| TIPS FOR BEGINNERS AT
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The first time you go skiing / snow boarding
can go one of two ways. It's possible you're going to get hooked and crave more.
It will eventually consume your every waking thought and you'll constantly be
making excuses as to why you need to get up to the mountains every free moment
of your life. Or it could go the other way and be the most grueling, torturous
experience you've ever had. Fortunately, for beginners, we have compiled this
helpful page to set you off on the right track and get the most out of your
first skiing or snowboarding experience.
- Take a lesson. Like everything else, you'll improve the most when you
receive some guidance. The best way to become good at downhill skiing or
snowboarding is to take a lesson from one of our qualified instructors. You'll
safely learn more in a 2 hour lesson than you will in 2 weeks on your own. Also,
our pros will be able to show you around the mountain and which terrain is best
for you.
- Get in shape. Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing and
snowboarding more if you're physically fit.
- Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings
adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent quality ski or snowboarding
equipment at Copper.
- Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly
changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and
bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and
keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket. Do NOT wear cotton as a
base layer.
- Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat
with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves
or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
- Drink plenty of water. At 9,700' base elevation, our climate is extremely
dry, so it is easy to dehydrate. Staying hydrated (which includes consuming less
alcohol than at sea level) also helps you avoid altitude sickness.
- Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard in control.
- If you're tired, stop skiing. Stop before you become fatigued. Injuries
usually result from fatigue. Have a seat and enjoy the environment around you.
Most of all, have fun.
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- Backpack - for extra clothes & supplies, if you don't want it once here,
locker it. (Lockers are available at all 3 base areas -in Union Creek, Copper
One in the Village at Copper, and Copper Station in the East Village.)
- Hat - if your head is warm the rest of you is likely to stay warm.
- Water proof Gloves/Mittens - mittens are warmest.
- Goggles/Sunglasses - you definitely need UV protection, the sun's 40%
stronger up here. Goggles are strongly recommended on cold or snowy days for
warmth and increased visibility.
- Jacket/Parka (water resistant)
- Synthetic or wool base layers for top & bottom - it's better to be warm
than cold, you can always shed layers. Synthetic materials help to wick moisture
away from your skin. Once again, NO COTTON.
- Snow/Water resistant pants - very important, your 1st day will acquaint your
butt to the snow, keep it warm & dry.
- Warm, dry socks - No cotton. Wear only one pair of socks.
- Sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher
- Lip Balm
- Snack, Fruit, Energy Bar
- Trail Map - available for free throughout the mountain.
- ID, Wallet, Cash
- Extra Clothes, Shoes - to change into when you're all done, in order to go
out and celebrate your 1st day.
- Water - stay hydrated to help with altitude acclimation.
- Equipment - either skis, poles and boots; or snowboard and snowboard
specific boots.
If you need equipment, Copper's got you covered. Just make sure you
get here early and one of our rental technicians will be able to spend time with
getting you into the ideal gear.
If you have questions that regard
renting equipment.
Copper Mountain offers ideal terrain for beginner skiers and
snowboarders. Copper's naturally divided terrain - the mountain's west side is
gentle and sloping, and becomes gradually steeper as you move east. This creates
the perfect place for learning, because it keeps beginner skiers in their own
area on the west side of the mountain, so you will not have to worry about
expert skiers flying by you as you are learning.
Union Creek base area is located on the west
side of the mountain with 3 lifts (Kokomo, High Point, and Lumberjack) servicing
only green runs. There is also a day lodge there offering lift tickets, food,
rentals and lessons. Another learning area, Green Acres, is a short gentle
learning area where the beginner can get the basics wired. Green Acres offers a
very short chair lift and a surface lift, but there are no services in this
area, so you'll need to have your gear and lift ticket before you head to Green
Acres. Both Green Acres and Union Creek are perfect for beginners, and each is
accessed by our shuttle service. Just ask an employee if you're not sure which
shuttle to hop on. Also, there are plenty of green runs accessed by the American
Flyer lift and Rendevous lifts, but these runs are longer and are not
recommended for your first day on the slopes.
Copper has 3
base areas: The Village at Copper, the East Village, and Union Creek. All are
easily accessed by shuttles or walking. Each village offers lift tickets,
rentals and food. Union Creek is recommended for beginner skiers. The Village at
Copper is best for intermediate or advanced beginner skiers to start the day.
The Village offers the most action and services including the majority of
restaurants and shops. The East Village is a great starting point for expert or
advanced intermediate skiers. Once on the mountain, it is relatively easy to get
to different areas on the mountain, so intermediate skiers and above can start
anywhere and get to other parts of the mountain easily.
Get
to know the Skier Safety Act
Your Responsibility Code
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski
areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and
other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers.
Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others
and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and
personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with
other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing and snowboarding experience.
- Always stay in control.
- People ahead of you have the right of way.
- Stop in a safe place for you and others.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
- Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
- Know how to use the lifts safely.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY.
This is a partial list. Be safety
conscious.
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.
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