Is it your first time skiing or snowboarding? We are here to help! Take a look at our step by step guide on how to enjoy your first visit. After reviewing this guide check out some additional tips on preparing your child for a Children’s lesson here.
Homewood Mountain Resort offers lessons 7 days a week, however they fill up fast, especially on holidays and weekends. We recommend booking in advance to make sure you get the date and lesson time you want.
Dressing for a day of skiing can be tricky. The temperature can fluctuate throughout the day so it’s importing to bring a few layers so you can adjust your clothing accordingly. Avoid wearing cotton shirts or jeans because they tend to absorb moisture which makes for a soggy day. Instead, opt for wool or synthetic fabrics like fleece or polyester as these are made to wick moisture away from the body and dry quickly.
Your outfit should include:
– Synthetic long underwear (top and pants)
– Extra layers such as a synthetic sweatshirt, vest or softshell jacket
– Waterproof Jacket
– Waterproof Pants
– Socks (Tip: opt for ski or snowboard specific socks and don’t wear more than one pair. Wearing multiple pairs of socks negatively affect the way your boots fit and may restrict circulation which will cause your feet to be colder than if you stick with a single pair).
– Waterproof gloves – A hat
– Sunglasses and/or Goggles
– A helmet (helmets are available to rent at Homewood Mountain Resort)
– We also recommend bringing and extra change of clothes for after your lesson.
You may not need all of your gear every day that you ride but it’s better to be prepared. All off the above items are available to purchase in our Retail Shop.
Lastly, bring sunscreen and chapstick and apply often. Not only is the sun more intense at higher elevations, but it reflects off the snow which means you’re twice as likely to get a sunburn
Make sure to get plenty of rest, eat well, and stay hydrated. Check the weather and be prepared for the day ahead. You can adjust your gear list based on what the forecast predicts. For example, sunglasses and fewer layers are ideal for a sunny day but goggles and an extra warm sweatshirt or jacket will be necessary on snowier days.
Get an early start. You’ll want to arrive at Homewood at least an hour and a half before your lesson start time. This will give you enough time to check in, pick up your rental gear, and make sure you have everything you need without feeling rushed.
Additionally traveling in the mountains can be tricky. Be sure to check road conditions and be prepared for icy roads and slow travel times. Drivers are often required to carry chains during the winter in Tahoe. If you’ve never used chains, we recommend practicing putting them on in nice weather in your driveway before you have to do it on the side of the road in the snow.
You can check road conditions and chain control statuses on the Cal Trans website at https://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi or by calling 1–800-427-ROAD.
Each of our lesson packages have different start times and even different locations. Be sure to confirm where you will be meeting your instructor, how to pick up your ticket and rentals prior to your arrival date. If you have any questions on where to meet or what to bring you can reach out to our Guest Services team for more information guestservices@skihomewood.com
Be patient with yourself. Learning a new sport can be humbling, but remember skiing and snowboarding is supposed to be fun. If you’re feeling frustrated, it’s okay to take a quick break and a deep breath. Remember to stay hydrated and apply plenty of sunscreen.
Congratulations! You finished your first lesson and you’re well on your way to becoming a skier or rider. Celebrate with a solid meal, rest, light stretching, and of course staying hydrated.