Snow Sports School
First Timers Guide
At The Hidden Valley Club our motto is “Friendly. Family. Fun.” We’re well aware that trying a new sport can be both exciting and intimidating, that’s why we've created a First Timers' Guide to ease the anxiety for you and your family. Our goal is to answer some questions before you arrive at the resort so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect, and be as prepared as possible.
What Should I Wear?
A big part of enjoying skiing and snowboarding is how comfortable you are. The right clothes and gear makes a big difference!
- Outerwear protects you from the elements and most importantly, keeps you on the hill longer. Finding outerwear with the right combination of waterproofing and breathability to keep you warm, dry and comfortable is important. Most skiers and riders prefer a technical shell with minimal bulk and add or subtract under layers, allowing the same jacket and pant to be used in varying conditions. However, if you get cold easily or ski or ride in a perpetually frigid environment, look for full-time insulation.
- Gloves or Mittens should be warm, durable, and waterproof. You’ll also want a good snow-seal at the wrist and enough dexterity to allow you to adjust your equipment as necessary.
- First Layers are where you want to insulate. Fabrics should be warm and have the ability to wick moisture. Cotton is never a good choice for your first layer.
- Socks should be made of thin wool or synthetic fibers, and only one pair at a time is necessary.
- Goggles are preferred over sunglasses, but either one is a must have to protect your eyes. Goggles or sunglasses with interchangeable lenses allow you to tailor your eyewear to the amount of light and weather conditions.
- Hats prevent heat loss. While scientists don’t agree on how much heat is lost through your head, we know that hats keep you warmer. A good wool hat or beanie can keep you cozy, and therefore out on the slopes longer.
- Winter shoes with some traction are a must have for the alpine environment. Snow, ice, rocks and various other conditions and terrain are present at the resort.
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm isn’t only for summer! Light reflects off of snow and cold and wet conditions can be tough on your skin. Make sure to pack sunscreen and lip balm.
What should I not wear?
Clothing that will absorb water; cotton should be saved for the summer months. Definitely stay away from the denim and knit materials of any kind, things that take a long time to dry will keep you cold and wet. Take it from us, being cold and wet while learning to ski or snowboard is NO FUN. Long scarves or loose clothing are not recommended as they may get caught in lifts or equipment.
Do I Need a Helmet?
On April 6th, 2011 the State of New Jersey State signed a bill into law requiring children under the age of 18 to wear helmets while participating in skiing and snowboarding activities, effective November 1, 2011. Compliance with this law is left up to parents and guardians and local law enforcement. The parent or guardian of youths who fail to wear helmets would face a $25 fine for the first violation, and $100 fine for subsequent violations. For further information please visit www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/bills/pl11/41_.pdf.
The Hidden Valley Club is doing everything possible to minimize the inconvenience to our guest and has recently expanded our helmet inventory for daily rentals. Because our inventory is limited and we expect full compliance, we recommend that helmets are purchased for children who will be skiing at the resort more than once or twice this season.
Lids on Kids and NSAA
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), together with the help of Lids on Kids and many others in the ski industry, has developed this site to help educate parents about putting helmets on their children while they're on the slopes.
NSAA, the trade association for ski areas across the country recommends that all skiers and snowboarders, regardless of age, make the right choice about wearing a helmet. It's up to you to educate yourself about their benefits and limitations. Ultimately, the choice of whether to wear a helmet is one of personal choice. Visit www.lidsonkids.org and www.nsaa.org for more information.
Should I Take A Lesson?
First time skiers and snowboarders should always take a lesson from a qualified instructor. A lesson will help you learn much faster, and proper techniques can minimize soreness the next day. Call the resort or purchase online to reserve a spot in the lesson program of your choice.
Any tips for when I am in my lesson?
As a beginner, you should have reasonable expectations about your first day out. Hopefully, many of the things below will give you a better idea of what to expect. But there are some important basics to be prepared for.
- Pace yourself and focus on having fun.
- Learning something new is not always easy, but it will be rewarding and exciting when you succeed.
- Everyone learns at a different pace; don’t be discouraged if someone in your lesson is progressing faster than you are.
- Don't be afraid to ask your instructor questions, they are there to help you learn.
- How good or bad your first day is depends on attitude going into your lesson. If you think its fun, it will be.
What Time Should I Get There?
Earlier is better. Try to arrive at least one hour prior to a ski or snowboard lesson. You will need to be fitted with proper equipment, which may take a few minutes. If you're not an early riser, take an afternoon lesson.
Why do I need a lift ticket if I never even use the lift?
A lift ticket is an area pass; it entitles you to use our facilities, including the snow. Anyone on the snow is required to display a lift ticket (or season pass).
Any Safety Tips?
The important thing to remember is not to overdo it. We don't recommend a trip to the top of the mountain after your first visit…you probably won't be ready for it. Spend some time on our learning trails practicing the exercises you learned in your lesson. Save the trip to the top for another day, when you're more prepared.
Your Responsibility Code
Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers while on the hill. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
- 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 all posted signs and 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.
- KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Ski resorts across the country use a universal trail rating system. It's your responsibility to stay on terrain that you can handle, and avoid terrain that you cannot handle. The rating system utilizes four shapes to designate trail difficulty:
- Green Circle: Easiest Trails
- Blue Square: More Difficult
- Black Diamond: Most Difficult
- Double Diamond: Extremely Difficult
Keep in mind that these ratings apply to trails only within a particular resort and do not relate to other ski areas; a single diamond here at The Hidden Valley Club may be a bit different than at other resorts. While trail ratings do not change over the course of a day, the actual difficulty of a particular trail may change, due to skier use, weather, or other variables. Moguls are created naturally by skiers and snowboarders, and can impact the difficulty of a trail.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
Stay hydrated. Even though temperatures are cool and you have a chair lift to transport you to the top of the mountain, you will need to drink lots of water. Some people even wear a hydration pack under their ski or snowboard jackets - whatever works for you, stay hydrated. Keep a granola bar, cookie or similar snack in an interior jacket pocket. Your body expends calories to keep your internal "thermostat" at a comfortable temperature, so a snack on the chairlift between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner is a good idea.
Finally… Time to Hit the Slopes! Once you’re properly dressed and you’ve got all your gear, the next step is to head towards the snow.
