The Indy Pass is guaranteeing at least 250 alpine and cross-country partners for the upcoming 2025-26 season—and will offer purchasers their money back if it cannot achieve this guarantee by this December.
The Indy Pass just dropped some major updates for the 2025-26 season, including a streamlined renewal process, a promise of even more resorts, and details on pricing.
For renewing pass holders, rates increase only slightly from last year. The adult renewal rate starts at $299 for the Indy Base Pass and $419 for the Indy Plus Pass. For the first time this year, Indy renewers can opt into the “Easy Renew” program, which guarantees a pass before inventory is released to the public. Renewers will just need to go through a simple opt-in process when logging in, payment plans remain interest-free. Pass holders must use Easy Renew to secure the full discounted renewal rate.
Starting March 1, sales open to the general public. Prospective purchases can secure their place in line for the pass by joining the Indy Pass waitlist, with waitlist-level adult rates going for $349 for the Base Pass and $469 for the Plus Pass. If any passes remain after the waitlist deadline on February 28, 2025, general sales will open at $369 for the Base Pass and $489 for the Plus Pass.
As with last year, Indy Passes will be limited in quantity. Those who cannot secure a pass during the early March period can sign up for a waitlist to buy a pass later in the season.
This year, Indy has instituted what it calls a “250 Resort Guarantee.” If the pass does not feature over 250 pass partners by December 1, 2025, pass holders may request a refund for their purchase between that date and December 10, 2025. Additionally, Indy says that if your “favorite” 2024-25 resort doesn’t return, purchasers can refund an unused pass before November 1.
As of February 25, Indy says that it doesn’t expect any of its current pass partners to drop of for the 2025-26 season. If this remains true, the pass product will offer at least 230 resorts next winter. While Indy includes cross-country ski areas as part of its resort roster, it’s pretty much certain that over 180 of these mountains will be downhill alpine ski resorts.
Indy Pass 101
The Indy Pass is a budget alternative to the better-known Epic and Ikon season pass products. Unlike its more expensive counterparts, Indy only offers two days at each full partner resort. However, the list of partners is lengthy, with at least 181 independent downhill ski resorts across the East Coast, Midwest, Rockies, West Coast, Japan, and Europe. Indy also features eight “Allied” ski resorts; access to these mountains is not fully included on its passes, but is significantly discounted.
Indy has released their pass prices for the 2025-26 season, with discounts for those who enroll in the Easy Renew program.
Our Take
The Indy Pass remains one of the best values in skiing—if you use it right. With prices staying nearly flat (just a $20 increase for renewers and no price increase for new pass holders) and over 180 downhill alpine partners, Indy continues to deliver a ton of ski days for a fraction of the cost of Epic and Ikon. That said, there are a few key caveats to consider.
Not a True Season Pass The two-day limit per resort means Indy isn’t a replacement for a home mountain pass, but it’s a solid fit for skiers and riders looking to stack weekend trips or embark on a winter road trip.
Few True Destination Resorts Unlike Epic and Ikon, Indy resorts tend to be smaller and more under-the-radar, which means fewer crowds and shorter lift lines. But if you’re looking for massive terrain, options over 2,000 acres in North America are scarce—outside of Oregon’s Mount Hood Meadows and British Columbia’s Big White, Indy doesn’t have much in the way of true destination resorts.
Severe Blackout Restrictions on Base Pass The Indy Base Pass comes with severely restrictive blackout dates across several partner mountains, including some resorts that prohibit access on all weekends and holidays. The Indy Plus Pass has no blackouts, but for non-renewing pass holders, this upgrade is likely to only be a few hundred dollars less than the Mountain Collective Pass, which also comes with a two-day limit for its partners but features many of the same destination-grade partners as Ikon.
250 “Resorts”—But What Kind? The 250 Resort Guarantee sounds massive, but we’re not sure how many of those will be downhill resorts vs. cross-country areas yet. Also, it’s entirely possible that some of these new resorts will be overseas, making them less practical for Indy’s largely North American audience. While we’re expecting expansion, it’s unclear if we’ll see any large new additions, especially after Powder Mountain’s departure a few years back.
