Five Things To Know Before Skiing or Riding at Crystal Mountain
Whether you’ve never stepped foot onto a ski resort or if it’s the first time in a while, these tips may come in handy to ensure you have the best time ever.
Book a lesson
Whether you’re new to the sport or need a little refresher, a lesson is never a bad idea. Crystal Mountain SnowSports School offers a variety of lessons for different ages and skill levels. There are group lessons, private lessons, kid lessons, and adult lessons – including a special group for ages 55+ ‘Retired Not Tired.’ Remember, friends don’t teach friends how to ski or snowboard. Go with a pro.
Save time and money
Reserve lift tickets and rental equipment (if needed) online in advance. This way, you won’t spend time standing in line to buy a lift ticket or spend time filling out the information for rental gear – it will already be done when you arrive! Plus, buying online gets you the best price! Once you arrive at Crystal, take your lift ticket confirmation email to the nearest PUB (Pick-Up Box), scan it and retrieve your Crystal Card (which you can reload and use for a future visit.) Then, if you also reserved a rental, you’ll just head inside the Tickets and Rental building and tell one of the fine staff members there your name so they can print you off a unique barcode just for you to give to the next staff member who will gather the appropriate gear for you.
Know before you go
Curious to see what slopes are open or what the slope conditions are? Check the daily online snow report. This report is updated first thing in the morning every day during ski season. Here you’ll find which slopes are open, which lifts are open, the slope hours and any on-slope activities you should be aware of such as races or special (fun) events. Plus, this will give you an idea of what the latest snowfall was and what kind of weather to expect. Want to see for yourself? Check out the live webcams on the slopes.
OOTD
No one likes to be too cold or too hot, especially on the slopes. Take these tips into consideration when planning your OOTD (outfit of the day.)
- Think Layers: moisture wicking, insulating (fleece or synthetic wool), and waterproof – that way you can peel off or add a layer as needed.
- Legs like layers, too! You want to be able to move, so don’t dress like the kid in “A Christmas Story,” but a warm, moisture wicking base layer and a waterproof layer (aka snowpants) will likely do the trick.
- Feet can be finicky. It’s the one place you likely don’t want to wear layers because too many pairs of socks can be too tight and cause discomfort.
- When you’re in the mitten state, you need to protect those mitts! Typically, mittens are warmer than gloves, but if you know your phalanges are prone to cold, it’s not a bad idea to invest in some handwarmers.
- Above the shoulders. A neck gator or buff, sunscreen for your face (yes, you can still get sunburnt even if the sun isn’t shining), goggles or sunglasses, and last but certainly not least, a helmet.
Just have FUN
A wise man once said, the best skier or snowboarder on the piste is the one having the most fun. And the best way to do that is to the KNOW THE CODE. Not only will knowing the Skier Responsibility Code keep you and others safe, it could also score you a free hot chocolate during NSAA National Safety Month (January).