Hitting The Slopes

A crash course in offering a beginner ski and snowboard trip

By David Stant

Parks and recreation departments have the option of offering trips and tours to guests. For the purpose of this article, the focus is on planning a group day trip to a local resort for beginner skiers and snowboarders. A local resort is defined as one close to a park and rec district where the trip should take no longer than a couple of hours. As a general rule, these trips are made in one day.

Photo: © Can Stock Photo / lzf

Group Packages

The first step is to research available packages at nearby resorts.  A beginner package will include a lift ticket, lesson, and equipment rental. Recreation professionals will want to talk to the resort's group-sales department (or equivalent) to discuss available options for discounts on group purchases of these packages. Note that a beginner package will offer limited chairlift access; however, this can be a good thing because beginners likely should not use the restricted terrain. Beginner packages may also mitigate the inherent risks in skiing/boarding.

Proper Equipment

Before hitting the slopes, make sure everyone has the proper equipment and that it fits correctly. Some participants may choose to buy their equipment while others rent from the resort. Beginners should probably rent equipment to determine whether the sport is a good fit. When it comes to boots, participants should not feel any pain or numbness in their feet or toes when the boots are fully and tightly laced. It is important that the ankles do not slide up and down the back of the boot, as this will affect how the board responds to body movement. To select a snowboard, participants will be asked if their stance is “regular” or “goofy.” Regular stance means the left foot is in front while a goofy stance means the right foot is in front. To make this determination, invite participants to think about how he or she stands to hit a baseball, softball, whiffle ball, etc. Another way to determine stance is to think about an individual’s boxing stance. Whichever foot would be considered the dominant, the front foot in these situations, is the same as a snowboard. 

On Lessons

Beginner skiers and snowboarders should be encouraged to take lessons before the trip, preferably from an AASI-certified or PSIA-certified instructor, as the training and knowledge these individuals receive in preparation for exams set them apart in both technique and delivery. Beginners often believe they do not need a lesson. However, a lesson is the best way to set new skiers/boarders up for success. Remind them to pay attention—not just to skill demonstrations—but from beginning to end. They will gain important knowledge with regard to board dynamics and stance, learn how to properly ride a chairlift (including taking the off slope), and pick up pointers about technique.

Photo: © Can Stock Photo / serrnovik

Calculate Costs

When calculating the cost of a trip, remember to include the beginner package as well as the cost of chartering a bus.  When speaking with the group-sales department, determine how many participants are required for various discounts. Recreation professionals will need to calculate the cost per person based on the total cost of beginner packages, minus discount divided by the number of participants. When determining the cost per person of chartering a bus, divide the total cost by the number of participants. Then, add these figures to determine the total cost per person. Though this is not a fixed rule, interested participants should cover the cost of their own trip, but the department should handle planning and “day of”' logistics. Meals can be included in the cost of the trip, though this is not required. Hold meetings before the scheduled trip, not only to determine interest but also to share information about costs. Establishing thresholds (a minimum number in the group required for each price) is recommended.

Solid Scheduling

Setting up a schedule is also recommended. It should cover everything from departure time to meal time to rendezvous locations for lift tickets, rentals, and lessons. Here is a brief outline of some of the items to include in a schedule:

1.) The group-sales office. This will be the first stop when the group arrives at the resort to obtain lift tickets.

2.) Rentals. This is where participants will obtain boots, helmets, and skis or snowboards.

3.) A rendezvous location. Selecting a location to meet 15 minutes prior to the start of a lesson is a good idea.

4.) A designated meal time. This allows participants to take a break, warm up, eat together, and catch up on the events of the day. Try using the resort's cafeteria-style food-service area. 

5.) A departure time. Provide ample time to re-load the bus to make sure everyone is accounted for.

Note: For all events of the day, keep a list of participants and perform roll call at each designated location.

And remember: not all participants will have a great time in their first attempt skiing or snowboarding. Don’t allow them to become discouraged. Instead, encourage them to return and learn more so they are prepared for the intermediate trip the department will offer the following month.

David Stant is a graduate of Frostburg State University. He was a full-time snowboard instructor while attending college and earned AASI certification after his first season. Reach him at dcstant@msn.com.