Skiing out West can be intimidating if your only point of reference is Midwest or East Coast skiing. It can be even more intimidating if you’ve never skied before.
I’m sharing tips to help reduce your fears of the unknown and help you embrace the fun!
With some preparation and these tips, you’ll be set up to have a great time on the slopes.
Thanks again to Ski Utah and America Outdoors for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
Don’t Overdress
You will warm up quicker than you realize, especially if it’s sunny outside.
I recommend dressing in layers but you’ll want to avoid wearing cotton because it absorbs moisture.
You typically need a Merino wool base layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer.
It’s recommended you only wear one pair of socks with smart wool.
If you double up on socks they can bunch up inside your boot, making your feet very uncomfortable. They can also make your feet sweaty which will eventually make them cold.
Wear athletic clothing with some stretch for your bottom half under your snow pants, not jeans (no cotton, remember?!!) under your ski pants.
I noticed that many ski instructors wore waterproof ski mittens over ski gloves.
Protect Your Eyes With Ski Goggles
Ski goggles will help keep the sun from blinding you on a sunny day and help keep snow and water out of your eyes on a snowy one.
Ski goggles also help improve the contrast of your surroundings while skiing and stay secure on your face.
Don’t Forget to Wear Sunscreen While You Ski
Even though the temperatures aren’t warm outside, you can still get a LOT of sun on the slopes.
Your UV exposure increases at higher altitudes and you still get sun from the sky plus it also reflects off the snow. Make sure that you apply sunscreen before you go.
Your lips can also get really chapped so make sure that you keep some chapstick in your jacket pocket.
Stay Safe and Warm With a Helmet
The ski helmet serves two purposes: to protect your head if you crash or my favorite, keep your head warm.
Times have changed and helmets are more common than they were years ago. It’s rare to see someone without a helmet on the slopes.
Most ski resorts have helmets available for rent with the rest of your equipment rentals.
An action camera can be attached to many ski helmets if you want to capture the footage of your ski run.
Take a Ski or Snowboard Lesson
Lessons aren’t just for beginners.
No matter your skill level, a lesson can help you feel more confident on the slopes and with your equipment.
If you are a brand new or newer skier please do NOT let a friend or family member try to teach you.
TRUST ME, I know this from personal experience.
It’s frustrating for both parties because they tend to put unrealistic expectations on you to progress sooner in your skills than you may be ready for.
You need a professional who can evaluate your skill level and help you progress during your time together.
Group Lessons or Private?
One of the first things I noticed during my private lesson at Snowbasin Resort was that the lesson options were WAY longer than what I’ve experienced in the Midwest.
I had the option of half-day or full-day lessons which allowed for more time to improve my skills, versus a one-hour lesson.
If multiple people are in your group or family taking a group lesson, you might want to consider a private lesson.
The price difference is that big for multiple people and a private group lesson allows everyone in your party to stay together.
Stop to Admire the Views Along the Way
The views are breathtaking at the top of the mountain. You’ll find that each section of the ski runs offer a new perspective of the area.
Stop to Rest Your Legs
The runs are much longer than in the Midwest and it takes some time to get down the mountain.
Your legs will definitely get tired, especially if you don’t ski or snowboard very often. It’s acceptable to stop along the way as you travel down.
It’s best to stay over on the sides if you decide to stop so that you don’t interfere with other skiers on their way down the hill.
Hydrate and Fuel Your Body
You must drink a LOT of water before, during, and after you ski.
Drinking a lot of water can also keep you hydrated to help reduce your chance of getting altitude sickness.
You are also burning a lot of calories so make sure that you pack a protein bar if you want to eat on the go or grab some protein at the lodge restaurant cafe.
Listen to Your Body
There’s a good chance you’ll use muscles you haven’t used in a while. Listen to your body, if you notice aches and pains that aren’t going away, listen to your body.
It’s ok to stop and rest in the lodge or call it a day.
You don’t want to risk an injury that could ruin your experience for the rest of your trip.
Pay attention to WHICH specific rack you drop off your equipment outside the lodge NOT what you placed it next to.
There is a good chance other skiers won’t be inside at the same time as you.
Get a Map and Ask Questions Before You
Find out if all the ski runs and chair lifts are open during your visit.
You don’t want to end up in a section that doesn’t offer an easier way down. A blue on one mountain might be considered a black diamond at another resort.
Carry a physical map or take a picture of the map on your phone. I bring a portable battery for my phone because it loses battery quickly in the cold.
I like to keep a small portable battery charger in my jacket so I never have a dead battery. Cell phone batteries can go down quicker in the cold.
I also recommend a phone tether to avoid losing your phone on the chair lift.
Tips for Riding the Chair Lift
Before you ride up the chair lift, double-check what runs the chair lift services.
You’ll ski up to the red line and put both of your ski poles in one hand so that you can look over your shoulder to watch for the chairlift approaching.
Sit back on the chair lift and try to relax on the way up. Be ready when you arrive at the top with your ski tips and poles up.
The Chair Lifts Are WAY FASTER So Pay Attention!
One of the biggest differences I noticed during my visit was the speed of the chair lifts and shorter lines.
It’s important to be ready when it’s time to get off the lift.
Take it from the girl who had to jump off of the chairlift.
Don’t worry it wasn’t as extreme as it sounds.
I thought I had more time to transition off of the chair (from my Midwest experiences) and before I knew it I was facing back down the hill.
The lift attendant had to stop the chair lift and I had to jump off into a snow pile.
You don’t want to do that if you don’t have to.
Ride the Gondola if Possible
It’s fun to ride the gondola, just because you can. You’ll find that the views are incredible as you travel from the bottom to the top.
You can also ride the gondola back down instead if you don’t want to ski down a specific section of the mountain at many resorts.
Stay On the Groomed Trails
Try not to ski alone and stay on the groomed trails.
Avalanches can happen so stay alert and stick to the open trails.
Try to Visit More Than One Resort
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend skiing at multiple resorts during your visit.
Each resort has its own personality and runs. You won’t know which mountain is the “best” until you try a few.
I skied at Solitude Mountain Resort and Snowbasin Resort in Utah.
How to Save on Lift Tickets
If you plan on skiing for multiple days during your visit, the best value is an Ikon or Epic Pass.
The passes are good for one year and give pass holders access to ski resorts with locations, domestic and international.
You need to plan to purchase either pass in advance because they are limited in quantity and typically sell out for the season.
Another way to save on lift tickets is by purchasing your single or multi-day tickets in advance online.
Afternoon, half days, and night skis are also typically discounted.
Try to avoid booking around the holidays when prices and crowds are higher. You can typically find lower rates in late January through March (avoiding holiday weekends.)
Take advantage of the 5th and 6th Grade Ski Passport Plus, if you have a 5th or 6th grader visiting Utah
How to Save on Lodging
Look for an option that includes breakfast and shuttle service if you want to stay at a hotel. Many resort areas offer public transportation from the base of the mountains to the resort.
Vacation rentals and resorts with condos allow guests to save on meals by cooking in their rooms.
Save on Booking Your Hotel or Vacation Rental Here
Enjoy the Snow
Skiing in fresh powder is so much better than ice.
Once you experience skiing out West, it’s hard to want to go back to anything else!