Easy Renew Caveats If you’ve had an Indy Pass before and have the means to renew, Easy Renew is a no-brainer, letting you lock in the lowest price ($299 Base, $419 Plus) before the public sale. But if you forget or opt not to enroll in Easy Renew, you’ll have to pay close to full price for the pass.
Indy’s niche remains clear: affordable access to a huge quantity of independent ski areas. If you don’t mind smaller hills and short stays at each individual mountains, it’s an excellent deal. But if you’re chasing huge vertical, a destination-grade resort experience, or minimal blackout dates (on the Base Pass), you may want to weigh the Epic, Ikon, or Mountain Collective Passes instead.
For more information on the Indy Pass, check out our breakdown of Indy vs. Epic, Ikon, and Mountain Collective in video form below.
When you drive up to Quebec’s Le Massif, you know it’s something truly special. Boasting spectacular views, distinctive terrain, and one of the biggest footprints in the region, Le Massif de Charlevoix is possibly the East’s closest thing to a true North American destination experience.
Despite snow totals that pale to those of most western resorts, Le Massif’s one-of-a-kind topography makes for an experience that some might call travel-worthy in its own right. So how does Le Massif stack up as an overall package?
Le Massif is one of the most stunning ski resorts we’ve ever visited—and you can see it in all of its glory as soon as you unload your car.
Mountain Aesthetic
The first thing that stands out about Le Massif is its looks. With spectacular views overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, we’d argue Le Massif is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the entirety of North America, if not the whole world. This isn’t something that any other resort East of the Mississippi can come close to embodying. Not only does a trip to Le Massif provide the surreal experience of seemingly skiing or riding into a body of water, but unlike certain other resorts with nearby lakes, the continuous movement of the river provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop that’s hard to truly appreciate unless you see it for yourself.
Aside from the tucked-away bunny hill by the Club Med, nowhere at the resort feels built-up or developed, and most guests will find their ski or ride experience to feel isolated and naturalistic. The D chair feels plucked straight out of an isolated terrain pod out West, with beautiful snowy alpine scenery and wide open, otherworldly glades that sometimes feel like your own private resort, with massive river views stretching out beyond you. For the adventurous, the 15 minute hike to the top of the unique hors-piste zone will give you a 2,500-foot-high panorama of the whole resort that’s truly breathtaking.
It’s also worth noting that Le Massif is a rare upside-down ski resort, with the main base area actually being at the top of the mountain, rather than the bottom. This means that you get to appreciate the amazing views in all their glory as soon as you strap on your skis or board.
Le Massif boasts a modestly-sized footprint for the East Coast on paper, but the resort also includes a sizable unpatrolled “hors-piste” sidecountry area.
Size and Terrain Layout
With a 406-acre skiable footprint within the official bounds of the resort, Le Massif de Charlevoix is a modestly-sized resort for the East Coast on paper. However, the resort calls home to an impressive 2,526-foot vertical drop, which is up there with the best on the East Coast. The resort also boasts a sizable ”hors-piste” area to the skiers’ left of the official boundary, with over 160 skiable acres of unpatrolled terrain available to explore. If inclusive of this off-piste terrain area, Le Massif offers a skiable footprint over 560 acres in size, putting it on the upper end of mountains east of the Mississippi.
Beginner Terrain
Beginner terrain at Le Massif isn’t exactly an outstanding experience, although there are some positives. The gondola, B chair, and D chair all service green-rated runs, but they are very limited in nature, with only one to two routes in most places, and they can get crowded. But while Le Massif’s easier runs are limited in quantity, the resort does offer top-to-bottom green terrain, making for the longest possible vertical descent on a beginner slope east of the Mississippi. For those who don’t want runs that long, guests can load back up the resort at mid-mountain via the D chair or gondola mid-station.
While Le Massif’s easier terrain is limited, the resort does offer the longest top-to-bottom beginner-level ski route on the East Coast.
Le Massif does have a few options for those who are truly first timers. At the base of the gondola, guests will find a well-sheltered bunny hill area. This zone overlooks the Club Med resort, which is an ideal location for those with the means looking for a ski-in, ski-out luxury beginner experience. This location is also highly sheltered, keeping beginners safe from higher speed traffic. But due to Le Massif’s inverted layout, most guests will begin their day near the summit—far from this lower beginner zone—making this learning area impractical for all but those staying at the Club Med.
