Getting ready to hit the slopes for the first time can be exciting but also a little intimidating. Here are 9 tips to ensure you are prepared and have a great time while learning on our Aspen slopes!
- Take a lesson! The ski school lessons offered by Aspen Snowmass get you confident on your skis while providing a day of learning and laughing with enthusiastic instructors.
- Dress appropriately. Right down from your base layers and ski socks to warm gloves, goggles, and jackets you’ll want to be prepared and comfortable for your first day hitting the slopes. Getting the right helmet is always necessary for any level of skier. Many of the shops in town, ski rental places, and on mountain stores will have the suitable attire for you to purchase.
- Get the proper ski rentals from one of our many local shops. All our shops have expert technicians that will ensure you have the appropriate ski equipment for your level and a comfortable boot to match! Here are a few stores we recommend: Four Mountain Sports, Gorsuch, Performance Ski, and Surefoot. For more local ski shops click here.
- Make sure you understand the symbols for ski slope difficulty, this way you won’t accidentally go down a run you’re not prepared for. We recommend sticking to Green Circle runs at first, the easiest, then working your way to Blue Squares (easy, intermediate), and eventually Black and Double Black Diamonds (advanced, expert level only).
- Now that you know the ski-run symbols, it’s important to know your ski level when attempting new terrain. The Aspen ski areas run a little steeper than in the Midwest and East, so even if you’ve skied before try a Green run at first and work your way up to the more advanced ones. We recommend starting on Buttermilk Mountain and Snowmass Mountain which are full of groomer Green and Blue runs; when you advance head up to Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain (no Green runs), our more challenging mountains.
- We know you want to share all your experiences with friends on social media, but always be careful when pulling your phone off on the chair lift- skiers have lost many phones and gloves to the mountain throughout the years because of this.
- Bring some money for on-mountain lunches. Every Aspen ski area has delicious restaurants located on the mountain for you to stop and refuel while you’re working hard at your new sport. You can’t go wrong with the chicken fingers or stir-fry station at The Cliffhouse Restaurant on Buttermilk Mountain.
- Ask the locals on the chair lifts for some tips on their favorite runs. Even long-time Aspen locals remember being a beginner at some point; not only are they happy to share their favorite beginner runs, but chances are they’ll also share their most valuable tips when they first learned how to ski.
- Relax and have fun! Skiing is easier and more enjoyable when your body and mind are relaxed. Try to stay out of your head, be open to learning, laugh with our incredible instructors, and enjoy the beautiful Aspen scenery around you.
Not a beginner? We still recommend taking a lesson. Here are 5 Reasons Why you Should Sign up for Ski School in Aspen.