As the alpine skiing season officially opens, thousands of neophytes will decide to introduce themselves to Colorado’s celebrated snowy slopes.
But only 18 percent of them will be back afterward.
Why?
They get cold.
They think lift tickets cost too much.
They think the resort food costs too much.
They hate the fast skiers swooshing past as if the newbies are slow-moving slalom sticks.
The runs are either embarrassingly flat or frighteningly steep.
They’re infuriated by how long it takes to drive back home through the sluggish post-skiing traffic.
The ski industry, knowing this dismal return rate accounts for the main reason skier and rider visits have remained static for 10 years, is eager to lure back those first-timers. Listen up, newbies. Make this work for you.
Here are 10 ways to improve your first visit to the slopes.
1. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHING
Norwegians like to say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” While anyone who’s endured a white-out or a monsoon might dispute that particular bromide, it’s certainly the key to enjoying your introduction to the ski slopes.
Dress in layers, and not for looks. The clothing doesn’t need to be earmarked for skiing, but it cannot be cotton. No jeans. No cotton sweats. No T-shirts. You need wool, silk or polyester.
Almost any Spandex or Lycra tights and top – including running or cycling gear – will work for the first layer, or borrow polypropylene from an outdoorsy friend. (Another good source for cheap polypropylene and pile: secondhand stores.)
Polyester pile fleece or wool goes on next, unless you can borrow someone’s ski overalls. This middle layer is important. It will keep you warm in potentially biting winds and frequent pratfalls.
Pile is good, because it won’t retain water. Wool is OK because it won’t get cold, the way cotton will, when it gets wet.
Some skiers swear by their ancient Army surplus wool pants. As long as the pants let you move easily, with some room between the underlayer and the wind pants you’ll put on over them, they’ll do.
The top can be a sweater or a pile pullover, with roomy sleeves that allow your arms to swing freely.
The last layer should waterproof the middle layer – wind pants and a windbreaker, or a water-resistant jacket. Leave the leather at home.
Last: Wear good, thick socks – splurge on a new pair – to protect your feet in the ski boots you’ll rent. Sturdy mittens, not gloves, and a snug-fitting hat (après-ski invariably involves crushed hair) are mandatory.
2. BUY THE LIFT TICKET BEFORE LEAVING TOWN.
King Soopers, Safeway and some ski-rental shops sell discounted resort lift tickets that cost around $10 less than you’ll spend at the resort. If you’re a member of the military, ask about discounted lift tickets and passes at the nearest military base.
If you’re chronically cold, pick up a package of chemically-activated warming bags, like HotHands (less than $5) while you’re there.
3. BRING SUNSCREEN AND LIP BALM WITH A HIGH SPF RATING.
Use both liberally. The apple-cheeked look that’s so appealing in posters swiftly morphs into the reality of stiff, sunburned skin and cracked lips.
4. KEEP YOUR CELLPHONE WARM.
Cold temperatures will slow or shut down your cellphone, along with your camera, if you bring one. Put both in an inside pocket, not in your belt bag or day pack.
5. CARPOOL OR TAKE THE WINTER PARK SKI TRAIN.
Only two of you in the car? Offer to drive on the way up. The return trip is nearly always worse – slower, more congested and often icier roads.
On weekends, the best way to go is the ski train. (skiwinterpark.com/index.htm, click “Lodging & Travel” and then “Ski Train”). Park at Denver’s Union Station, climb on board, and nap all the way to Winter Park. The train deposits you right at the resort and picks you up again when the lifts close down. Enjoy a beer on the way home.
6. BRING A WATER BOTTLE AND SNACKS.
Drink early and refill often. Altitude and exercise are dehydrating. Pack small plastic bags with a mixture of nuts, dried fruit, candy and grain for mid-mountain noshing. Figure on spending at least $20 for even a modest meal – a hot dog or chili, with a soft drink, coffee or hot chocolate – at the resort.
7. WORK THE RESORT
The ski industry needs you. Ask for rental packages that include boots, skis, poles and a lesson. See if they’ll sweeten the standard deal – give you a private or semi-private lesson, upgrade your skis, assign you to a personable instructor, give you a resort-logo water bottle.
If you’ve arrived without a hat or mittens, ask if you can borrow something from the lost and found box. The worst they can do is say “No.”
Even if you’re with friends practically born on skis, take a lesson. It will give you confidence and strength. You’ll also learn which easy slopes are least crowded – a big help for newbies. Fight the temptation to pretend you know more than you do, and keep a sense of humor.
8. KEEP A CREDIT CARD AND $20 OR SO IN A ZIPPERED INSIDE POCKET.
9. ARRANGE AN INDOOR RENDEZVOUS SITE BEFORE HEADING FOR THE LIFTS.
Ski mountains are big places. It’s easy to get lost. It’s even easier for a first-time skier to tire long before more experienced skiers in the group. Agree on a meeting place, preferably one with comfy chairs. Fireplaces are good too. If you’re carrying cellphones, exchange numbers to stay in touch.
10. TAKE IT EASY.
Spending a wad on a lift ticket and rental equipment doesn’t mean squeezing every nickel’s worth from your investment. Take a break when your legs get tired. Stop at a warming hut when you get cold. Refill your water bottle when it’s empty. If ski runs become too crowded for comfort – many accidents happen between 2 and 4 p.m. – ask a lift operator to recommend easy, less-populated runs.
An ideal day on the slopes will leave you wanting more. Maybe it will be nothing more than fond memories, or maybe you’ll want to come back. Certainly the ski industry folks hope so.
Staff writer Claire Martin can be reached at 303-954-1477 or cmartin@denverpost.com.