However, near the summit lodge is a secondary bunny hill that’s even more sheltered. This high-elevation zone offers spectacular views and excellent snow preservation for a beginner zone. It also features a miniature progression terrain park for beginner and intermediate park enthusiasts looking to practice small jumps. This all being said, this zone comes with a significant drawback for less experienced skiers and riders: it’s served solely by a poma lift, a surface lift that many beginners find challenging and frustrating. At least skiers and riders in this zone can take comfort knowing that the surface lift is keeping them safe from the high winds which frequently occur at this high resort elevation.
Le Massif offers a decent selection of intermediate terrain, with the best slopes arguably accessible off Chair D.
Intermediate Terrain
Blues at Le Massif are comparable in design to the intermediate trails one would find at many destination resorts. Groomer skiing isn’t quite the expansive experience that one might find at some western resorts, but grooming operations are consistent and widespread enough across the resort’s sizable footprint. The blue trails off Chair D are probably the best at the resort, as they sit in a high-up terrain pod that preserves good snow and faces less south than the rest of the mountain. Notably, some low-angle blue bump runs exist at Le Massif, a rarity among East Coast resorts. These runs are the perfect place for intermediates to experiment in ungroomed terrain with limited consequences for mistakes. Massif’s blue groomers are often empty and rip fast with lots of natural berms, which can be a lot of fun for those looking to ski or ride a bit more aggressively on lower-consequence terrain. In addition, some of the groomed black diamonds are plenty approachable for most upper-intermediate visitors.
TRAIL MAP
Advanced Terrain
Advanced terrain at Le Massif is among the best in the region, especially if you like glades. Unlike many resorts elsewhere in Quebec and Northern Vermont, unmarked glades at Le Massif are by and large too dense to ski without local knowledge. However, marked woods runs are widely present across the resort’s footprint. These glades are cut to every level of desired density, with certain woods trails offering such a unique East Coast experience that they feel like you’re skiing in a different region entirely. Glades at Le Massif range from Colorado’s “glades are where there’s a tree sometimes” to New Hampshire’s “better have your pole plants on lock” level of technicality, but each are cut with an attention to detail that makes every run ski with flow and a good fall line that takes advantage of the natural movements of the terrain. You could spend all day trying different lines through the trees of a single terrain pod without ever getting bored.
Outside the glades, Le Massif’s fully cut trails also run the gamut of fairly steep groomers to nice mid-angle bump runs that should give advanced skiers a complete and satisfying experience. Black bump runs frequently sustain a long thigh-burning fall line, making for excellent endurance terrain.
Le Massif offers excellent advanced-level glade terrain, some of which is widely-spaced enough to offer the resort’s signature river views.
Expert Terrain
While not the toughest ski resort in the East, Le Massif is still a great choice for experts when conditions allow. Double-black-diamond runs all have pitches that are deserving of the rating, and skiers below expert level should take extreme caution when entering double-black-rated zones due to the exposure. Tree-defined trails of this level offer a combination of steep and protracted fall lines, making for some of the best cardio-busting ski runs one can find east of the Mississippi.
A particular highlight are the single and double black glades off Chair D, whose high elevation preserves natural snow extremely well even when it’s been a while since a storm, and each command a sustained gladed vertical almost all the way back down to the lift. Many of the glades off Chair B, such as La Derive and La Coursive, while tighter than the glades off Chair D, boast deceptively large footprints and fly under many visitors’ radar despite their central location.
Le Massif offers some particularly long and demanding bump runs, putting a strain on one’s endurance.
Hors-Piste Terrain
But despite the quality of Le Massif’s inbounds lift served terrain, none of it can compare to the true expert’s wet dream — the “hors piste” terrain to the skiers’ left of the official mountain.
This zone is unpatrolled and requires some mild hiking to reach — no matter which gate you choose — so extreme caution is advised before entering this zone. However, this zone is maintained by the resort and features strong signage, so for most savvy visitors this terrain should be considered more inbounds than the lift-accessed backcountry at other resorts.
