Spending time with your family while being active and exploring beautiful places is something everyone wants. Skiing and snowboarding check all those boxes, but if you’re unfamiliar with the sports and the ski mountains where they happen than you may never feel like trying them out!
The Mammoth Bound team is here to change that by writing our best tips for your first family ski trip below. Keep reading to see what you need to know, then use Mammoth Bound to find the best deals on ski and snowboard rentals and gear in Mammoth Lakes!
Rent Your Gear in Town
Driving into Mammoth Lakes for a trip to Mammoth Mountain? Great choice!
No matter where you’re skiing or snowboarding, if you’re renting during your visit then the best way to do so is by renting from a shop in town and near the mountain. Although renting from a shop near your home may seem easier on the surface once you’re on the mountain you’ll be out of luck if your gear doesn’t fit as expected or breaks while riding. Plus, you have to pack any gear you rent at home in your car for your drive to the mountain.
Ski shops in ski towns are experts at renting gear, are quick to replace gear that breaks or doesn’t fit just right, and some even let you store gear in their shop overnight so you don’t have to haul it to your lodging.
Reserve Your Rentals Online Ahead of Time if Possible
Renting the right gear is one of the most important parts of a successful ski trip. For that reason, it often takes time once in a rental shop to try on the right equipment and make sure it fits well even with experienced staffs.
On high-capacity weekends like holidays it can take even longer due to extra demand. You can cut down on the amount of time you spend in line and increase the time you spend on the snow by reserving your rentals and filling out available waivers online before you step into the shop. Not only will reserving your rental online save you time, but many shops offer discounts to those who reserve their rentals!
Get at Least One Lesson if You’re a Complete Beginner
Someone can tell you how to ski or snowboard, but experience on the snow is ultimately what allows you to ride. For that reason, you may assume that you can learn to ski or snowboard on your own without a lesson.
You may figure it out on your own eventually, but it will take much longer than it would with a lesson from an experienced and professional instructor. On top of that, instructors give you important information about getting on and off lifts, what trails are best for beginners, and keep you from developing bad habits that will be hard to correct down the road.
That’s why we recommend everyone take at least one lesson to establish a foundation that they can build upon on their own.
Pack Extra Shoes if Possible
You’ll quickly realize that ski and snowboard boots are not comfortable to walk in as soon as you put them on, but they’re even more uncomfortable to walk in over long distances after a long day on the snow.
If you can, bring a normal pair of shoes to store in a locker so you can wear them while walking to the car or your lodging!
Be Patient and Have Fun
Remember, no one learns to ski or snowboard in a day. Even if you struggle at first, remember that you’re on the snow to have fun. Be patient and it will come to you eventually!