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Beginner’s Guide

Taking your first lesson can be intimidating whether it’s your first day on snow or first time visiting Mountain Creek Resort. There is more to the lessons than just learning how to turn your ski or snowboard. It’s those Ah-Ha moments, those connections you make and the lifelong friends you discover while here. Below are a few of the important things for you to know to make the day a fun adventure full of memories.

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Book your Equipment in Advance

Book the GO Package for a perfect day on the slopes and kickstart your love for winter sports. Includes Full Day SNOW Access Ticket, Equipment Rentals, and complimentary access to our Terrain Based Learning™ area. Plan accordingly with some additional time for Equipment Rental pick-up in mind.

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Lessons

For personalized attention, choose private lessons. Learn or enhance skills with qualified instructors. Kid’s Camp Packages for ages 4-12: 2-hour lesson with snow access, rentals, and group instruction.

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Terrain Based Learning

A perfect introduction to snowsports. Learn the basics in 5 simple steps meant to teach you in a highly controlled environment.

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Parking

Free parking in Cobblestone Lot across from Red Tail Lodge, includes a walk. Preferred parking in Cobblestone for a closer spot. For the shortest walk, choose Preferred parking at Red Tail Lodge lot.

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Dress Properly
  • Base Layers- Under your snow gear to keep you insulated. Sweat-wicking material is optimal.
  • Neck Gaiter- A tube shaped fabric meant to be worn around the neck to protect from the sun and cold.
  • Winter Socks- Tall socks that reach just below the knee. Labeled to keep your feet warm and able to breathe.
  • Additional Layers- To go over the base layers for further insulation and warmth. Typically fleece.
  • Winter Jacket/Snow Pants- Waterproof, insulated material.
  • Gloves/Mittens- Waterproof, insulated material.
Helpful Lingo
  • Bunny Slope: beginners’ training area.
  • Catching an Edge: accidental ski/snowboard fall.
  • Corduroy: groomed trail with parallel grooves.
  • Powder: light, fluffy ungroomed snow.
  • Terrain Park: area with jumps, rails, and obstacles.
  • Yard Sale: wipeout with scattered gear.
What Skill Level Am I?
Stay Safe on the Carpet or Lift

If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding the magic carpet and chairlift can be a very intimidating thing. Follow along through our videos and read through the steps below on how to safely load, ride, and unload.

How to Ride the Carpet

Loading and Unloading the Carpet

  • Skiers should remove ski poles from wrists and hold in one hand when approaching the carpet.
  • Snowboarders should remove back foot from binding and skate towards the carpet.
  • Communicate to the lift attendants if it is your first time riding the lift.
  • To load the carpet, shimmy your way onto the moving belt and let your equipment be taken by the carpet belt.
  • Keep both feet on your equipment and remain standing while riding the carpet with your eyes forward.
  • At the end of the carpet, lean forward, keep your skis parallel or your back foot against the back binding of your snowboard and the carpet will push you off.
  • Glide straight off the carpet.
  • Keep your eyes up and looking where you want to go.
  • Move out of the lift exit area quickly.
  • If you fall, try to get up quickly or slide out of the way for other exiting guests.
How to Ride the Quad Lift

Entering and Loading the Lift

  • Slow down as you approach the lift line and have your wristband ready to be scanned.
  • Skiers should approach the lift with skis on, remove ski poles from wrists and hold in one hand. Snowboarders should remove back foot from binding.
  • Remove any backpacks or bags and hold them in your hand. Check for any loose clothing or equipment.
  • Children should always ride the lift with an adult.
  • Alternate and merge with other guests in the lift line before moving forward to the “Wait Here” sign.
  • If it’s your first time riding the lift or if you need extra help, ask the attendant to slow the lift for you.
  • If you’re not ready, it’s OK to miss a chair and wait for the next one.
  • After the chair in front passes, follow behind it and slide up to the “Load Here” sign.
  • Wait with knees bent and look back at the approaching chair to anticipate and prepare for loading.
  • Sit down and slide all the way back so that your back is against the chair back, keep your skis and snowboards pointed straight ahead.

Riding the Lift

  • Make sure to sit all the way back in the chair.
  • As you leave the bottom terminal, lower the restraining bar. If you can’t reach the bar, ask for another guest to assist you.
  • Keep the restraining bar down until you reach the top.
  • Remain properly seated facing forward during the entire ride.
  • Do not use your phone on the lift.
  • Do not fool around with your friends on the lift.
  • Do not knock skis together or try to remove snow from them.
  • Do not bounce or swing chairs.
  • If something falls, let it fall.
  • If the lift stops, remain seated and wait for it to restart or for further instruction.

Unloading the Lift

  • Prepare to unload as you approach the top terminal.
  • Have a plan as to which way you want to go- the easiest way down will be to your left.
  • Communicate to the top lift attendant if it is your first time unloading the lift.
  • Raise the restraining bar when the sign tells you to do so.
  • Keep the tips of your skis and snowboard tilted up until they make contact with the snow.
  • As you pass the “Unload Here” sign, stand up, push off and slide straight forward.
  • Keep your eyes up and looking where you want to go.
  • Move out of the lift exit area quickly.
  • If you fall, try to get up quickly or slide out of the way for other exiting guests.
  • If you are not able to unload the chair, just stay seated and the attendant will assist you.
  • If you are not able to unload the chair, just stay seated and the attendant will assist you.
  • Once you’ve exited the lift, it’s time to get sliding. Remember to follow the Responsibility Code and have fun!
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Know the Code

Common Sense, it’s one of the most important things to keep in mind and practice when on the slopes. At Mountain Creek we believe that, helmet use, respect, personal responsibility and common sense are very important when cruising down the mountain. We encourage all skiers and snowboarders to familiarize themselves with the responsibility code below.  The National Ski Area’s Association developed Your Responsibility Code to help skiers and snowboarders be aware that there are elements of risk in snow sports that a little common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.

Your Responsibility Code

  • Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
  •  People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
  •  Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
  • Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  • You must prevent runaway equipment.
  • Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
  • Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  • You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
  • Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

Know the Code: It’s Your Responsibility.

 

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.

If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.