Beginner's Snow Sports Guide

NOW is a great time to learn a lifelong sport to enjoy with friends and family! Everyone remembers who took them skiing/riding the first time. Be forever remembered and introduce your friends to the sport.

Learn the basics of how to turn, stop, and use the lifts safely with our beginner group lessons. Or if individual attention is what you crave, take to the slopes with your own personal coach in a private lesson. Learn more and book a lesson online here.

It is important to wear the right gear while skiing or snowboarding so that you are comfortable on the slopes. We always recommend checking the weather forecast before heading out on the slopes. Make sure to pay special attention to the high and low temperatures for the day, since they will dictate how many layers to wear on the slopes. That way, you’ll be able to add or remove layers throughout the day when you start to get too hot or too cold.

Below is a list of gear we recommend for skiing and snowboarding:

• A pair of warm socks (only one pair! – multiple pairs of socks will affect your boot’s fit)
• Water repellent ski pants (it is important to stay dry while skiing or snowboarding)
• Water repellent winter jacket
• Thermal underwear or warm layers to be wore under your ski pants & winter jacket
  (These layers should be made up of wool, fleece, down, or synthetic down. Cotton is not recommended. When cotton gets wet, whether from the elements or perspiration, it will make you cold. It has zero insulating properties when wet. It is also best to have a wicking layer next to the skin to move perspiration away.)
• Water repellent gloves
• Winter hat
• Goggles (these are especially important if there is snow blowing on the slopes)
• Helmet (you only get one head – protect it!)
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) and lip balm

Did you forget to pack something? Don’t sweat it! Stop by the General Store to pick up the gear you forgot. The General Store has all the winter gear you need, from all the brands you trust. Brands include Columbia, Roxy, Quiksilver, Spyder, Obermeyer, Billabong and more!

Before you hit the slopes, you will need to purchase your slope-use ticket and equipment rentals. Click here to view hours & rates and purchase your snow sports tickets online.

We also recommend that all first skiers and snowboarders purchase a lesson. Our instructors will help you enjoy your time on skis or a snowboard quicker than teaching yourself or learning from a friend. For the 2022-23 winter season, all lessons must be booked in advance. Please visit our lessons page here for more info. If you have a scheduled lesson, please arrive one hour in advance of your lesson. To prepare for your lesson, view our Ski Lesson Checklist here.

Our rental shop will help fit you with boots, ski poles, and skis or a snowboard. If you have any questions about your equipment, please don’t hesitate to ask our knowledgeable rental shop staff. Our staff is here to help you receive the best fitting equipment.

Save time & pick up your rental equipment for the next day 6:30 - 8:00 pm on Friday - Monday and holidays or 2:30 - 4:00 pm on Tuesday - Thursday.

Yes, if you booked an adult or children group lesson package which included slope-use tickets & equipment rentals.

Slope-use and equipment rentals are not included with private lessons. It is important that you purchase your lift tickets and rental equipment in advance of confirming your lesson.

Please note: Slope-use and lift tickets are one in the same.

Yes, if you have never skied or snowboarded before we highly recommend a lesson. Beginners who take a lesson are less likely to get frustrated and have more fun while learning to ski or snowboard.

Our world-class instructors will get you on the mountain faster and with more confidence - no matter if you’re a first-timer, second timer, or all-timer for that matter! Learn the basics of how to turn, stop, and use the lifts safely with our beginner group lessons. Or if individual attention is what you crave, take to the slopes with your own personal coach in a private lesson. Learn more and book a lesson online here!

Riding a ski lift for the first time can be a little intimidating, but with a little bit of practice, you will be a pro in no time! All of Massanutten’s chairlifts that service our easiest terrain are designed with beginners in mind.

Loading into the chairlift

• While in the lift line, skiers should remove pole straps and use poles to move forward in lift line while keeping skis straight. Snowboarders should remove rear foot from snowboard binding and use rear foot to move the snowboard.
• Once you get to entrance gate, skiers should put poles in one hand, holding poles approximately half way down shaft.
• When it is your turn to load, put gentle pressure on the gate using legs, hips, or whatever part of the body contacts the gate first. (try not to use your hands)
• As gate opens, let your skis or snowboard slide down to moving carpet. You do not need to pole or shuffle; gravity takes care of getting you to the carpet.  Do not wedge, the carpet will stop your skis or snowboard.
• Keep skis, poles, and snowboard still while on the carpet.
• Glance over your shoulder for the chair. When the chair bumps your legs, sit down on the chair.
• Once you are seated on the chairlift, lower the bar.

Unloading the chairlift

• As you approach the unloading station, keep tips of skis and snowboard up. Keep your skis straight so they do not cross. Keep poles in one hand.
• Raise bar.
• Stand up, lean forward, and ski or snowboard off the chairlift

If the chair should stop, sit quietly and wait for restart. Never jump from a chair.

Massanutten uses a system of different color shapes to rate the difficult of trails. A green circle marks the “easiest” trails. A blue square marks the more difficult trails and a black diamond marks the most difficult trails. A green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at Massanutten is not necessarily the same as a similarly rated trail at another ski resort. This system is a relative system and valid only at Massanutten. Begin with the easiest trail, no matter what your ability level may be and work your way up until you are familiar with the trails at Massanutten. Click here to view the Massanutten Trail Map & Snow Conditions.

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country or other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by adaptive athletes or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other slope users the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

• Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid other 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 are responsible to 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 informations 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 an employee. Click here for more safety info.

If the idea of skiing or snowboarding is something that has always appealed to you, but you have never quite mustered the courage to try, take the plunge! Your first time skiing or snowboarding might be a little scary, but it will be an amazing experience.