Snowsports School

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BEGINNER'S GUIDE

What Should I Wear?
In order to make your first skiing or snowboarding experience a success, follow these tips for what to wear:

• Dress in layers because weather conditions tend to change throughout the day.
• Wear waterproof or water resistant clothing whenever possible.
• Wear only one pair of warm socks. They should come up to at least your shins so that they extend to the top of your ski and snowboard boots.
• Bring gloves or mittens.
• Bear Creek recommends that all skiers and snowboarders wear helmets (which are available for rent at the mountain.) However, if you do not, be sure to bring a warm hat.
• Wear sunscreen and don't forget eye protection such as goggles or sunglasses.
• Bring a change of dry clothes for the ride home.

What Should I Do When I Arrive?
We realize that your first visit to a new ski area can be a bit overwhelming. This guide should assist you with any questions you may have, but please feel free to ask any staff member if you have additional concerns.

1. Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center offers plenty of free parking. There is a loading/unloading area in front of the rental shop and ticket windows, as well as complimentary shuttle service on weekends and holidays.
   
2. Your first stop should be at the Ticket Windows, located at the front of the lower parking lot on the Plaza. Here you can purchase your lift tickets, snowtubing tickets, rentals and Discovery Lessons. When you receive your tickets, please immediately attach them to your jacket or outerwear. (If you arrive with a Group, the group leader should proceed inside the ski lobby to the Group Sales office to pick up your tickets.)
   
3. If you are renting equipment, you can proceed across the Plaza to the Rental Shop. Please remember minors must have the signature of a parent or guardian in order to rent equipment.
   
4. If you are enrolled in a discovery lesson or a kid’s discovery lesson, you may proceed to the discovery area located at the base of the mountain. The discovery areas are open from 10am-12pm, 1pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm Monday – Friday on non resort holidays and 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm on weekends and resort holidays.
   
5. When you're ready for a break, you can relax in our mountainside lodge featuring large stone fireplaces, the Mountain Eatery and our full-service restaurant, The Grille at Bear Creek.

What Will be Covered in My Lesson?
Bear Creek recommends that all beginner/novice skiers and snowboarders take a lesson. After all, what better way is there to learn then with an experienced instructor?

Our Discovery Program and Kids’ Discovery Program packages include your lift ticket, rental equipment and beginner lesson.

If you are an advanced skier or snowboarder, we will tailor a private lesson to meet your needs.

How Does the Rental System Work?
Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center offers top of the line rental equipment, including Burton® Snowboards, Rossignol® Skis and Dynastar Skis.

You will receive your boots first. The rental technician will use your street shoe size to assure that you get the proper fit. Your boots should feel snug around your foot, but not tight. Once buckled, you should be able to wiggle your toes, but your heel should not move when you pull up. If your boots feel too loose or too tight, please let the technician know and you will be provided with a different size.

Next, you will receive your skis or your snowboard.

SKIS
Our skis are expertly tuned and waxed. On the top of your skis you will see the bindings, which hold your boots onto the skis. Your bindings will be set based on your weight, height, age, and ability level. Next you will be issued ski poles, which are used for balance. You should choose the poles that put your elbow at a 90 degree angle.

To put on your skis, place the ledge on the front of your boot under the front part of the binding (called the toe piece), line up your heel with the back of the binding and press down. To remove your skis, simply press down on the lever located at the back of your bindings with the tip of your ski pole.

SNOWBOARDS
Bear Creek rents only Burton® Snowboards, the industry leader. Our technicians will choose the right snowboard for you based on your weight, height and ability level. They will also use this information to set the position of your bindings, which hold your boots onto your board. Bear Creek uses only strap-in bindings, which contain two straps and a high backplate that secure your feet to the snowboard. These bindings offer a lot of control and are generally very comfortable.