These zones, particularly the steep chutes marked Secteur 1 & 2 on the map, are some of the East Coast’s most extreme terrain offerings, boasting incredibly steep pitches including paths with airs over icefalls and between steep trees. Due to the nature of their access, difficulty, and sheer size, each of these zones can preserve snow for days after a storm with favorable weather, and on a powder day, they can easily offer fresh laps until your legs give out. For most expert visitors, the short 15-minute hike will likely be more than worth it, given how unmissable of an experience these zones provide.
Le Massif’s unpatrolled sidecountry “hors piste” terrain offers unique glades with little-touched snow.
Lower Mountain Elevation and Aspect
The one shortcoming of expert terrain at Le Massif is the mid and lower mountain’s elevation and aspect, particularly on the lookers’ left side under Chair C. This terrain, comprising the bulk of Le Massif’s double-black patrolled offerings and very nicely sitting in its own isolated terrain pod, faces south and gets brutally sun-cooked when it hasn’t snowed. The iconic La Charlevoix trail, which is so wide and feature-riddled that it’s better considered a freeride zone than a trail, is particularly weather susceptible and difficult to access due to its location, with either a high traverse or sidestep (depending on which gate is open) above Chair C required to get there, and faces a very southerly aspect on a ridge with almost no trees to shelter its snow.
Still though, Le Massif does have an accommodation for the issue of its near-sea-level elevation in lower-mountain areas. A convenient mid-load station on Chair C picks up skiers and riders halfway up the resort, allowing guests in this terrain pod to skip the long runout through slushy snow which often plagues the bottom third of the resort.
RECOMMENDED SKIS FOR LE MASSIF DE CHARLEVOIX
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Speaking of conditions, despite its quite northerly location, Le Massif’s annual snowfall falls short of most western destinations and even some East Coast competitors. In addition, much of the terrain faces south, and many lower elevation zones are vulnerable to melt-outs when it hasn’t recently snowed.
However, Le Massif’s tall footprint means snow preservation up high is still quite good for the region, particularly in expert zones that take far longer to ski out than one would expect at a resort of this caliber. These zones are easy to lap thanks to an intuitive lift layout, meaning it’s easy for savvy guests to chase good conditions somewhere at the resort as long as the weather isn’t truly terrible. In addition, Le Massif’s northern location right on the St. Lawrence River means it can catch major storms that miss everywhere else in the east.
Snowmaking exists in most key resort areas, and grooming is employed to keep even the most vulnerable lower-mountain areas skiable. However, since the resort bottoms out near-sea level and faces south, spring-like conditions and bare spots are commonplace across the bottom third of the resort throughout the entire winter.
Le Massif’s lower mountain areas face south and sit almost at sea level, making for so-so conditions throughout the winter season.
Lifts
Le Massif has an impressive lift system for the East. Almost every lift at the resort is modern and high speed, with few seeing significant lift lines outside of peak periods. The main drawback is the variability of low elevation terrain making for a sluggish runout for those looking to lap top-to-bottom on the B chair and gondola, but this is avoidable with the mid-load stations on the C chair and gondola. In addition, the summit poma is a somewhat difficult lift for the beginners who are served by this terrain pod, but the tradeoff is wind-shelter for the most wind-exposed zone of the resort.
It’s worth reiterating that the hors-piste sections of Le Massif, which comprise over 160 skiable acres, are not directly lift served and require some hiking to reach.
Le Massif’s combination of fast lifts and modest crowds makes for quick laps versus other Northeast ski resorts.
Crowd Flow
For a major East Coast destination resort, Le Massif rarely sees serious crowding comparable to major resorts south of the border. An expansive and modern lift fleet placed sensibly to the fall lines makes it easy to lap most terrain zones, with minimal traversing required when every lift is running. The resort limits lift ticket sales to ensure that crowds are never too terrible.
Lines can sometimes build up at the gondola base and summit poma, but on the average day most guests will rarely be waiting longer than 5 minutes for a lift, with midweek visitors regularly skiing straight on to the chair even during midwinter months.
Le Massif’s biggest crowd flow issue arguably has to do with its lower mountain. Several trails converge into the same lower-mountain runs near the bottom, which leads to congestion, especially on the green runs down there. This can be particularly annoying on weekends or holidays.
