SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
A Few Pointers for First-Timers
 
Back to Information Main Page
 
Dress for Success
One of the best tips to make sure you’re comfortable in winter weather is to layer your clothing. Start with a layer of polypropylene underwear, and then use various layers of clothing for warmth and waterproof protection. When you dress in layers it keeps you warm and dry when it’s wet and cold and is easier to peel down as temperatures rise. Drink-up! Drink plenty of fluids – The high altitude can seriously dehydrate you and lead to headaches, but if you drink plenty of fluids on your way to the mountains it can really help.

Don’t Get Burned!
For every 1,000 feet in altitude gain the sun’s intensity increases by about 2.5%. So at Sugar Bowl’s base elevation of 7,000 feet the sun effect is more than 17% stronger than at sea level. Another important fact to remember is that the suns rays can burn you even on cloudy days, so make sure you use plenty of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen protection and reapply it liberally throughout the day. Don’t forget your ears and the back of your neck! Use a quality pair of sunglasses that completely cover your eyes, or bring goggles if you have them.

Get Fired Up!
It’s always a good idea to warm-up with a few simple stretching exercises before you begin any physical activity. It’s especially important in the cold. So limber up with a couple of stretches that work your arms, legs, neck and back before you get started.

Why take a lesson?
A skilled instructor can do a lot to reduce the tensions associated with learning a new snowsport. Instructors can get you on your way to skiing or snowboarding in no time with a lot fewer bumps and bruises. There are a lot of tricks of the trade that will make your learning process move really quickly. Also, you get the best equipment for learning when you rent and take a lesson. All resorts offers some great learn to ski or snowboard packages that include your rental equipment, a beginner lift ticket and your instruction.

Gear for Skiers
SKIS - Ya, they’re important. The parabolic or hour glass shape of the new skis make them easier to turn. The new ski designs are shorter and fatter than they’ve ever been before and make learning really easy. BOOTS – Ski boots consist of a plastic outer shell with a soft bladder inside. They should fit fairly snug with room to wiggle your toes. BINDINGS – These connect your feet to your skis. All you have to do is step in them to put ‘em on. Modern bindings will automatically release when you fall to minimize the risk of getting hurt. POLES – Those are the long sticks that skiers hold in their hands. They help you balance and are used for pushing to gain speed.

Gear for Snowboarders
SNOWBOARD- The latest snowboards are light and very easy for beginners to control. BOOTS – Snowboard boots are much like your regular snow boots, but the are little stiffer to give you support on the hill. BINDINGS – Some snowboard bindings you just step in a go and others you need to strap your foot in with a simple fastening mechanism. POLES – Only for those silly skiers.


Winter Camping Packing List

 

Clothing

Warm hat which covers ears (wool or Pile)

Winter coat/Parka with hood or breathable shell coat

scarf or synthetic neck gaiter

rain pants or snow pants

boot gaiters or pants which cinch at the bottom

long underwear bottoms and tops (2 sets)

2 pair wool or synthetic insulated socks

tightly woven wool pants or snowboard/ski pants or quick dry hiking pants

two pairs of mittens

insulated boots or snowboard (non-clicker) boots, ski boots

(2) wool or synthetic sweaters/vest

NO COTTON CLOTHING

synthetic sweat pants and shirt for sleeping

rain coat and pants

 

Equipment/Gear

flashlight with extra batteries

water bottle with WIDE mouth (optional insulated jacket)

aluminum thermos (optional) no glass lined allowed

insulated sleeping pad (full length) 2 pads better

sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees or below

plastic bag and newspaper if sleeping pad not full length

snow shoes and ski poles

longer strings on tent attachments

sunglasses or goggles

sun screen lotion and chap stick

plastic bags for boots and parkas in tent

insulated booties and mucklucks (optional)

3-4 season tent with waterproof ground cloth

snow shovel (optional)

matches and lighter

pack cover

backpack

plastic bowl, spoon, insulated cup

tooth brush/tooth paste

toilet paper

disinfectant wipes singly packed or diaper wipes

 

Crew Gear

stoves with wood or hard plastic snow stands

fuel bottles (extra fuel to melt snow) with insul. pad

first aide kit

snow shovels

dining fly

cooking pots

pot holders

cooking utensils

biodegradable dish soap

scrubby

cell phone

 

Food Tips

lots of hot fluids (hot chocolate,instant soup)

one pot cooking or cook-in-the-bag meals

eat smaller but frequent meals/snacks

fast cooking foods

energy bars/granola bars not sugar

 

Activity Tips

Stay dry

keep all gear together in bags or pack

keep hydrated

layer up/down as necessesary not to sweat too much or to get chilled

keep 1 st of dry clothing for sleeping

watch each other for frost bite and hypothermia

travel with buddies

stay away from lakes and streams

 

Packing Tips

pack all clothing and sleeping bag in plastic bags inside pack

 
Back to Information Main Page