>beginner's guide

It's never a bad thing to be prepared

Get Prepared For Your First Experience On The Slopes

No matter what your age, preparation is very important to make that first day a positive experience.

For children it becomes even more important. Your first big decision is "Are They Ready?". Here's a great article from Okemo Magazine that will help you decide. If they are ready to hit the snow, here is some great advice from Okemo Snow Stars Instructor Christopher Del Sole on that first day of school - ski school that is! And finally, skiing and riding safety is numero uno. Read this article written by Okemo's Director of Marketing Scott Clarkson - who has brought two of his own children up on the slopes.

We've also lined up some frequently asked questions to better help you plan:

• Get In Shape To Prepare For The Slopes
• Dressing For The Weather
• Rental Equipment Tips
• Okemo's Helmet Policy
• Storing Your Personal Belongings
• Take A Lesson
• Know "Your Responsibility Code"
• Using Okemo's Lifts
• Trail Marking Symbols And Trail Map
• Where Can We Eat Lunch?
• Visit Ski & Snowboard Shop

1)Get in Shape to Prepare for the Slopes

Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit. Check out our Beginner Tip on our Health & Exercise Tips page to get your body into shape before you hit the slopes.

When you are on the slopes, be sure top drink plenty of water. Be careful not to become dehydrated. If you're tired, stop skiing. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly-and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.

2) Dressing for the Weather

The secret to a fun time in the snow is having the right clothing. You'll want to keep warm, dry and comfortable your first day on snow.

• Dress in Layers
  Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. Generally, layering is divided into three areas:
  
  -Wicking layer (polypropylene underwear - top and bottoms) - "wick" or move moisture away from your skin and dries quickly
  
  -Insulating layer (wool, fleece, sweater) - keeps heat in and cold out.
  
  -Weather Protection - Repels water from snow and sleet, and to block the wind while letting perspiration evaporate (both jacket and pants). Choose a lightweight garment that is made of waterproof, breathable material. There are several synthetic materials on the market and available at outdoor sports stores. When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.

• Hats or Headbands
  Usually made of fleece or wool, a good hat combined with a neck warmer or gaitor will retain 80% of your body's heat, keeping you warm and toasty even on the coldest days.

• Gloves or Mittens
  Waterproof, breathable shell and well insulated. Mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands. Don't forget to get yourself some hand and toe warmers available at our Snowsports Shops, located in various locations around the mountain.

• Socks
  One (1) pair of light to medium weight works best for skiing and riding. If the sock is too thick or if you're wearing too many, it could make your boots too tight, reducing circulation, which causes cold feet. It's also a good idea to change into fresh socks before putting your boots on. Damp socks worn on the trip to the ski area will quickly become cold and uncomfortable.

• Eye Protection
  Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see!

• Sunscreen and Lip Balm
  Protect yourself from the strong alpine sun. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days! Keep lip balm in a pocket and apply often.

There's no reason to be cold out in the snow, and with a little preparation and the proper clothing and accessories, you won't be. Okemo's Snowsports Shops are located around the mountain and feature all of the apparel and accessories you need to enjoy your day on the slopes.Check out our "What to Pack for your Okemo Vacation" page for a complete list.

3) Rental Equipment Tips

The Okemo Express Rental Shops are located on the lower level of Okemo Base Lodge and the Jackson Gore Base Area. In our Rental Shop, you can purchase your lift ticket, lesson packages, ski/snowboard rentals, boot rentals and helmet rentals, where you can enjoy one-stop shopping. Visit our Rental Equipment page for more information.

Tip: Don't get dressed to ski/ride when you need rental equipment. Follow these steps:
1) Get equipment.
2) Layer Up - Put on final layers of clothing - this way you won't be so hot when trying on boots.
3) Store personal belongings.

To get the right boot fit, be sure to wear the proper socks (see Dressing for the Weather). The boot should fit like a snug hiking boot with no pressure points. Be sure that your pants are not tucked into the boot.

Prepare to arrive early enough to get equipment and sign up for lessons (2 hours before the lesson is an adequate amount of time to get equipment and ready for your lesson).

How to use your ski bindings

• Always clean all snow, ice and dirt from your boots, skis and snowboards before stepping into the binding.
• To open the binding, depress rear lever with ski pole or ski boot.
• Step in toe first. Be sure to clean the snow off of the boot sole first.
• Step down. Heel will close automatically.
• To exit the binding, depress rear lever with boot, ski or pole.
• Step out. The binding is now ready for re-entry.
• Do not change the binding settings. If you feel that they are not working properly, bring them back to the shop for assistance.
• Avoid walking, skiing or snowboarding through water or mud. Water, mud and dirt can affect your bindings making release more difficult.

While you are skiing or snowboarding, keep your boots properly closed. This allows the boot to support you properly and helps to keep your feet dry.

If you have any questions, please ask for assistance. We want to make your skiing and snowboarding as happy and enjoyable as possible.

4) Okemo's Helmet Policy

Okemo recommends helmets as a consideration for skiing and boarding participants and parents. We encourage parents and others to educate themselves about the benefits and limitations of helmets.Okemo supports individual and parental rights to choose to wear a helmet or not. And Okemo promotes responsible skiing and snowboarding behavior as the key to long term slope safety. Follow Your Responsibility Code. Helmets can be rented from our Okemo Rental Shops or purchased at our Snow Sports Center. For more information on helmets, visit the NSAA web site http://www.lidsonkids.org/.

5) Storing Your Personal Belongings

Stor-A-Ski - Okemo Base Area Overnight Storage
Take advantage of Okemo's innovative day and overnight storage for skis and snowboards. Skiers and riders have unlimited in/out access all day and can store their skis and snowboards overnight and eliminate the bother of carrying equipment back and forth each day - located by the Okemo Base Lodge and Quads A & B.