Le Massif offers strong signage across its footprint, a lot of which happens to be in quite picturesque places.
Navigation
But at least Le Massif’s chokepoints are fairly straightforward to get acquainted with thanks to a generally-easy-to-figure-out mountain layout. Signage is abundant and thorough across the resort’s footprint, and all resort areas filter down to the main base aside from a few trails around the base of the gondola. From the main base, Chair B takes you straight up to the summit lodge, so it’s never difficult to find your way back to your car despite the resort’s inverted layout — as long as you aren’t caught at the base when the resort closes. Even in the hors-piste zone, signage is present at every major junction area, making it hard to get lost despite this area’s extreme isolation.
However, Le Massif occasionally requires some traversing to get between terrain zones, particularly getting to the lookers’ left terrain when the C chair isn’t running. In addition, the resort’s 3-dimensionality makes the sizes of some areas difficult to interpret from the map, leading to some runs feeling way longer than they might appear on paper.
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The lodges at Le Massif aren’t anything truly upscale, but they’re clean and placed conveniently. The resort offers two main lodges — one at the summit, and one at the base — and thanks to the mountain’s layout, it’s never too difficult to find somewhere to stop in outside of the hors-piste.
The summit lodge boasts incredible views and fewer crowds than the base lodge, making it the best option for most visitors to stop for a meal. Plus, with the resort’s inverted layout, this summit lodge will be most visitors’ first stop.Both lodges are clean and serve their purpose, with satisfactory lodge food that, as with most Quebec resorts, is a great deal for those coming from the US. The base lodge also features a creperie, which is a must-visit. Guests can also stop in at the fancier Camp Boule restaurant at the top of Chair D.
Le Massif offers two main lodges—one at the summit and one at the base—as well as a fancier restaurant at the top of Chair D.
Getting There and Parking
Le Massif is likely the most northern resort that will ever be on the radar of a typical East Coast skier. It’s a very long drive from most US metro areas, with the resort sitting approximately 7 hours from Boston and a whopping 9 hours from New York. It’s even a pretty long commitment for those located in Montreal, with the drive from that city taking about three-and-a-half hours.
Those who are willing to fly will find the resort easily accessible from Quebec City, but at that point, many vacationers will probably just prefer to go out west.
Parking is mainly located at the top and is plenty expansive for the low crowds typical of a Quebec resort, and smaller lots are also available at the base area for those staying in the nearby town of Le Massif.
Le Massif is a very long drive from most major Northeast cities.
Lodging and Après-Ski
Le Massif’s remote location means there’s little onsite lodging aside from the extremely upscale Club-Med. However the nearby town of Mont-Sainte-Anne, sitting a convenient 20-30 minutes from the resort, features surprisingly affordable lodging options, as well as plenty of great local restaurants to stop in for a bite. It’s hardly a party town for those looking for nightlife, but for those willing to drive, Quebec City is a short trip from the resort with a much larger social scene.
Le Massif isn’t perfect, but its positive traits make it by far the best overall ski resort we’ve ever visited in the East.
Verdict
So Le Massif de Charlevoix isn’t the biggest or most consistent ski resort snow-wise in the East. But this river-adjacent destination offers a magical experience unlike anything else within thousands of miles of it. From the low crowds and untracked expert lines to its truly otherworldly aesthetics, Le Massif is unlikely to disappoint those willing to put in the drive to get there.
The real problem for Le Massif is its remoteness. Yes, many folks will find it a lot more unique than the best resorts in Vermont, Maine, and other parts of Quebec, but it’s not as good as a typical destination ski resort in Colorado or Utah. Ultimately, besides those who live in Quebec City or northern New Hampshire or Maine, Le Massif might not be quite as appealing of a choice as hopping on a plane and going somewhere bigger and more snow-sure.
Pricing
While more expensive than most other resorts in Quebec, Le Massif is a solid deal for those used to US destination single day prices. Adult tickets range from $121-$166 CAD, or around $84-$116 USD with today’s exchange rates. This is well short of the over $200 USD price tag of many competing resorts stateside, with both half-day tickets and 4-day bundles available for those looking for a deal. And, for families with younger children, guests 6 and under ski free.
