Skiing for the first time is an amazing experience, even if it feels daunting at the start. Imagine feeling the rush of cold air against your cheeks as you fly down the bunny slope. Your blood is pumping. Your heart races. You feel like you’re on top of the world.
Skytop Lodge in the Poconos is the perfect place for your whole family to get comfortable on the slopes. The luxurious resort offers four ski slopes for varying skill levels, just a short shuttle ride away (or a 15-minute walk on the scenic Lake Trail).
Whether you’re a family of first-timers or you haven’t stepped on skis since childhood, here are some tips to make your first ski trip together more enjoyable.
- Start small. Put away the thoughts of becoming the next Picabo Street or Shaun White. If this is your inaugural skiing attempt, you may not actually make it down a slope. And that’s perfectly fine. Skytop Lodge’s Ski School offers an introductory 50-minute lesson with a seasoned instructor that’s ideal for newbies. Remember, you’ll have to learn how to put on your equipment, walk in skis, and balance before you start cruising down even the smallest hill.
- Try going cross-country. If you have family members with varying experience, why not try cross-country skiing? In this sport, skiers use their poles to propel themselves forward on a level trail. If you’ve got any ice skaters in the group, the side-to-side rocking motion you use in cross-country will feel familiar. We’re not going to lie, cross-country can be tough on the legs and the glutes. But the upside of this style is that it’s easier for some newcomers to master. Call 855-345-7759 for information.
- Save the snowboard for later. Our instructors often get asked which is more difficult, skiing or snowboarding? While the answer is up for debate, most experts agree that skiing is easier to learn (but harder to master). Once you’re steady on the slopes, you can look at renting a snowboard. Until then, focus on maintaining balance on your skis.
- Take a lesson. If you’re thinking of going it alone, don’t. While some families have no trouble learning to ski on their own, or with parents instructing the kids, most newcomers will benefit from expert ski instruction. Skytop offers beginner ski lessons for children ages 4 and up, as well as adults. Choose from group, semi-private or private instruction. If you’re set on snowboarding, lessons are available for ages 7 and up. Make a reservation HERE (required).
- If at first you don’t succeed… Patience is a virtue when learning to ski. Some first-timers plow down the slopes like a champ after 15 minutes of instruction, while others get stuck in the snow and aggravated at their lack of motion. If you’re taking lessons, your instructor will help you get past these early frustration points. Remember, you can always try again tomorrow.
If you want to try skiing, you’ll be in good company. According to the National Ski Areas Association, more than 54 million people went skiing or snowboarding during the 2016-2017 winter season. Luckily, you and your family can get a leg up on the slopes of the Pocono Mountains here at Skytop Lodge. Contact us today to get your first family ski trip in the works.