First Timer's Guide

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.

Here is our list of recommended items for you to bring skiing or snowboarding in order to guarantee a fun first day on the slopes. If you are in need of anything on this list when you get here, everything on this list is available at the Winterplace Ski Shop (located on the upper level of the Resort Center and The MountainHouse).

• Hat/helmet - if your head is warm the rest of you is likely to stay warm.
• Waterproof insulated gloves/mittens - mittens are warmest.
• Goggles/Sunglasses - 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, do not wear cotton as a base layer.
• Snow/Water resistant pants - help keep your lower body warm and dry.
• Warm, dry socks - Moisture-wicking ski/snowboard socks (wool or fleece) are the best. No cotton. Wear only one pair of socks.
• Sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher
• Lip Balm
• Snack, Fruit, Energy Bar
• Trail Map - available in the Resort Center and MountainHouse.
• ID, Wallet, Cash
• Extra Clothes and Shoes - to change into when you're all done, in order to go out and celebrate your first day of skiing or snowboarding!

If you have never skied or boarded before, having the proper equipment is the first thing to get you started. Skis and snowboards have changed over the years with technological advancements that make learning to ski or snowboard easier than ever. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly. Helmets are recommended. You can rent top-of-the-line ski or snowboarding equipment and helmets at Winterplace. Click here to view the Winterplace Rental Equipment page.

Review Mountain Safety & Policies

Meeting Place

Before hitting the slopes, plan a spot to meet to check-in with your group, or meet if you get separated. For example, meet at the bottom of chairlift #2 at 2 p.m.

Like anything, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from one of our professional instructors. You'll safely learn more in a 90-minute lesson than you will all day on your own. Click here for information on our lessons.

Know the Code

• Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
• People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them
• Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
• Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
• You must prevent runaway equipment.
• Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
• Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• You must know how and be able to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
• Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

If you're tired, take a break.

Injuries usually result from fatigue. Have a seat, relax, and get a bite to eat. Most of all, have fun!

Good questions for parents to ask:

When you've decided what area to take your ski trip, call the ski resorts in the area and research how each area's children's ski school programs are structured. Ask about the number of kids in the class. What if your child gets cold? What if your child wants to stop skiing after one hour? Does the ski school offer pagers?

Ski School:

Put your kids in ski school to get them on the right track. Children’s instructors know how to teach kids, it's their business. Then you'll enjoy skiing with your kids and they will be proud to show you their skiing abilities.

An observation from a long-time skier is that when his daughter skied with him, she regressed, as opposed to skiing with her peers in a lesson. "She wanted to ski in between my legs and fell down more often. We had fun with her being silly, but a lesson allowed her to focus on her skiing and she really excelled."

Although it is very unlikely that your child would get separated from the instructor, be sure your child has a trail map and is able to remember the instructor's name.

Make sure your child knows when to stop skiing. For example, if the clothing layer next to their skin stays wet and they’re chilled, if they’re injured, have a problem with equipment, or even if they’re simply worn out. Educate them that it’s alright to stop before the end of the day and breaks are fun.

Starting your kids early opens a world of adventure, fun, laughter, and beautiful scenery unsurpassed, by many other sports and interests.

It's a tremendous feeling to learn that your kids' fondest childhood memories were of your family ski vacations and now skiing has become an important element in their lives. Your kids will be forever grateful to you when they become adults.

Prepare for your visit:

Never been skiing or snowboarding at Winterplace Ski Resort before, just follow the steps below and we will walk you through the process. Remember to ask about our Learn-To-Ski or Ride Guarantee. We promise you'll learn how to ski or snowboard or you can take the class again Absolutely Free based on lesson availability!

Follow The Steps Below:

1. Purchase your tickets. Everything you need can be purchased in advance online prior to your ski date, including tickets, rentals, and lessons.  

2. Prior to arriving fill out all the necessary forms online, including your rental equipment form.

You will need to fill out an Equipment Rental Form. The information you will need for the form is as follows:

• Height
• Weight
• Age
• Shoe Size
• Skiing or Snowboarding Ability (First Timer - Type I skiing ability)
• Your signature in required spaces.
• Parent or guardian signature in the required spaces, if you are a minor.

3. Remember Winterplace is only 5 minutes off I-77, Exit 28 between Beckley and Bluefield, West Virginia. 

4. Upon arrival, proceed to the Rental Shop and go to an available cashier.

5. Taking A Lesson - Available for All Ability Levels

If you have reserved a lesson, head over to the Ski School Meeting area, located off of the slope side deck when you exit the Resort Center, near the top of Chairlift #5. Lessons are at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, & 4 pm on weekdays/non-holiday, and a 9 am bonus lesson on weekends and holiday periods. Skiers and snowboarders learn the basics of turning and stopping at our specially designed teaching area with 2 Super Carpet Lifts. Once you have the basics down, beginner skiers and snowboarders progress to our chairlifts and enjoy all the gentle beginner slopes. View Trail Map.

Whether you choose to ski or snowboard, we have the lesson for you!