California Official Visitor's Guide 2025 - 49

Mammoth Mountain
How do I fi t in on
I don't want to look
I d
w do I fi t in o
the slopes?
lopes?
't w
t to l
like a newbie.
e a newbie.
You may not understand
all the ski-culture
subtleties on your fi rst day, but it
makes no diff erence. When you're
a beginner, you're surrounded
by beginners, not Olympic
champions-and your instructor has
your back.
" We teach you more than how
to ski, " says Caleb Lee, director of
winter sports at Mountain High
Ski Resort. " We show you how to
manage equipment, how to put on
and take off your skis, and how to
communicate with other skiers. "
OK, what can I expect
out of lessons? " A lot of people
think that if they take one lesson,
they'll learn enough to be able to
ski all over the mountain. Th at's
almost never true, " Barnes says.
She recommends you take a second
lesson the day aft er your fi rst, then
spend some time mastering your
skills on the beginner runs until you
feel completely confi dent.
Most resorts sell single lessons
and three-lesson packages. At China
Peak Mountain Resort near Fresno,
instructor Spencer NeVille says that
" one lesson lets you dip your toes
into skiing, but we always suggest
that students take three lessons. Th at
gives them a real plan, a foundation
to become active in the sport. "
No matter where you go, your
fi rst lesson, which typically lasts
for two to three hours, starts with
" fl atland " activities. " We do static
exercises on level ground. We learn
how skis slide on the snow, which
is really foreign to a lot of students, "
says Lee at Mountain High. Aft er
learning the basics on the fl ats,
beginners progress to a hill with a
slight incline. At some resorts, you'll
ride a chairlift to the top of the hill.
Other resorts use " magic carpets " or
moving conveyor belts to transport
beginners.
Bobby Garrett, a Mammoth
Mountain ski instructor, says the
fi rst lesson is mostly about building
PRO TIP: TRY THREE LESSONS
Wondering when you'll progress from the beginner
PRO TIP: TRY THREE LE SONS
slopes? " Beginners come with all diff erent expectations.
Some people just want to have a great experience for
today. Other people hope that in three days they'll be
able to conquer the whole mountain, " Barnes says.
About 20 percent of terrain is marked with a green
circle, signifying beginner slopes, while 60 percent
are blue-square intermediate slopes. The remaining
are expert-level black diamonds. There's no shame in
sticking to the green runs, but if you really like skiing,
you'll naturally want to progress. That's why most
resorts recommend a three-lesson progression. Your
third lesson will give you the skills and confi dence to
handle more varied terrain. " After the third lesson, the
mountain opens up for you, " Barnes says.
confi dence. " Th e whole point of
the fi rst lesson is to enjoy yourself
and enjoy being on the snow.
Your instructor will help you gain
some skills and get comfortable
performing those skills. When your
fi rst lesson is fun, you'll want to
come back and learn more. "
Do I need to reserve
lessons in advance, or
can I just show up? Whether
you choose group or private, book
lessons online and in advance. Not
only do lessons oft en sell out on
weekends and holidays, but when
you book ahead, the ski school can
send you information about what to
bring, where to get your equipment,
and what time to show up. When
booking, check the age restrictions
for both children and adult
lessons-most resorts will allow kids
as young as 4 in children's group
lessons and teenagers as young as 14
in adult group lessons.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
BUNNY HILL: Old-timey nickname for a ski resort's learning area CARVING: Digging in the edge of your skis to make a smooth turn
VISITCALIFORNIA.COM | 49

http://www.VISITCALIFORNIA.COM

California Official Visitor's Guide 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of California Official Visitor's Guide 2025