Beginner's Guide

What A Beginner Really Needs To Know

Basic Information
To ski or snowboard, you attach various sized boards to your feet and use gravity to help you move from one part of a vertical slope to another. Or in even simpler terms, you go from point A to point B (downhill). A few thousand years ago, someone realized the benefits of this for travel over snowy landscapes. In the early 20th Century others realized the income potential of this sport because of its healthy and carefree appeal. It’s been all downhill from there!

Equipment Needed

Contrary to popular thought, skiing or snowboarding is not difficult or even very expensive. Yes, you do need warm clothing, you do need special boots to put on your feet, and you need a place to move around. Lucky for us, ski resorts today can take care of all of this for us. The popularity of the sport has also brought prices down on equipment over the years and opened up many avenues to save money on tickets and passes that open up the slopes.

Basic ski equipment includes hard plastic boots, bindings that release you from the ski if you make it do something it wasn’t meant to, two skis; one for each foot, and a set of poles that help move you on flat areas. Skis are usually made of fiberglass and wood and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Shape and size is much more important than color because if you have the wrong size and shape it will make your experience more difficult.

Basic snowboard equipment includes boots that are usually soft "moon" boots with re-enforced sections, bindings that can either be heavy-duty plastic or metal straps that connect your foot to the board or metal "clips" that hold the boot from the bottom, and a single board. Snowboard bindings do not release the foot unless you want them to. It is also important to have a “leash” attaching your boot to the binding so that it does not “run away” from you down the hill and possibly strike another person.

Where To Ski Or Snowboard

Generally, the place that you should go to is called a "ski resort," "ski area," or "ski slope." Just because they all include the word "ski" does not mean that’s the only activity that is offered. At many places there are a variety of activities available including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and much more. It is also a common practice to offer equipment rentals and lessons. You can visit any area and be sure that they can equip you or recommend someone who can. Once you find a place, you will want to ski on "trails," "runs," or “slopes.” What’s the difference? “Slopes” generally refer to the entire skiable terrain while there is no difference between “trails” and “runs.” Either way, the things to remember about the trails are the trail symbols. They are color coordinated across the country according to ability level. For example,
Green runs = “Easiest”
Blue runs = “Intermediate”
Black runs = “Advanced”
Double Black Diamond runs = “Expert”


Isn’t Skiing A Non-Contact Sport?

Yes it is. It can be a solitary activity or a group activity by skiing with friends and family. To protect yourself and others on the slopes, get familiar with the Responsibility Code. It is posted at every ski area and you can also find it on the web at NSAA.org.
Insiders’ Tips


Shapes are In

Even if you can’t "swoosh" like the experts, your equipment can at least make you look like you know what you’re doing. Shaped skis and boards are not only the rage but also safer and more stable than straight skis of the past and make turning easier. Rent equipment from a certified shop. This way you know it has the latest technology and has been tuned correctly. Borrowing from a friend who "used to be a great skier in high school" is asking for trouble. Plus, you can save yourself some embarrassment of hearing comments such as, "Wow! Where did you find those? I didn’t even know they made things like that anymore."

Fluorescent Was Not Even Cool In The 80’s
It is very important to wear clothing that is warm and waterproof. Chances are the old fuchsia or highlighter-yellow jackets or ski pants have lost their ability to keep you warm, not to mention their fashion appeal. Gore-Tex, found in most ski gloves, pants, and coats, and newer materials are better able to handle the conditions on the slopes. Plus, who wants the "fashion police" to follow you home. No matter what you wear, don’t forget the gloves and a hat. Just think, how many places is it normal to cover thinning hair?

Stay Out Of The Trees!

Unless you are ready for an “Out-of-Bounds” adventure, that could include getting lost, avalanches, damaging your equipment, or getting in trouble from the Ski Patrol, stay on the marked trails. Watch for marked trails and pay attention to trail symbols. Regular runs are very easy to find and there is little confusion as to what is what. Is having your very own scary story really worth the bragging rights?


Bunny Hill Before Black Diamond

Remember one of the old questions your mother always asked you? Something like, "If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?" Of course this was before bungee jumping, but you get the idea. It’s great if you have friends that would like to take you to the slopes to teach you. There’s just one problem. And I hate to be the one to tell you this... your friend wants you to go so you can split the gas/room charge/meals or for company. What they will realize early on, is that they know what to do, and want to have fun while you don’t, and need some instruction before you can join them.


Mad River
Mountain
Mad River Mountain is a ski area located on Route 33, 35 minutes northwest of Columbus and 65 minutes northeast of Dayton. Mad River is open December through March depending on weather and skier interest. Mad River also has rental equipment and lessons for skiing and snowboarding, a snow tubing hill, and a full-service lodge including a cafeteria and bar.