Le Massif is also a member of the Mountain Collective Pass, with two days of access any time during the winter season.
If you’ve never put on a pair of skis before, entering the winter sports world can be daunting. Skiing and snowboarding bring a feeling of exhilaration unlike any other winter activity, but unfortunately, the barrier to entry can feel quite high for those just starting—especially adults.
But luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. So what can you do to make your first day on the ski slopes as seamless as possible? Well, in this video, we’ll break down the fundamentals to ensure you have a successful first day on the slopes, as well as the key decisions you’ll have to make along the way, and how to approach them. Let’s jump in.
Making sure you’re in shape, like this skier here, will help you progress as a skier or rider, and lessen the risk for serious injury.
Arrive in Shape
In order to prepare for your first day of winter sports, the first way to set yourself up for success is something you can start doing right now: staying in shape. Skiing and snowboarding are first and foremost strenuous, full-body physical activities, and you’ll get more out of your experience if your body is in good physical condition at the time of your visit. Having strong and flexible muscles will help you progress faster throughout day one—and in the process, will likely increase the chances you enjoy your time on the slopes.
If you’re watching this video and it’s already close to the winter season, we do recognize that during this time of year it’s easy to fall into winter hibernation mode. Don’t fret if you haven’t been exercising lately, but for the best experience, do give yourself a few weeks to do some leg and cardio exercises, some of which we’ve linked in the description below. Being in shape will also help you stay resilient against on-slope injuries.
One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is between skiing and snowboarding.
Skiing or Snowboarding: Which One Should You Try?
The next question you might be asking is: out of skiing and snowboarding, which one should I try? Of course, answering this question comes down to personal preference, but here are a few rules of thumb. Some argue that skiing is a bit easier to learn at the beginning but harder to master down the road, while snowboarding is harder to learn up front, but easier to progress in. One major consideration is that it is much easier to traverse on flat terrain on skis than on a snowboard. On skis, you can propel yourself forward by skating and pushing off on your poles. On a snowboard, you’ll have to release one foot from its binding to push along with. One last consideration: if you’re traveling with other friends and family, it may be more fun, and you might learn more, if you participate in the same discipline as them.
Gear such as helmets and goggles will not only make your day on the slopes more enjoyable, but they can save you from major injury as well.
Gear
Once you’ve figured out whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, the next thing you’ll want to figure out is gear. Unless you can borrow from a friend or family member, you will almost certainly be renting some gear for your first outing. If you’re not experienced with winter weather, you’ll probably have to buy some articles of clothing as well.
Typically, you’ll rent 1) boots, 2) skis/poles or a snowboard, and 3) a helmet. For your first outing, you will also need the following: a winter coat, snow pants, insulated top and bottom base layers, goggles, and waterproof gloves. If you’re skiing out west, you’ll definitely also want sunscreen for your face, which should be the only exposed area of your body. But under most circumstances, you’ll want to cover up part or all of your face too to shield it from the cold; a balaclava or neck gaiter like the one shown here should get the job done—just make sure that you get one that covers the forehead so it doesn’t roll off your face in the middle of your ski day. But before buying most or all of the above, check with your ski shop, as some more locally-oriented shops also rent winter coats and snow pants.
Some resorts and rental shops still offer helmets as optional equipment, but we cannot stress enough how important wearing one is. Even on the easiest slopes, helmets can be life-saving contraptions, and while you might save a few bucks by skimping on one, the investment might be the best one you make on your entire trip.
If you’re snowboarding for the first time, you may want to invest into some protective padded shorts and knee pads for your added comfort. One of the things you’ll quickly realize is that you’ll be spending more time falling than actually going down the hill, and if you don’t want to be achy and miserable at the end of the day, these knee and butt pads will do absolute wonders. Trust us, there’s an exponentially higher chance you’ll want to snowboard for the second time if you wear these padded pieces of gear on your first visit.
