Beginner’s Guide
New to the slopes? Relax! You are a part of the family here. At the Ski Park, our friendly staff and gentle slopes will take the stress out of your day. Here are some tips to make your day a success.
Getting Started
First Things
We recommend you purchase your lift tickets, rental equipment, and lessons online ahead of time. All ticket sales are limited in order to manage our parking lot and make sure everyone gets a spot! You can purchase online, or in person, but we suggest buying in advance online. This shortens your wait time and allows us to prepare better for your arrival. If you have any questions or need assistance at any step along the way give us a ring at 530. 926.8610
You can see what days we predict to be busy or are already sold out here.
Lift Tickets
You will need a lift ticket to access any of the trails, or beginner areas on the mountain (if tubing, all you need is a tubing ticket). When purchasing lift tickets in advance online, you can save up to 10% off our window price, depending on when you are visiting and how far out you purchase. We also offer multi-day tickets, and 5-day passes. Our 5-day passes allow skiers to ski any 5 days throughout the season, whereas, multi-day tickets allow guests to ski consecutive days when you visit.
Rental Equipment
Our rental ski and snowboarding rental equipment are perfect for getting started. Snowboard rental packages include boots and a snowboard, while ski rental packages include boots, skis, and poles. If needed, rental helmets are also available to add on for an additional fee.
When making a reservation, a birthdate, height, weight, shoe size, and skier type (cautious, moderate, or aggressive) are required for each renter. Once on the snow, if anything needs to be adjusted, just come back to our rental shop and we will make sure things are working right. All renters will need to be with someone 18 or older to check out, that person will be asked to provide a photo ID at the time of check out.
What to wear
Layered clothing! Weather can change throughout the day and with layers, you can adjust as needed. The outer layer should be water-proof or water-resistant.
One pair of wool, or synthetic socks. Calf high is best so that they cover your whole foot in the boot. More than one sock can cause pressure points in your boot making it uncomfortable.
Avoid cotton. When cotton gets wet, it cools you down and no longer keeps you warm. Choose synthetic or wool clothes instead.
Opt for insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens. Even on warmer days. warm dry hands make a huge difference.
Wear sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy, the sun rays bounce off the snow toward unsuspecting areas, like under your nose, and chin.
Sunglasses or goggles with UV protection! Goggles typically work better when it is snowy or windy and tend to come with different lenses to accommodate various light conditions.
Base area shoes. Sometimes you will want to walk around the base without ski boots on- make sure they are NOT open toes or smooth on the bottom.
Lessons
Let our pros give you tips!
If you are new to the slopes, we recommend taking a lesson. In the beginning, learning the correct technique, will instill a love for the sport and keep you from getting hurt. It’s tough learning from a friend or family member unless they have been trained to teach. Keep the peace and get a lesson from a trained instructor. Our instructors will keep your comfort, safety, and progression in mind while helping you build confidence and keep it fun. Even if you have been on the slopes before, we have several lesson options for you to choose from. If you have any questions for us, feel free to call and ask!
Getting Here
Before You Arrive
Remember to bring your reservation confirmation. It can be printed or saved on your phone. Make sure to download it ahead of time in case your service is spotty when you arrive. If you plan to bring your own lunch, please be aware that all coolers, duffels, boxes, bins, bags…ect., need to be stored in your vehicle. Saving tables, camping in one spot, or spreading out beyond reason is not fair to others, and you will be asked to move as we want everyone to be able to enjoy a comfortable space to eat or take a break. We also offer a variety of food options for you to purchase while you are here. Please help us keep the park clean by disposing of garbage and recyclables in the provided trash cans throughout the park. Also, flying drones is prohibited anywhere on the park property.
When You Arrive
Parking is free and most of our parking is close to the base area. We suggest arriving early to secure a parking spot. Some lodging accommodations in town may provide shuttle services. You can keep an eye on our parking capacity online here. Parking Capacity.
If you have lesson package reservations, you are required to arrive 2 hours before your lesson. This gives you time to check-in for your lesson, get fitted and pick up your rental gear, put your personal belongings away, use the restroom, etc., and be ready for your lesson by 10 am. Check-in for your lesson at the learning center which is located in the base area across from the rental building.
Lift tickets can also be picked up with your lessons and/or rentals. If all you need are lift tickets, proceed to the ticket window.
Below is a directory to help you navigate the base area. If you have any questions, just ask any employee, we are happy to help.
Safety
Know the code. It’s your responsibility.
Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
Observe posted signs & warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.