Standing at the top of the mountain, the only way down is, well, down. You may have some fear or hesitation before you head down the slopes on skis, a snowboard or in a tube. There are different ways you can alleviate that fear to have the time of your life.
“I have met a lot of people who want to learn how to ski or snowboard but are afraid to take the first step,” says Amy Sampson-Cutler, executive manager at Mount Peter Ski Area in Warwick, NY. “They see the high adrenaline, fast skiers and riders on television or social media and aren’t seeing the softer, family-friendly side of skiing and snowboarding. You don’t have to be a thrill-seeker to enjoy being on the mountain, and plenty of people ski and ride recreationally, some never leaving the beginner terrain, and that is totally fine.”
Hugh Reynolds, chief marketing officer of SNOW Partners, which operates Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon and Big SNOW American Dream in East Rutherford, says it’s normal to feel nervous when you’re trying something new, especially when you add in all the equipment, the weather, and loss of control.
“The traditional way of learning to ski involved a lot of defensive maneuvers, and the need to fight against the forces of gravity. This naturally puts you on edge (no pun intended), because you teach someone how to turn or stop unless you get them sliding, and no one in their right mind wants to slide on snow if they don’t know how to turn or stop,” he says.
The best way to learn something new is to learn from an expert or mentor, says Rachel Wyckoff, part of the Marketing Department at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in East Stroudsburg, PA. “When you try this sport on your own it can be frustrating, but if you take a lesson they walk you through everything from the very beginning. After a lesson you can spend your day practicing what you have learned or take another lesson if you feel you aren’t quite ready to be on your own.”
Make sure the lessons are appropriate for your skill level. Is this your first time or do you need a little nudge? Do you want to try skiing or snowboarding? Do you prefer a private lesson or a group setting that also has camaraderie? How long will the lesson be, and can you sign up for more than one? Can you learn in one day or should you book multiple sessions? What will be the age group? Does the lesson include rental equipment or a lift ticket?
Mountain Creek offers terrain-based learning. “We use the features to mitigate the forces of gravity and to give students a learning environment where they can get moving without the fear of losing control or not being able to turn and stop,” Reynolds says. “The features do that for the guests, so it’s kind of like training wheels for learning to ski.”
Sampson-Cutler offers a pro tip: When taking a lesson, make sure your child is dressed warmly and has the right gear. “I’ve seen kids (adults, too) head to their first lesson in jeans and with no gloves, and no matter how much they want to learn or how awesome their instructor is, chances are they are not going have the best time. Cozy kids are happy kids,” she says.
Carpet lifts are a good option, says Sampson-Cutler. “Chairlifts are intimidating, not only for those with a fear of heights, but for anyone looking up the mountain, knowing that it’s a long way down. Beginners are taught on the bottom, using the carpet lifts as a tool to get some vertical without being overwhelmed.”
Kids as young as 3 can get on the slopes. It’s great to ward off the fear early on. And parents really shouldn’t worry about them too much.
“I think kids tend to be naturally fearless, but they can be just as weary as adults,” says Wyckoff. “I would say the majority of the kids we see are super excited to get on the snow and try something new. Our instructors do an amazing job of making both adults and children feel comfortable on the snow.
“My best piece of advice is to get your kids into a children’s program; it is designed specifically for them,” Wyckoff says. “They are customized to each child’s abilities and needs.”
And adults shouldn’t worry too much, either. Most mountain resorts see people well into their 80s donning a snowsuit for some winter fun. It’s a rewarding experience, is definitely fun, gets you out into the fresh air, and is an active form of exercise.
“Adults tend to get in their heads, while kids focus on having a good time,” says Sampson-Cutler. “The best part about this is that when you do get an adult who has fear and you get to help them overcome it, the reward is outstanding.”
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