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Beginner Tips

How to Dress

You’ll want to dress for warmth and comfort. Winter temperatures and weather conditions in the Cascades can vary significantly from day to day and even hour to hour.

Bottom Insulating Layer
Synthetic and wool fabrics are best. Long underwear made from polypropylene or a similar (non cotton) fabric, will wick moisture away from your skin.

Middle Insulating Layer
Mid weight insulating layer will provide warmth. A heavy weight or multiple mid weight layers may be used for colder conditions. Layers allow for easy temperature regulation. Too warm? Remove a layer. Need more Warmth? Add a layer.

Top Weather Proof Layer
Water resistant/proof outer shell. Your pants and jacket should have some level of water resisitance to them. This will help to keep you dry and warm.

Socks
Try to find a thin pair of synthetic socks that help to wick moisture away from your feet. Thicker socks help to pad your feet, but be careful. If they are too thick they will cut off circulation and make you cold and your boots uncomfortable.

Gloves
Gloves will protect your hands and help keep them warm. Glove liners are a good way to make sure chronically cold fingers stay warm. Gloves with leather palms are best when using rope tows. Wrist guards can be worn underneath gloves and may help prevent wrist injury.

Hat and/or Helmet
A knit or fleece hat that covers the ears. Because you can lose up to 75% of your body heat from your head, a hat is crucial in a mountain winter environment. Helmets offer excellent warmth and may offer some head impact protection.

Goggles
Goggles are the best choice for most conditions. They keep the falling snow out of the eyes. Sunglasses are great for sunny days.

Sunscreen
Always protect your skin whenever you are in the mountain environment.

Other Helpful Tips

Fluids
Keep hydrated throughout the day. Even if you feel cold, your body is using up lots of water by keeping you both warm and upright!

Trail Map
Get to know the mountain by picking up a free trail map from any ticket window, lift operator or at the rentals or snowsports counter.

Safety
Review the Skier/Rider Responsibility Code .

Parent Tips

• Talk to your child about what to expect for the day


• Assure your child you will be returning at the end of the day


• Waterproof layers will keep your child comfortable all day


• If you need it to stay warm and dry, so does your child


• Glove / mitten fitting tip — make sure your child can comfortably grip a ski pole


• Label your child’s belongings — just like summer camp

*Children have more sensitive eyes than an Adults, so it is even more important to Have a quality pair of goggles or sun glasses (for the bright and warm days)

Kid Tips

• Always wear your goggles to protect your eyes
• Ski poles are cool but not for whacking the other kids
• Chairlift tip —bottom to bottom and back to back (seat and backrest of the chair)
• For putting on your skis, remember TGIF — Toes Go In First
• Many instructors look alike, always learn and remember the name of your instructor

Rent Equipment

Before investing in your own equipment, it is advised to rent or demo equipment first to find out what works best for you. Crystal offers a full line of rental equipment designed with the beginner in mind.

Renting at Crystal

Arrive at the mountain at least 1 hour early if you are taking a lesson and need to get properly fit for equipment. Make sure you have picture I.D. You and/or your friends and family can also purchase their lift tickets at the rental shop if you wish to stay together as a group.

Best Times to Visit

If you have the flexibility, weekdays & non-holiday periods are the best and most relaxing time to visit the mountain and practice your new skills.

Visit our Helpful Hints page for a complete list of tips and suggestions for making the most of your experience.