First Timer's Guide
We pride ourselves on giving beginner skiers & snowboarders a great intro to snow sports.
First Timer's Guide
We strongly suggest that you start out with lessons. Whether that means a one-time lesson through our Beginner Intro, a current special, or multiple-lesson packages like the kids' programs, you can explore all of the current options through the Plan & Buy section above.
We do rent equipment (skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, helmets, and poles) here, and you probably already have the majority of what you need to make your first visit a fun, comfortable one. For hints on what to wear, from head to toe, visit our What to Wear Snow Skiing page.
Facilities
Every ski area, whether a day (no lodging) or destination (lodging) area, has the same basic facilities:
- A mountain with ski lifts to transport skiers to the top.
- Trails of varying difficulty to ski back to the bottom.
- A base lodge with food service, restrooms, ticket window, ski school, and Ski Patrol.
- Parking lot.
- At the mountain or nearby are ski and rental shops, and, if a resort area, lodging, restaurants, bars, shops and services.
When You Arrive & Where To Go
At the entrance to the base lodges at Alpine Valley you will find the ticket windows, and you will need to stop there to purchase your Snow Pass and/or packages with rentals and lessons. If you need information or advice on how to get started, stop by Guest Services first so we can assist you.
Rentals
After you complete your purchases at the ticket window, you will proceed to the rental department to pick up your equipment. The ticket sellers will be able to direct you to the rental department when they give you your rental forms.
For safety reasons, you need to fill out the form completely and make sure that you accurately answer all questions about height, weight, and ability.
Changing Areas & Lockers
After you get your equipment, you will proceed to the locker area to change into your ski or snowboard boots and ready yourself for the slopes. Token lockers are available for you to use to store your shoes and other items while you are on the slopes. Each locker takes $1 in tokens and we have machines that will convert your dollar bills to tokens on site.
Once you are ready to go, dressed appropriately for the weather, and wearing your equipment boots, you will grab your skis and poles or your snowboard and proceed to the slopes. If you are meeting a lesson group, you will do so at the Ski School sign, and at the base of the beginner slope at Alpine Valley. With these tips your first time skiing ever should be a good one.
What To Wear
The good news is that you probably already have most of what you need for a day out on the slopes. What you don't have is usually easily borrowed from friends or family. If you buy anything, it should be a pair of waterproof shell pants and warm long underwear. Follow our guide for what to wear to help make your experience skiing or snowboarding comfortable, from head to toe.
Clothes & Layers
Insulating Layer
Wicking Layer
Layering up gives you the flexibility to add or remove layers as needed, depending on the weather and your activity. This is the layer worn next to your skin. It should fit snugly (but not tightly) in order to keep moisture away from your skin. Avoid wearing cotton in this layer, as it will absorb sweat and snow, and make you cold! Turtleneck shirts, long underwear, footless tights, etc are most ideal.
Protective Layer
This is your outermost layer. Your jacket and pants which guard against the elements should be water resistant/water proof and wind resistant. It should always fit comfortably and never restrict your range of motion.
Don't wear jeans or street pants. Denim is not waterproof, so water will soak into the fabric and you will end up being cold, wet and miserable.
HATS are a definite must, to keep you warm! Look for hats that are waterproof and windproof for maximum comfort. Here are some other head gear to keep in mind.
Don't forget Sunscreen! Snow is reflective, and magnifies the sun's rays the same way that water in a pool or the ocean does. Putting on sunscreen at least a half hour before you hit the slopes is a great way to protect your skin.
Whether you have never been on skis or a snowboard before, or are interested in improving your existing skills, Alpine Valley SnowSports School has a lesson option that will fit your needs. No matter which option you choose, our staff of friendly and qualified instructors will be happy to help you advance on the slopes!
These one-on-one lessons are designed for the most personal attention to your skiing and snowboarding technique. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Lessons longer than one hour are also available.
For help in determining whether your child is ready for lessons, call our Snow Sports School at 800-U-SKI-241, ext. 2010
One hour of instruction for 2-4 people of similar age & ability (as determined by the Alpine Valley Snow Sports School) with their own instructor. Advance Reservations are recommended. Lessons longer than one hour are available upon request. You must provide the 2-4 students. We do not assign groups.
Participants must be at least 6 years of age for ski and 8 years of age for snowboard semi-private lessons.
Kids Ski Academy
The Kids Academy offers three exciting programs for teaching children to ski and snowboard--Tiny Tots (ages 3-4), Mogul Mites (ages 5-7) and Snow Squad (ages 8-14).
Academy Lesson Options
Tiny Tots Program (Ages 3-4)
Our coaches teach your preschooler to ski by showing them the fundamentals of skiing through games, imagination and adventure.
Why start your child off in the Tiny Tots Program? Our Tiny Tots staff is encouraging and compassionate. Preschooler ski lessons are provided in a safe, secure atmosphere. A low skier-to-coach ratio enables each child to progress at his/her own pace. With weekly themes like Pirate Days, The Great Cookie Race and more, Tiny Tots keeps the fun going all season long!
MOGUL MITES SKI PROGRAM (AGES 5-7)
Mogul Mites Skiers Explore The Mountain On A Quest For Extraordinary Thrills And Excitement.
Each week, Mogul Mites skiers are introduced to new ability challenges through on-slope games and technique-shaping activities. Our small group format provides the right setting for Kids Academy coaches to develop and enhance your child’s skiing skills.
Program size is limited and reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at Open House. Please note that Mogul Mites often fills up during Open House weekend, or shortly thereafter. Proof of age is required.
SNOW SQUAD SKI & SNOWBOARD PROGRAM (AGES 8-14)
Sliders and Riders of all levels are welcome in Snow Squad, and small group sizes help build confidence on the snow. Snow Squad winter enthusiasm keeps going long after the lesson is over!