Ski & Snowboard School 101

From prepping for a day in the snow to picking up your gear and finding your lesson, these tips and tricks straight from our General Manager of Children's Ski & Snowboard, Mary Flinn Ware, are sure to help you get the most out of your lesson:

Step 1: Plan Ahead

Everyone in your family, depending upon their age, may need assistance to increase their comfort level and ensure a good experience on the mountain. Whether it is your first time in a lesson or you’re a family full of seasoned snow sports veterans, there are many factors to take into consideration (such as age, physical condition, and the daily weather conditions) that you will want to address prior to your first day on the slopes.

Step 2: Talk It Out

Most guests are excited to come to lessons, but occasionally our youngest guests may have some apprehension. Before traveling, start talking to your children about their upcoming experience, tell them what they will be doing, and explain their day. Provide a strong reassurance that you will not be far away, will return to pick them up at the end of the lesson, are excited to talk to their instructor, and see how they have progressed.

Step 3: Arrive Early

The day of your lesson, arrive at least an hour early to the resort. Or, (if possible) head over the afternoon before your first lesson. This will allow plenty of time to familiarize your family to the base area and your specific areas of need. Have you picked up your lesson tickets, do you need to? Are you renting gear and where do you need to pick it up before checking in to your lesson, or do you own your own gear, and can you check in on-snow? Our rental facilities are open until 7:00pm and ticket windows are open until 5:00pm daily in order to help to prepare for your lesson the next day.

Step 4: Grab Your Rentals

The rental process can take a minimum of an hour to properly gear up one or two people, let alone an entire family. Arrive early and come prepared in order to make it to your lesson on time. If possible, we recommend gathering your equipment and tickets the afternoon before your lesson in order for the smoothest process. Here, we've laid out where to go for your rental equipment, where to pick up your lesson and/or lift ticket, and where to meet for your lesson:

Park City Mountain Village

Canyons Village

Step 5: Head to the Snow!

Lastly, when you check your child into Ski and Snowboard School in the morning, make sure that you communicate any special needs your child may have. Allergy notification will be required upon ticket purchase. Supervisors are available and communication is the key to all good relationships, our goal is to create lifelong snow sports enthusiasts.

Here are some additional tips to take into consideration for your trip:

• Make sure all participants are well rested and fed.
• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water
• Place a favorite snack in the participant’s pocket, for comfort and to provide energy for warmth.
• Our instructors are the experts to teach proper skills, they care and will take good care of our guests. Let your younger child know this, much like their teacher at school, we will care for them until your return.  
• Dress properly, layers are best to stay warm, and remove if too warm.
• Utilize a “neck gaiter”, easily removed, but can make or break the experience on a cold windy day.
• Eye protection is a must, goggles or sun glasses (which is easier for your child?)
• Sunscreen, some people have allergies to ingredients in sunscreens. Please provide this important step, the elevation in the mountains along with the reflection of the sun off the snow increases exposure.
• Mittens are warmer, waterproof are preferred, usually easier for children as well.

We look forward to your visit, and if you have additional questions don’t hesitate to call (435) 649-8111 prior to your arrival for more information.

By: Mary Flinn Ware