1st Timers Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding

1st Timer Guide

For New Skiers & Boarders

Your first day on skis can be an exciting time!

Whether it’s your first time or your child’s first time, you want the experience to be fun and safe.

Knowing what to expect and being prepared is the best way to ensure your first day goes smoothly.

We’ve put together this First Timer Guide, where you can find tips to guide you during the first day. Try starting here…

New Skier Packages

  • Discover Skiing #1 $115

    We recommend this package for the "first-timer" | 75 Minute Beginner Ski Lesson | Adventure Learning Centre Ticket | Ski Equipment & Helmet Rental | Upgrade to 2 Hour All Lift Access: + $30

  • Discover Skiing #2 $145

    This package is for those who have experienced skiing before | 75 Minute Ski Lesson | 4 Hour Ticket for all Lifts | Ski Equipment & Helmet Rental

New Snowboarder Packages

  • Discover Snowboarding #1 $115

    75 Minute Beginner Snowboard Lesson | Adventure Learning Centre Ticket | Snowboard Equipment & Helmet Rental | Upgrade to 2 Hour All Lift Access: + $30

  • Discover Snowboarding #2. $145

    This package is for those who have experienced snowboarding before | 75 Minute Snowboard Lesson | 4 Hour Ticket for All lifts | Snowboard Equipment & Helmet Rental

Ski & Snowboard Lesson Times

Monday 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:00pm
Tuesday-Friday 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm, 5:30pm, 7:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 5:30pm

Ski'n Play & Board'n Play

Ages 3-5 | Ability Level 0

This program is for beginners who have never skied or snowboarded or who have not yet learned to stop and turn independently.

Registration will be required online before arrival. When brought to Kidz Village, the child should be dressed and ready to go on snow.

Weekends/Holidays: 10:00 AM to Noon & 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Sunday Evening: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Monday-Friday: 9:30 AM -11:30 AM & 12:30 PM -2:30 PM

$62-$98

Our Discovery Packages are the best way to get started!

Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before any of the lesson times listed below so you have time to arrange rentals and get to your lesson.

Book your packages online before arrival. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed.

First Timer Frequently Asked Questions

Statistically, skiing is no more hazardous than bicycling or tennis. It used to be, though, in the days of long, stiff wood skis, leather boots and non-release bindings. With modern equipment such as shaped skis, high-support plastic boots and release bindings, skiing is much safer. For more information, check out this link to the Canadian Ski Patrol.

You’ll learn how to turn, slow down, stop, and ride the lifts during your first day. Generally, if you are trying skiing for the first time, you should be able to do quite a bit on your first day.

Snowboarding is a bit more difficult the first time. However, the learning curve is much easier after just a few tries. With Snow Valley’s modern teaching methods, you can be past the beginner stage after three or four lessons.

You don’t have to be an athlete to ski. Today, modern equipment does most of the work for you. If you do some exercises before your first ski or snowboard experience, you will enjoy it more. First of all, you’ll learn faster because you won’t tire so easily during the learning process. You’ll fall down some while learning, so you’ll bounce back faster if you’re in shape. Walking briskly, jogging, jumping rope, or stretching is best. Of course, if you have any concerns about your health, you should check with your doctor.

Visit our snow conditions report. It’s updated daily and summarizes the temperatures, trails open, lifts running, weather conditions, and more. We update our reports every morning by first light. We post our conditions report on our website, phone systems, and with the Ontario Snow Resort Association.

Skiing is not as expensive as you might think. Need a lesson, rental equipment and a lift ticket? Our Discover Skiing and Discover Snowboarding Packages are just the ticket.

Our “Start Anytime, Timed Tickets” are another great option and allow you to ski/snowboard as long as you like with the option to upgrade. As for clothing, you probably already have clothes which could double as a ski or snowboard outfit.

Did someone teach you how to drive? Of course, it’s the easiest way to learn the “rules of the road.” Snow Valley offers a great Adventure Learning Centre area with a wide, gentle slope and three carpet lifts. Lessons are offered with Discover Skiing and Discover Snowboarding Packages.

At the Ski School Bell, located just outside the Rental Shop, your Snow Pro will introduce himself and familiarize you with your equipment. During the first lesson, you will learn how to walk, maneuver and control your skis/snowboard by turning, slowing down and stopping. When you are ready, the Snow Pro will show you how to ride the beginner lifts and will ski/ride down the beginner’s slope with you. After your lesson, you can continue practicing what you’ve already learned.

After you have mastered the fundamental skills of skiing/riding (turning, slowing down, stopping and riding a lift), you will have the option to upgrade your Discover Ticket, allowing you to be able to explore other trails while you practice what you’ve learned. Keep to the “Easier” trails marked with green circles. There will be signs marked at the beginning of the trail.

Always think twice before making that “last run of the day.” Skiing and snowboarding involve lots of physical exertion, and you’ll be tired toward the end of the day. That’s the time when concentration starts to slip, and accidents occur.

Think before you head for that last run; if you’re tired, pack it in for the day. That way, you can be sure that you’ll be able to enjoy another day of fun on the slopes!