Base Area Snow Cam
Elevation: 6050’ - Brundage Base Area. This box will be cleared daily at 4:00 pm. Click image for larger view.
BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN BEGINNER SKI AND RIDE GUIDE
Your first (or first few) visits to a ski area can be a little intimidating. Here at Brundage Mountain, we want to make your experience as smooth and easy as possible. We’ve designed this Beginner Ski & Ride Guide to help you decide what to bring and where to find the services you need. (There are written tips just below the videos in case you prefer text over video). If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 208-634-6631. We want to make your first trip a hassle-free experience!
WHAT TO WEAR
HOW TO SKI: A Beginner’s Guide
HOW TO SNOWBOARD: A Beginner’s Guide
WHAT TO BRING: Dress for Success
Part of the thrill of skiing and snowboarding is enjoying the refreshing winter weather. By dressing properly, you’ll stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you!
In winter weather, your clothing has three jobs:
1. Keep you warm
2. Keep you dry
3. Block the wind
Here are a few suggestions to make your day on the slopes comfortable:
Dress in layers
A number of lighter layers allow you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes. Multiple thinner layers will be much more comfortable than a jacket that looks like a blimp. Layering is the key to keeping warm.
• Layer #1 – Base – Socks, thermal underwear, undershirt. Choose a synthetic material/ blend (avoid 100% cotton) that will wick moisture away from your body. Socks (1 pair) should be thin and long enough to rise above the boot.
• Layer #2 – Insulating – Fleece or wool works very well as a middle layer.
• Layer #3 – Outer Layer – Gloves, coat, ski/snow pants. Waterproof and wind resistant is the key.
Headwear
90% of our body heat escapes through our head. Helmets are recommended for both safety and warmth; helmet rentals are available at the Fall Line Tune Shop. If you prefer a hat, wear a good tight knit hat with a soft itch-less headband.
Eye protection
Goggles or sunglasses are essential to protect from reflection off the snow.
UV protection
Sun screen is important while skiing or snowboarding as the sun is hitting you from above and below (the reflection from the snow).
Be sure to bring extra clothes to change into for the ride home.
REMEMBER: You don’t need to have the most expensive or the most stylish winter clothes. but you do need to have the right type of clothes to stay dry and comfortable in almost any weather. Brundage does not rent ski pants or jackets, so pick those up before heading to the slopes. Brundage does have a ski shop if you forget or don’t have goggles, gloves, hats, handwarmers and other such accessories.
WHERE TO GO:
Parking the Car:
If it’s a busy day, you may have to park in our lower parking lot. Don’t worry! There is a shuttle bus that will pick you up and drop you off at the main lodge. Be sure to put your car keys in a zippered pocket so you don’t lose them on the slopes!
Unloading Area:
Brundage has a drop off area near the main lodge where you may unload your gear before parking the car. Look for signs directing you to this location.
Busy Day Tip: On busy days when the upper parking lot is full use the unloading zone to drop off all your gear before you park and use the shuttle bus, so you don’t feel like you need a bell hop to tout all your gear.
Ski & Ride School Sales Desk:
Look for signs to the Brundage Ski & Ride School. There is a window to the sales desk located in the Ski & Ride School Building located next to the Blue Bird lift. Pro Tip: Fill out your Ski & Ride School Liability Waiver before you get to the mountain.
Picking Up Your Rental Equipment:
Rentals are located at the top of the first flight of stairs in the Fall Line Tune Shop. Busy Day Tip: Get to the shop at least an hour before you lesson time.
Meeting Your Instructor:
You will check in to you lesson outside next to the Blue Bird lift where it says Private lessons meet here. The Ski & Ride School staff will have any lift tickets and lesson vouchers that are required for you lesson.
Hitting the Slopes On Your Own:
Congratulations, you are now ready to practice on your own. To continue the fun keep practicing on Easy Street or head to the Bear Chair if you are ready for the next step.
Remember: Smile, ask questions, and laugh at your mistakes. It won’t be long before you are up on the mountain reveling in the wonders of winter in the outdoors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
- What time should I arrive for the lesson?
There is almost no way to be too early to get ready for lessons (especially your first time) and being late for a class may mean missing the lesson altogether so make sure to be on time and ready to go. If you are renting, we’d recommend at least an hour prior to lesson time.
- Will my child ride the chairlift?
Using the lifts is based on the child’s skill levels. Your instructor will make a judgment if you are ready for the lift or not.
- What level should I put my child in?
Please use the chart below as a guideline for selecting a level for your child’s (or your own) lesson. If you are not sure about which level is right for you, our ski & ride school reservations staff is happy to answer any remaining questions.
- Where do I pick up my child?At the end of all classes they will return to where the class began, unless other arrangements have been made. Parents of children 7 and under must be there to pick them up. Students 8 years and up will be released and they are free to go on their own. It is advisable for parents to make plans for when and where they will be picked up.
On the Slopes – Your Responsibility Code
Courtesy is as essential at a busy ski area as it is any place people congregate. Also, there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Please observe The Code to enhance your enjoyment on the slopes this winter.
- Always stay in control.
- People ahead of you have the right of way.
- Stop in a safe place where others can see you and out of the flow of ski traffic.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging from one trail to another, look uphill and yield to oncoming skiers and snowboarders.
- Use devices on your skis to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe all signs and warnings and keep off closed trails.
- Know how to use the lifts safely.
