New to the sport? Would you like to try skiing or snowboarding?

Skiing and/or snowboarding is a fulfilling and lifelong winter sport with many benefits, including:

• Winter Mountain Environment
• Physical Fitness | Cardiovascular
• Social | Meeting New Friends
• Accomplishment | Satisfaction of Learning New Skills
• Great Family Activity
• Escape

To maximize and get the most out of your winter experience, we have a few suggestions. 

How to Dress:

You'll want to dress for warmth and comfort. Winter temperatures and weather conditions in the Cascades can vary significantly from day to day and even hour to hour.

• Bottom Insulating Layer:   Synthetic and wool fabrics are best. Long underwear made from polypropylene or a similar (non cotton) fabric, will wick moisture away from your skin.
• Middle Insulating Layer:   Mid weight insulating layer will provide warmth. A heavy weight or multiple mid weight layers may be used for colder conditions. Layers allow for easy temperature regulation. Too warm? Remove a layer. Need more Warmth? Add a layer.
• Top Weather Proof Layer:   Water resistant/proof outer shell. Your pants and jacket should have some level of water resisitance to them. This will help to keep you dry and warm.
• Socks:  Try to find a thin pair of synthetic socks that help to wick moisture away from your feet. Thicker socks help to pad your feet, but be careful. If they are too thick they will cut off circulation and make you cold.
• Gloves:  Gloves will protect your hands and help keep them warm. Glove liners are a good way to make sure chronically cold fingers stay warm. Gloves with leather palms are best when using rope tows. Wrist guards can be worn underneath gloves and may help prevent wrist injury.
• Hat and/or Helmet:  A knit or fleece hat that covers the ears. Because you can lose up to 75% of your body heat from your head, a hat is crucial in a mountain winter environment. Helmets offer excellent warmth and may offer some head impact protection.
• Goggles:   Goggles are the best choice for most conditions. They keep the falling snow out of the eyes. Sunglasses are great for sunny days.
• Sunscreen:   Always protect your skin whenever you are in the mountain environment.

Lesson Suggestions:

The best way to experience your new sport is to learn from a professional coach.  At Stevens we have several options to get you on the slopes in a fun and supportive environment. 

• Coca Cola Easy Starter Pack for skiing or snowboarding, it includes a 2 hour group lesson, an all day rental equipment package and an all day beginner lift ticket. Arrive at the mountain at least 1-1/2 hours early.
• Private Coaching - is the best way for rapid improvement.

Rent Equipment:

Before investing in your own equipment, it is advised to rent equipment first to find out what works best for you.  Stevens offers a full line of rental equipment designed with the beginner in mind. 

Renting at Stevens:

• Arrive at the mountain at least 1-1/2 hours early if you are taking a Coca Cola Easy Starter Pack or a Private Coaching. 
• Make sure you have picture I.D.
• You can reserve rental equipment ahead of time online or over the phone at 206-812-4510.
• Buy your tickets at the Rossignol Tech Center (our rental shop) to save time.

Holidays and weekends can be very busy for rentals. In order to insure that you will spend more time on the hills try reserving your equipment online. By doing this you can drive up, pick up and head out.

Care & Repair of Your Equipment

It is important to take care of your equipment for optimal performance.  Our knowledgeable technicians at the Stevens Pass Care & Repair Shop can keep your equipment in top notch condition as well as repair base damage that may occur through use.

Best Times to Visit:

If you have the flexibility, weekdays and/or nights are the best and most relaxing time to visit the mountain and practice your new skills. 

Safety:

Know the Safety Requirements and the "Your Responsibility Code".

More Helpful hints:

• Be prepared to eat lunch at NON peak times, before 12 pm or after 1:30 pm. Take advantage of the empty slopes.
• Visibility on foggy/snowy days is better near the edge of runs.
• Properly tuned and waxed equipment will give you the most control and a better experience.
• Arrive early for the freshest snow grooming and shortest walk from the parking lot.
• Leave your equipment at Gear Check during your lunch break to prevent it from coming up missing.
• Be prepared for changing weather.
• Drive carefully.  Directions

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