My original motivation for starting a deals website was to become a better snowboarder. Snowboarding is fun, but it’s hard to get better without practice. So in those first few seasons, I went a lot, thanks to finding various deals. But… that wasn’t really the most efficient way to improve.
So I have some advice on how to get better skiing or snowboarding, faster, and more cheaply.
Absolute Beginners
Totally new to skiing/snowboarding? Go to Donner Ski Ranch. 1) It’s out-of-the way enough that it still doesn’t get that crowded, 2) First-timer packages are $99, 3) I bet your “experienced” friends have never been there – they will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of terrain.
Lots of resorts offer discounted 3-packs of first-timer packages, more people learning to ski and ride is good for their long-term business. One great example is the Homewood’s 1-2-3 Deal which has an amazing bonus of an unrestricted season pass after taking your third lesson. All for $300!
Oh wow, I didn’t realize Boreal also offers a deal like this (where you get a season pass after your third lesson): Take 3, Ride Free! $249 non-holiday, $279 anytime. Such a great deal.
Sierra also offers a 3-pack of first-timer packages (no season pass tho) for $267. They’re also offering $79 first-timer lessons on Fridays in January.
And I’m pleasantly shocked to report that Alpine is offering the 3-pack Perfect Progression lesson package for first-timers, which on the one hand, is $499(!), but on the other hand, gets you an unrestricted Squaw/Alpine season pass (again, upon “graduation”) and a free pair of goggles and bag for them and free rentals for the season and $18 in lunch vouchers. You also get 50% off of group lessons for the season so you can continue progressing. If your friends/partner/family all love Squaw or have passes there, this is a pretty great way to get started.
Oh, one more piece of advice. If you can go more than 1 or 2 days in a row, DO IT. You may be sore after the first day, but if you space out your trips, your body tends to “forget” everything you learn. (Pro tip: stay at a hotel or rental that has a hot tub. Also, bring ibuprofen. Also, buy a helmet!)
Moving On Up
Gone a few times, got those green runs down, and you want to start doing harder runs? Well, as I said, you could just go up as often as you can, like I did. But I remember getting a little frustrated and bored, because after maybe 5-6 times, without taking any lessons, I wasn’t making much progression. I still would wipe out halfway down that one short, steep hardpacked groomer at Homewood (I think it was Show Off?) every. dang. time. Ugh. (It didn’t help that I had locked myself into the same resort by purchasing a bunch of hotel/resort “deals”. That’s a story for another post, but think of it like a season pass. I felt locked in, like I had to get my “money’s worth”. I think I’ve mentioned that’s why I’m not a big fan of season passes.)
So my suggestion instead? Take more lessons.
For skiing, I feel like it’s even more important to take intermediate lessons, because while a snowboarder can (painfully) do a “falling leaf” down a black diamond run, trying to go down that same run in a snowplow is not just difficult, it can be dangerous.
But as I mentioned, lessons can be a huge boost for snowboarders too. I remember my first intermediate lesson, the others in the class wanted to learn carving, to which I thought, pshaw, man, I want to ride bumps (I’m weird). Or learn how to jump.
But carving is key. Anybody can skid through turns. But learning how to use your edges will help you in bumps, and jumps, and park.
Most resorts offer lessons at all levels. Bonus: not many people take them at higher levels, so it’s possible you’ll get very personalized instruction.
Mt. Rose offers specific lessons (including rentals) for progressing past basics: Next Steps.
Many years ago, Sugar Bowl had an innovative promotion, offering free lessons and rentals Mon-Fri for the price of a lift ticket. These “General Admission” lessons were for all levels. Again, because few people were riding Mon-Fri, and those did were not taking lessons, I often had nearly private lessons with no more than 3-4 other people.
Heck, if you can believe it, way back when, even Northstar, along with Sierra, used to offer free intermediate-advanced lessons Mon-Fri. Ah, yes, the olde Vertical Improvement Program. Over the years, Homewood, Mt. Rose and even Squaw (wait, am I remembering that right?) have run such programs. Clearly they thought it was a good idea back then. Maybe they’ll do it again someday.
ANYWAYS though, for now you’re going to have to pay for your lessons. But trust me, it’ll be worth it.
(Huh, Squaw/Alpine again surprises me with a deal – Take 2 Group Lessons Get 3rd Free.)
Back in Black
So, maybe you’re comfortable on blue runs, maybe even some black diamonds. But do you know where the best grooming is? Or where there might still be stashes of powder even days after a storm? Or maybe you’d like to learn about the geology or history of the resort? Well then, you might want to take a free tour! (You still have to have a lift ticket or season pass and equipment.)
Sometimes you’ll see a sign at the top of the main lift, or somewhere near the base that says something like “Free Tours” or “Mountain Host Tour”. These are tours, not lessons, but the guide will make sure everyone is at similar levels, or adjust accordingly. They can certainly advise what runs are appropriate for your level.
- Sierra: Mountain Tours
- Squaw: Mountain Host Tours
- Unconfirmed: Diamond Peak, Northstar, Sugar Bowl
These tours can be a lot of fun – you’ll be skiing/snowboarding with somebody who very likely knows the mountain way better than you. So lots of opportunities to learn something new.