Technically, you can also get started on the slopes without goggles, and use sunglasses with a retaining strap instead. However, we’d highly advise against this too—if it’s snowing hard, very windy, or very sunny, you will be much more comfortable wearing goggles over any other eye protection. Snow, being white, reflects ultraviolet light very efficiently—both into your eyes and onto your skin. So even if the ground doesn’t look too bright on your drive up to the mountain, you’ll quickly realize that tinted lenses are a must-have on any ski day, even if it’s overcast. If you’re looking to buy any of these items before your trip, you can check out our recommendations in the links below.
Unless you can borrow from a friend that has similar sized feet, you’ll need to rent a few things from a ski shop or the resort itself.
Rent the Right Equipment
The process of securing your ski or snowboard rentals may look complicated and stressful at first, but there are a few ways you can set yourself up for the smoothest experience possible. The first way is easy with a bit of forethought: rather than waiting until the day of, book your rental equipment online in advance. Not only can you save money, but you can also save time in many rental shops by skipping the walk-in line. Make sure you rent the right size ski or snowboard equipment for your height, weight, and ability level. In today’s world, the best shops replace their rental skis, boards, bindings, boots, and poles as often as once per year. Plus, the equipment gets checked nightly, so you can rest knowing it’s kept in proper working condition. Even so, it’s always worth it to make sure the ski or snowboard equipment you rent is in good condition and fits properly.
There are a few ways to rent equipment. The most common options include either renting directly with the ski resort or renting from a nearby independent shop. In many cases, independent ski and snowboard shops offer better deals on rentals than the resorts themselves. If you didn’t book your equipment in advance, renting from these local shops can also allow you to avoid ski resort rental lines during peak times.
However, renting from the resorts typically takes less effort, and it’s often easy to pair lesson bookings with equipment rentals in the same transaction. Bundle deals at some resorts mean that the cost savings from renting locally can be negligible, especially for first timers. In addition, many resorts offer free day and overnight storage services for rental equipment—this benefit is difficult to come by at independent shops, which are nearly always located off the resort premises.
Some rental places, both local and resort-owned, allow you to drop your gear off outside the rental shop in the snow. This service is a great added convenience.
Ski and snowboard instructors are trained to make sure your learning experience is as enjoyable as possible.
Take a Lesson
You may have a friend, significant other, or relative who is excited to show you how to ski or ride, but even if they are expert on the slopes, we strongly recommend taking a lesson with a certified instructor for your first time out on the snow. There’s a difference between knowing how to ski and knowing how to teach skiing, and you’ll set yourself up for much greater success and enjoyment in the long term, not to mention managing your risk of injury, learning from a skilled teacher.
If you are fortunate enough to live within driving distance of a ski resort, likely the most cost-effective outing will be to make a day trip to take a lesson there—but if you happen to already be locked into a destination trip, you’ll have plenty of options as well. But if you have a choice between a destination or a local hill for your first day, you’ll probably want to go with the latter; at most resorts, learning zones are located at the bottom of the mountain, meaning that most beginners visiting a premier destination resort will not have access to most of the full mountain experience that they will be paying top dollar to travel to. The good news is that many of these massive mountains offer special beginner lift tickets that cost a fraction of the multi-hundred regular ticket prices.
Group lessons are much cheaper than private lessons, though private lessons can provide more tailored experiences.
Private vs. Group: What Kind of Lesson Is Right for You?
But before you actually book your lesson, you’ll have to make a big decision—should you opt for a private lesson, or should you go for a group lesson with strangers?
There are important distinctions between the two, but it’s not exactly a clear-cut decision on which to go for, even on your first day. Private lessons allow for more personalized instruction, more one-on-one attention, and a lesson that can be tailored to the individual’s needs, goals, and skill level. At many resorts, private lessons can be scheduled at any time. On the other hand, group lessons cost less than private lessons. They can also be more fun and social than private lessons.
If you’re planning to book a private lesson, you’ll almost certainly want to do so at a smaller, more local resort. Private lesson prices at most destination mountains are completely absurd, costing over $1,000 for a full-day lesson in several cases. A handful of destination ski resorts do offer much more reasonable one-on-one lessons for true first-timers, but outside of those exceptions, the group lessons will be the only financially palatable way to go for most individuals. It’s also worth noting that if you book a group lesson on an off-peak weekday, there’s a chance that nobody else will have signed up, and you’ll de facto get private instruction for the group lesson price.
