where they can start to explore the mountain a little bit.
It's important that you pay attention to your instructor. While the exercises may seem a bit repetitive, they are important in the big picture. Not everyone learns at the same pace, mostly because some people are naturally more athletic than others. If you enjoy summer activities like surfing, skating or skateboarding, you'll have a distinct edge over those who don't, but you can do it!
Frequently, parents ask, "how is my child doing" at some point during the Ski School 6 week session. Please remember that the degree of physical skill development is not uniform among all students. The important principle to keep in mind is that younger children learn best when having fun. Fun is another word for being successful.
As a beginner, you should have reasonable expectations about your first day out. Hopefully, many of the things below will give you a better idea of what to expect. But there are some important basics to be prepared for.
The good news is that, after the first day or two, most of these problems go away. Even on the first couple of days, you can still find a lot of space for enjoyment, but that depends on a host of other important details. How good or bad your first day is depends on attitude going into your lesson. If you think its fun it will be. So, HAVE FUN!
The important thing to remember is not to overdo it. We don't recommend a trip to the top of the mountain after your first visit…you probably won't be ready for it. Spend some time on our learning trails practicing the exercises you learned in your lesson. Save the trip to the top for another day, when you're more prepared.
Ski resorts across the country use a universal trail rating system. It's your responsibility to stay on terrain that you can handle, and avoid terrain that you cannot handle. The rating system utilizes four shapes to designate trail difficulty:
Green Circle: Easiest Trails
Blue Square: More Difficult
Black Diamond: Most Difficult
Double Diamond: Extremely DifficultKeep in mind that these ratings apply to trails only within a particular resort and do not relate to other ski areas; a single diamond here at Summit Central may be a bit different than at other resorts you have been to. While trail ratings do not change over the course of a day, the actual difficulty of a particular trail may change, due to skier use, weather, or other variables. Moguls are created naturally by skiers and snowboarders, and can have a major impact on the difficulty of a trail.
At each and every ski resort, this Skier Responsibility Code is taken very seriously. Any failure to ski responsibly, and to use good judgment and common sense, can result in the revocation of skiing privileges. There typically isn't much tolerance for those who disobey the rules. Be aware, that in many cases, state law becomes involved in flagrant violation of boundary restrictions and unreported collisions.
Most importantly, if everyone follows the Responsibility Code and adheres to these basic safety tips, a good, and safe time can be had by everyone on the slopes.
