Your friends have been asking you to join them on the slopes, and whether it's because you've run out of excuses or because you're tired of being left out of all the fun, you've decided to finally learn to ski or board.

Problem is, you don't know the first thing about snow sports. Fear not. We've gathered a few tips to help make your first trip to the slopes more enjoyable.

Topics Include: 
How do I get to Crystal?
Where do I go when I arrive?
The benefits of a lesson
What to wear
What not to forget?
Get a trail map
Are snow sports dangerous?
Renting vs. borrowing?
Where do I purchase lift tickets and rental equipment?
How do I sign up for a lesson with rental equipment? 
The rental process and how equipment should fit
Teaching children to ski
Kids and snowboarding
Your Responsibility Code
Other tips & ski/snowboarder etiquette:

How do I get to Crystal? 
Crystal Mountain is located in picturesque Northwest Lower Michigan — on M-115, 28 miles SW of Traverse City and 39 miles NW of Cadillac. 

Driving Directions

Where do I go when I arrive?
Day Skiers: Turn right at the stop sign into our day skier parking lot. Arrive early for the best parking spaces. There is a convenient drop-off site in front of the Crystal Center for unloading your equipment before parking.
Overnight Guests: Turn left at the stop sign and then turn right into the Inn at the Mountain (it has a blue awning that says Reception). If you purchased lift tickets through a lodging package they will be enclosed in your check-in packet. If you arrive before check-in time, you may still receive your check-in packet from the Front Desk, which will include lift tickets (if applicable) and equipment locker keys (if applicable).

"Don't worry, I'll teach you how to ski."
Allowing your friends to teach you how to ski is as bad as allowing them to perform a root canal on you. You just don't leave it to the amateurs. As good a skier as they may be, it's best to let them ski their favorite runs while you enroll in a lesson from a Professional Ski or Snowboard Instructor. These people do this for a living, and their job is to teach newcomers the fundamentals of skiing and boarding — allowing you to build a strong foundation. What's more, a lesson from a Professional Instructor ensures that you'll learn the proper — and the safe — methods of the sport.

What we see more often than not when a friend is trying to teach another how to ski is the newcomer being taken on terrain that he or she is not quite ready for. Above all else, this is unsafe — both for yourself and for others around you.

The perception is that lessons are expensive, whereas the reality is that most ski areas, including Crystal Mountain, have incredible learn-to-ski packages, which include everything — lift tickets, rental and your lesson — for a steal of a deal. Crystal's beginner group ski/snowboard lessons are especially economical. 

And don't expect too much from yourself after just one lesson. Fact is, it will take two, three, and for some, maybe four to have a solid grasp of the sport. But you know what… the amount of enjoyment you get out of a sport is directly related to your proficiency. After a few lessons you'll be enjoying these Michigan Winters again. We guarantee it.

What do I wear?
Clothes that will keep you warm and dry. Du-u-u-uh, I bet you're saying. But after you fall a couple of times — and you probably will fall — cotton jeans and wool mittens become wet, then cold. You'll need the right kind of clothes to keep you warm and dry. You probably have most of what you need. If you don't, borrow some from friends.

Dress in layers. Turtleneck shirts, sweaters, long underwear and footless tights work well as underlayers, however avoid wearing cotton next to your skin, because it will absorb sweat and make you shiver. For that same reason, wool or acrylic socks are better than cotton athletic socks. Wear one, thin pair (we cannot stress that enough). The ski and snowboard boots of today are designed to be warm. Thick socks, or multiple layers of socks, will only give you blisters. And again, cotton socks only absorb sweat, which will then make your feet cold… not fun.

If you buy anything, it should be a pair of waterproof shell pants that you can wear over long underwear or jeans. You can find rather inexpensive versions at discount sporting goods stores. If you do wear jeans, whether as a layer beneath shell pants or as your outermost layer, it is important not to try and tuck them into the ski boot. Wearing anything aside from your sock and thermal underwear inside the boot will cause shin discomfort and inhibit circulation, making feet feel cold, uncomfortable and numb.

What do people forget to bring the first day?
Sunglasses, goggles and sunscreen. The sun is very strong against a snow-white background. Also remember to bring water-resistant gloves and a hat. For snowboarders, wear wrist guards if you have them. If you already have knee pads, they will help cushion snowboard falls.

Get a trail map
Most ski areas' trail maps are easy to read and provide a wealth of information - Which runs are the easiest? Which ones should I stay away from? Where's the nearest bathroom???

Are snow sports dangerous? 
Is driving dangerous? Drivers who are reasonably cautious usually reach their destination without harm. If they drink and drive, or drive too fast for the conditions, the risk of an accident increases. The same applies to snow sports. The majority of serious injuries happen to skiers or snowboarders who are speeding, have been drinking alcohol or are on terrain too difficult for their level. Thousands of people learn to ski or snowboard each year with no injury more serious than a bruised behind… any maybe their ego. Again, the best defense against getting hurt is enrolling in lesson (or two or three…). After that, it's using your head.

Renting vs. Borrowing?
It may be tempting to save some money by borrowing your Aunt Edna's old skis from 1975, but beware! Many skis and bindings may no longer be safe for you to use. In fact, rental technicians cannot adjust many old bindings because manufacturers will no longer indemnify the equipment.

Most fit problems encountered by instructors involve "hand-me-down" equipment. Sure, borrowing equipment may save you some dollars, however poorly-fit equipment will inevitably inhibit your performance, and thus, your enjoyment. Rental equipment has come a long way; today's equipment is much more comfortable, easier to maneuver and technologically advanced. Oh yes, and SAFER.