The Day Of: How to Ensure the Best Possible Experience
Okay, so you’ve planned your trip out—and the big day has arrived. But while planning your trip in advance and finding the right type of instruction will put you in really good shape, there are still a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best possible experience on the slopes.
Even on sunny days, the temperature on ski slopes can get very cold. Make sure you have comfortable and properly sized clothes for the slopes, or your day could end early.
Dress Appropriately—And Ensure Adequate Equipment
The mountain will be cold. Since you’ll have your gear picked out already, be sure to pair it with warm, comfortable clothing that you can move in easily. Additionally, before leaving the lodge, you’ll want to make sure that your equipment is well-maintained, properly-sized and fitted. The last thing you’ll want to do is have to leave the slopes early or cut time out of your lesson to go change because you’re underdressed or uncomfortable.
Arrive Early
If you’re taking a lesson on your first day—which you definitely should—be sure to arrive early. At essentially every ski resort, you are expected to be on the slopes when the lesson time starts. As a result, it’s important to arrive early at your lesson with plenty of time to spare.
We recommend you leave yourself a substantial buffer to get to the lesson area if you’re not staying on-site—especially if your lesson is on a weekend or holiday. At several resorts, it can take quite awhile to get from the parking lots to the actual resort terrain; treks of half-an-hour aren’t even out of the ordinary, and at some resorts, the time-to-slopes can be even longer than that. In addition, finding the ski school zone may not be easy if you’ve never been to the resort before, so be sure to allot some time to find your way around the base area
In many cases, it’s also helpful to meet your instructor before the lesson starts. Arriving early can allow you to get to know the instructor before getting on the slopes, explain what you may be looking to work on, and—in the event you find a compatibility issue—ask for a different instructor.
It’s important to stay fed and hydrated on the slopes, as these are sports after all, and you’ll be burning more calories than you realize.
Stay Nourished on the Slopes
Skiing and snowboarding are not easy sports, and ensuring you’re well-nourished and hydrated is key to ensuring a productive lesson. To minimize breaks, we recommend you stash some snacks in your pocket, such as granola bars or trail mix, so you can eat on the chairlift if you get hungry. If you’re concerned about getting thirsty, several manufacturers offer hydration packs that allow you to conveniently drink water while skiing.
That being said, don’t be afraid to speak up if you get hungry or thirsty and want to stop in for a break—especially if you’re on a private lesson! Most ski resorts have conveniently-placed lodges, and it should be fairly easy for your instructor to plan breaks, especially if you communicate your needs well in advance. If you’re in a group lesson, most instructors will plan adequate rest and breaks throughout the program; however, don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel misaligned with the instructor’s plans.
Post-Slopes Activities
Finally, if you’re a first-time skier or rider, the excitement of skiing extends well beyond the slopes. Assuming there is one, make sure you leave some energy to explore your resort’s ski town or village. Ski resorts often boast a vibrant local culture steeped in long-standing tradition, where every shop, café, and restaurant has its own story. Taking time to stroll through the town, meet the locals, and soak in the atmosphere are must-dos to really get a sense of what the winter sports culture is like. Even if you’re not much of a partier, don’t skip out on après-ski either; these activities can include everything from cozy fireside gatherings to lively musical events, and they offer a fantastic way to unwind after a day of skiing or riding. By making sure to experience everything the resort has to offer, you not only enhance your trip but give yourself the opportunity to see what parts of the winter vacation experience you enjoy most. Who knows—even if skiing and riding aren’t for you, the town and activity vibes may be so much fun that you’ll turn into a regular visitor!
Final Thoughts
So while planning for your first day on the ski slopes certainly won’t be a piece of cake, there are a number of ways you can set yourself up to have an amazing first day on the slopes. Planning ahead by preparing your body for strenuous mountain activity, assembling the necessary winter gear, and booking a lesson will put you numerous steps ahead of the average first-timer.
Need help selecting a resort for your first day? Check out the best destinations for beginner skiers and riders here. When you get back, let us know in the comments below how it went! And, as always, we also invite our experienced watchers to offer additional tips that we may missed for getting new skiers and riders off to a great start.
