First Timers Guide
Know The Symbols
You’ve arrived. You’re geared up and have a lift ticket. Now what? Go get a trail map at the base lodge or lift-ticket window. Take a few minutes to check it out. The lifts and the trails are marked on the map. The colored symbols next to the trails are the keys to enjoying your first few days on the slopes. Their shape and color indicate the difficulty of the trail.
Here’s what they mean:
- Green Circle: Easier
- Blue Square: More Difficult
- Black Diamond: Most Difficult
- Double-Black Diamond: Most Difficult, use extra caution;
- Orange Oval: Freestyle Terrain.
You’ll find them on trail maps and posted on signs on the mountain.
Before you ride a lift during your first few days, make sure you can handle the trails at the top. Check your trail map and make sure the trail symbols off of that lift fit your ability. If you have any questions or need directions, go talk to a lift attendant or anyone in a resort uniform. “What’s the easiest way down?” “Where’s the closest groomed trail?”
Visit LidsOnKids.org, a site dedicated to providing information on helmet safety and answer questions about helmet use.
Ski and Snowboarding Tips
Tips for Prior to Hitting the Slopes
- Get in shape.
- Obtain proper equipment that is fitted properly for performance as well as satety.
- Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.
- Dress in layers.
- Be prepared.
- Wear sun protection.
- Always wear eye protection.
Tips for while on the Slopes
- Take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
- Stay in control.
- Be aware of the snow conditions.
- Be aware of your surroundings and other skier/snowboarders.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Curb alcohol consumption.
- Know your limits.
How To Dress For Winter Weather
Layer Up
The best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your activity.
Wicking layer: This is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear.
- Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic or silk fiber that has "wicking" power. This means the fibers will move moisture away from your skin. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable.
- Even though it's cold, you will sweat — especially if you are cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
- The wicking layer should fit snugly (not tight) next to the skin in order to effectively wick moisture.
Insulating layer: This middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests and pullovers. This layer is to keep heat in and cold out by insulation. Comfort is key for the insulating layer. It should be loose enough to trap air between layers, but not so bulky that it restricts movement. Try to avoid cotton since it retains moisture. Popular insulation materials include:
- Fleece, a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly.
- Wool, which naturally wicks away moisture.
Protection layer: The exterior layer, generally a shell and pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. It should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate. Whether you are a skier, snowshoer or snowboarder, your protection layer should fit comfortably, offering you maximum range of motion.
- Most genuine winter shells and pants are made waterproof and are breathable to some extent. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape.
- Don't wear jeans or street pants. Denim is not waterproof, so water will soak through.
- One-piece suits, which combine a jacket and pants, are popular with many alpine skiers, especially on cold days and days where there is a lot of fresh powder snow.
- Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers — details that truly make garments comfortable in a snowstorm.
- Although less baggy than in previous years, most snowboard clothing is still designed to fit looser than alpine skiwear, giving snowboarders freedom of movement. In addition, many snowboard pants are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when kneeling or sitting on the snow.
Accessorize
Headwear: Up to 60 percent of your body's heat can escape from an uncovered head, so wearing a hat, headband or helmet is essential when it's cold. Helmets are becoming very popular. Not only do they protect your head from bumps, but they also keep your head warm. A fleece neck gaiter (like a collar) or face mask is a must on cold days.
Sunglasses and goggles: Sunglasses protect your eyes from damaging solar radiation. Snow, or any other reflective surface, makes ultraviolet (UV) rays stronger, while increased altitude also magnifies the danger. Look for 100 percent UV protection in sunglasses. On flat-light days or when it's snowing, goggles are vital. They protect your eyes and special lens colors increase the contrast so you can properly discern terrain features. Goggles should form an uninterrupted seal on your face, extending above your eyebrows and below your cheekbones. Watch for gaps, especially around your nose.
Gloves and mittens: Look for waterproof, breathable fabrics. Mittens, in general, are warmer than gloves. Snowboarding gloves and mittens often have a reinforced palm because of extra wear from adjusting bindings and balancing on the snow. Don't buy gloves or mittens that are too tight. There should be a little air space at the tips of your fingers, which acts as additional insulation.
Socks: Wear one pair of light-weight or medium-weight socks specific for snowsports. Some socks have wicking properties similar to long underwear, meaning your feet will stay dry and comfortable. Avoid cotton becuase it retains moisture. Resist the temptation of putting on too many pairs of socks.
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort’s Sport Shop offers a variety of accessories for your last minute needs.