If you must use this type of equipment, be sure to have the equipment thoroughly checked by your local equipment retailer and service shop prior to your trip to the slopes. They can ensure that it is in good working order, and properly adjusted for you.

Where do I purchase lift tickets and rental equipment?
If you are taking a lesson go straight to the Snowsports Desk located on the lower level of the Crystal Center to purchase tickets and rental. If you are not taking lessons with the Snow Sports School, there are two different ways to get lift tickets. On weekends and holidays outside ticket windows are available on the side of the Crystal Center to purchase lift tickets only. If you need both lift tickets and rental equipment come inside the Crystal Center. There are three types of rental forms. The red form is for an individual rental, the green form is for families (you can place up to six people on the green form), and the blue form is for helmet rentals. Helmets are not required by Crystal Mountain, but are highly recommended. Please fill out the rental forms before entering the line for payment. Information required for forms are as follows:

• Drivers license
• Parent signature for age 17 and under
• Height and weight of all renters
• Shoe sizes for all renters

How do I sign up for a lesson with rental equipment? 
Lesson information is available online. Advance reservations are required for all lesson programs. If you don't sign up in advance, you run the risk of no availability when you arrive. Call us with your lesson request at (800) 968-7686 ext. 5100.

When you arrive for your lesson or if you are enrolling children in our kids' ski or snowboard programs, your first stop should be the Snow Sports Desk, not the lift-ticket window or the rental shop. (If your kids are enrolled in Adventure Cubs Ski and Play programs check-in at Camp Totem.) At the Snow Sport Desk, in lower level Crystal Center, you can sign up for lessons, pay for your lessons as well as your lift ticket and rental all in one transaction. (If you go to the lift ticket window first and then need to enroll in a lesson, you'll end up waiting in two lines versus one.) Plus, many of our lesson programs offer options to include lift ticket and rental equipment at greatly reduced rates.

You can find lift, rental and lesson rates on our website. At the Snow Sports Desk, you will need to complete an equipment rental form and a release form/registration card for your lesson. Its best to complete these before you reach the cashier. A complete and validated form will be required before you can proceed to the rental fitting area. Special forms are available for family rentals.

After completing your transaction at the Snow Sports Desk, you may proceed to the boot rental & fitting area. You may want to store your shoes and other personal items in a locker or at the Basket Storage/Ski Valet located in the Snow Sports Desk and rental area before you start the rental process.

After you have been properly fitted for your equipment, you should proceed to the lesson meeting area. All lessons meet outdoors at Totem Park. Look for the Totem Poles! At the meeting area, your instructor will want your lesson card given to you at registration.

Please allow an hour for this process so you can make it to your lesson on time. This early arrival is especially important on weekends and holidays. To avoid the morning rush, check- in for your lessons and obtain rental equipment the evening prior to your lesson.

The Rental Process and How Equipment Should Fit
As you proceed into the boot fitting area, hand your validated rental form to the technician. They will give you a pair of boots to try on. Some things to remember about boot fit:

• Boots are supposed to fit like a firm handshake, and your toes are supposed to touch the front the boot when you stand up. Your toes should not feel jammed into the front of the boot.
• Again, one pair of light- to medium-weight ski specific wool socks will keep you warmer than three pair of cotton, orange hunting socks.

From there, you will follow the line to get your skis and poles.

Whenever possible rent your equipment the evening prior to your first day. Usually, you won't be charged for that partial day, and you'll avoid the morning rush. The rental shop will want identification as insurance you'll bring back the equipment, so bring one.

Teaching Children to Ski
If you're registering children for their first ski lesson its important to set realistic expectations. Children under the age of 5 often remain on the beginner slope most of their first day. Depending on their individual muscle control and development, skiing and snowboarding can be difficult for them to master in their first days. If your child is under the age of 5, its important to recognize that walking in their ski boots and skis and straight glides are a big accomplishment.

Most 3 and 4 year olds are not yet capable of the necessary motor skills required to achieve speed control and braking movement patterns. At Crystal, private lessons are recommend for children under age 5 or they can enroll in our Adventure Cubs program designed specifically for 3 - 6 year olds. Children age 2 to 3 may take private lessons. Children age 7 - 12 should make their first lesson with Crystal Kids. The most important thing to remember is that their first taste of skiing needs to be positive, non-threatening and fun.

Kids and Snowboarding
Snowboard lessons for children usually start at about age 7, though some resorts will teach younger children. Again, advance reservations are required for all lesson and daycare programs

Now you're ready! Take your time, don't get discouraged, and we'll see you out on the snow.

Your Responsibility Code
Whether you ski, snowboard or telemark, you need to know "the rules of the road" so that you and everyone around you will have a safe, fun day. Your Responsibility Code is endorsed by just about every professional ski and snowboard association. You'll see it posted at many resorts to remind you of seven simple safety guidelines:

Your Responsibility Code
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 runaway equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Other tips & ski/snowboarder etiquette:

• Clanking your skis or boards together while on the ski lift can result in an injury to someone below you, you may even find yourself or your equipment falling from the lift, not to mention the snow that might be falling on the skiers and snowboarders below you isn't nice.
• When entering any lift line, be sure that you are attentive and ready to follow the maze and load properly. If you are skiing or boarding alone, check for singles lanes so you can be paired with other folks. This is a great way to meet people!
• Sit back all the way in your chair and use the safety bar when available, like on the Crystal Clipper.
• Many lift lines have mazes that funnel into one loading area. Access typically alternates from one line or side to the next. Pay attention to posted signs and where available, Mountain Personnel or Lift Hosts. They will be happy to assist you.
• When you unload the lift, be sure to move away from the unloading zone quickly. You don't want to be in the way of other skiers unloading the lift.