Jackson Gore - Overnight Storage
The Okemo Repair Shop at Jackson Gore offers overnight ski and snowboard equipment storage for skiers and riders. This handy service eliminates the need to carry equipment back and forth each day. Skiers and riders can drop off their equipment at the end of the day and pick it up the next morning. You don't need to be a guest of the Jackson Gore Inn to take advantage of this convenience option.

Basket Room
This handy storage option offers an alternative to conventional coin-operated lockers. A daily fee allows you to store, and have unlimited access to your belongings in a convenient and secure storage area with small and large baskets available. Located next to the Learning Center Desk in the Okemo Base Lodge, the Basket Room also offers overnight and multi-day storage options for personal belongings. Open 7:30am on weekends and holidays and 8:30am midweek, closes at 4:30pm.

Coin-Operated Lockers
You can also store your personal belongings in our conventional coin-operated lockers in the base area.

6) Take A Lesson

Instruction helps the beginner and benefits skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.

Our philosophy is to have fun while learning or improving a snow sport. We offer lessons 7 days a week for children as young as 2! Make sure to check with the person booking your lesson as to where your class meets as we offer many kinds of classes and different classes meet at different places on the mountain.

Eat a hearty meal before lessons, and for the most possible fun, bring along a friend and learn together! During your lesson be active, open and positive to learn. Ask questions. Our instructors want you to get the most out of your lesson. Don't be afraid to go first. Let them know how you like to learn.Tip: A quick way to sign up for classes for the next day is to stop by a Learning Center or Rentals Desk after 3 p.m. You may also purchase your tickets and rentals for the next day this way. (This can save line-waiting time in the morning). Learn more about Okemo Lesson Options.

7) Your Responsibility Code

Follow the "Your Responsibility Code," the seven safety rules of the slopes:

1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent run away equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed ski areas.
7. 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

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
Officially endorsed by the NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION

8) Using Okemo's Lifts

At first, they can be intimidating contraptions, but you will quickly master them.

Carpet Lifts
Carpet Lifts are a great way to get up the hill. You just stand on the carpet and enjoy the gentle ride. Be sure to check out the new Carpet lift in the Okemo Base Area.

Poma Surface Lifts
Poma Surface lifts consist of a continuously moving cable, which carries a series of perches, shaped like plates, on the end of poles. The goal is to place the plate between your legs and be pulled to the top of the slope.

Here are some tips on riding a poma surface lift:

• When you are getting on, hold your poles in one hand. Wait until it is clear to proceed. You will be signaled by an operator. Grasp the perch with your free hand.
• Place the perch between your legs, making sure your skis/snowboard are parallel and widely spaced. Brace yourself to be pulled, but don't try to sit down!
• While travelling assume a relaxed stance, keeping your skis/snowboard parallel and allow the perch to pull you. If you fall over, clear the track quickly.
• When getting off keep an eye out for signs warning of approaching arrival. As you reach the unload sign, pull the perch out from between your legs with your free hand. Release your perch, making sure that it does not hit anyone. Clear the unloading area immediately.

Triple and Quad Chairlifts
Chairs, three or four-seaters, mounted on a cable, move continuously up the slopes. The high-speed quads, cruise up the mountain, but slow down considerately to load/unload skiers/snowboarders.

Here are some tips on riding a chairlift:

• Skiers need to take the straps off their wrists. Snowboarders need to attach a leash.
• Outside guests hold poles in inside hand. Middle guests hold poles in either hand.
• Outside guests look over outside shoulder and grasp bail as it approaches. Middle guests should grasp back of chair as it approaches. Sit down as the chair reaches you.
• Once the chair has left the platform, lower the safety bar. Do not bounce or swing during the ride. Take care not to drop gloves, poles or litter. Should you lose something, note the number of the next tower for orientation.
• When getting off, you will see the sign warning of unload area, open the safety bar. Raise the tips of your skis so they don't catch as you approach the platform. As your skis touch the snow, stand up and push yourself off the chair with your free hand.
• Move quickly away from moving chair and keep unloading area clear. Brake once you are well clear of your companions.

9) Trail Marking Symbols And Trail Map

Take a few minutes to check out the lifts and the trails marked on the trail map. The colored symbols next to the trails indicate the difficulty of the trail. You will also find them on posted signs on the mountain.



Before you ride a lift, make sure the trail symbols off of that lift fit your ability. If you have any questions or need directions, go talk to a lift attendant or anyone in a Okemo uniform.

If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your skis/snowboard on and side step down the slope.

10) Where Can We Eat Lunch?

One of Okemo’s most popular features is the variety and the caliber of its on-mountain dining options. And this season is no exception. We have lots of new options for lunch and dinner so be sure to check out our On-Mountain Dining Guide for more information.

11) Visit the Snow Sports Shop

You'll find that as your skills improve, your equipment requirements will change. We recommend that you rent your equipment for your first few visits. As your skills improve and you become more confident about the type of gear you need you may want to consider purchasing a few items. Visit our Snow Sports Shop, located in the Base Lodge and the staff will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

If you are looking for answers to other questions you may have, check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Remember: Smile, ask questions, and laugh at your mistakes. It won't be long before you are up on the mountain reveling in the wonders of winter and giggling like the kid you suddenly feel showing off inside you.

While you are on the slopes you will be sure to see our Mountain Ambassadors and Ski Patrol Ambassadors on the hill ready to assist you in any way you may need.

SEE YOU ON THE SLOPES!