So, you decided to move to Denver, now it’s time to learn to ski and board in Colorado. As a newcomer, there are several ways you can learn how to fully enjoy the wintertime in Colorado.  Colorado ski areas and resorts offer ski and boarding schools for beginners of all ages.  By the end of your lesson, you’ll have the basics mastered, and the more you ski, the better you will get.

Learn to Ski and Board in Colorado: 12 Top Tips

Here are a few tips to follow (coming from a native) as you venture out to learn how to ski and board in Colorado:

1. Don’t ski in JEANS!  Nothing says “I am new at this” than someone wearing jeans.
2. Referring to tip #1, Most ski resorts offer clothing rental.  The basic gear you will need includes:
   1. Ski Jacket
   2. Ski Pants
   3. Gloves or Mittens
   4. Wool Socks
   5. Layers:  turtle neck, long johns, etc.
   6. Goggles or a good pair of sunglasses – snow glare and blindness are real!
3. HELMETS ARE COOL…and they protect you.  WEAR ONE
4. When renting your equipment, listen to the professionals and admit you are a beginner.  It will be easier to learn.
5. Take a few lessons if you have never been skiing or snowboarding before.  An important part of the lesson will be getting on and off the ski lift.  Having to have the lift stop for you once is ok, just try not to make it a habit.
6. If you know how to ski but your kids do not, find a ski school that offers a full-day ski school and that will entertain your kids if they decide skiing isn’t for them.
7. Be prepared, eating at ski resorts can get very expensive.  Pack snacks or sandwiches that can be eaten easily.*
8. WEAR SUNSCREEN
9. DRING WATER
10. Parking…the parking lots at ski resorts fill up QUICKLY!  Plan accordingly.
11. If skiing on the weekend, LEAVE early and be prepared for I-70 traffic.  It can be stop-and-go, and it may take an additional hour or two to reach your destination.  If you have the opportunity, play hooky and go during the week!
12. Sunday evening traffic back to Denver is NO JOKE.  Be prepared to practice patience and be aware of the traffic laws. 

Learning to ski and board in Colorado will be one way to appreciate the winter months.  For more information on ski & board schools, check out Colorado.com. 

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