Beginner's Guide to Skiing & Snowboarding
A comprehensive guide for first-time skiers and snowboarders that includes everything from learning the gear and vocabulary to understanding mountain conditions and what to expect your first time on the slopes.
Colorado is lucky to have over 300 days of sunshine a year, so be sure to apply sunscreen before you head out on bluebird days.
Learning to ski or snowboard can be intimidating for any first-timer, especially when you're surrounded by the world-class terrain and world-class athletes that call Aspen home. But, the beauty of our four mountains is that they offer something for everyone — young and old; novice and expert; and everyone in between. We all have one thing in common that unites us; a love of snow. If you're lucky enough to be getting your first turns surrounded by the beauty of the Elk Mountains, you're sure to have a memorable time and return home transformed. To make your experience even better, we've created a comprehensive guide for first-time skiers and snowboarders that includes everything we wish we knew before embarking on the journey of learning to ski and snowboard as adult beginners. Like any great adventure, it always pays off to plan ahead. Consider this your pre-lesson reading material.
Gear and Getting Ready
Group of skiers descend a slope
Getting the right gear and properly preparing for your day on the slopes can make all the difference, especially for beginners. From choosing comfortable, well-fitting equipment to dressing in layers designed for mountain weather, having the right essentials ensures both safety and enjoyment. Understanding the day ahead—like checking the forecast and knowing the terrain conditions—helps you plan what to wear and pack, so you’re ready for anything the mountain throws your way. Whether you're renting or buying, knowing what to look for in skis, snowboards, boots, and clothing can save you from unnecessary discomfort and help you focus on mastering the basics. With a little preparation, you'll set the stage for a smooth and memorable first day on the mountain.
What is a Bluebird Day?
What is a Powder Day?
What is a Spring Day?
What gear should I get?
What else should I bring?
When Should I Visit?
Skier riding out a groomer on a bluebird day at Snowmass
One of the things our guests love most is the variety of the four seasons here, but that doesn’t stop at spring, summer, fall, winter — every month offers something completely unique. We broke it down for you to choose the best time for you and your group to make the trip!
November
December
January
February
March
April
Preparing for the Mountains
Snowmass mountain as a winter storm lifts
Aspen and Snowmass Village both lie at about 8,000 feet above sea level (roughly 2,400 meters). The top of Aspen Mountain, however, is 11,212 feet (or 3,417 meters) while our highest in-bounds elevation — the top of Highland Bowl — is 12,392 feet (3,777 meters). In other words, there isn’t a lot of oxygen to take in if you are not used to it.
The good news is that our bodies eventually adjust to elevations over the course of a few days, but everybody is different. Learn more about altitude sickness from the Cleveland Clinic.
The good news is that our bodies eventually adjust to elevations over the course of a few days, but everybody is different. Learn more about altitude sickness from the Cleveland Clinic.
Altitude
The higher you go in elevation, the less oxygen there is to breathe, which means your body has to work harder to get the oxygen it needs to function. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Mild fatigue is normal, but if symptoms increase, your only remedy is to go to a lower elevation and you should seek medical help if the symptoms are severe. In order to avoid altitude sickness, you should do the following:
- Acclimate: Take it easy on your first day at Aspen Snowmass and allow your body to adjust to the altitude before you enjoy a night out or a big day on the slopes.
- Drink water: And we mean A LOT of water.
- Rest: Allow your body time to catch up to you and replenish your oxygen stores.
- Get low: If you do start to feel altitude sickness coming on, return to lower elevation at the base of the mountain and call it a day.
Sunscreen
Higher elevation means higher risk for sunburn, even in winter. Colorado is lucky to have over 300 days of sunshine a year, so be sure to apply sunscreen before you head out on bluebird days.Stop by to see one of our ambassadors around the mountain and grab some free Supergoop sunscreen (and maybe some apple cider to hydrate too).
Alcohol
Be aware that alcohol WILL hit you harder while you’re at altitude. You should plan to take it a little easy at après and drink slightly less than you otherwise would at home until you get your bearings. You’ll thank yourself later! In addition, make sure you are staying hydrated and drink water throughout the day and night. The mountains are a lot drier and you'll find yourself dehydrated quicker than at home. With alcohol in the mix this problem can be compounded even more, so make a conscious effort to sneak water in on all your ski breaks.Types of Snow Conditions
Types of Snow Conditions
Snowboarder carving a turn in fresh powder
Bluebird Day
Also known as the best of both worlds: great snow to ski on, blue skies overhead. The weather is rarely “dreary” in this part of Colorado. It will snow, and when it is done, the clouds will clear and the sun will stay out until the next storm.
Corduroy / Groomed
A common slang term for the grooves found on a recently groomed trail created by a snowcat or grooming machine. Called as such for the obvious resemblance to the fabric. Groomed terrain is a smooth and even ride and it's considered enjoyable to almost everyone. You can find out which trails are groomed by checking the daily Snow and Grooming Report on the Aspen Snowmass App.
Corn Snow
Springtime snow; the repeated melting and refreezing of the snow results in corn-sized icy snow crumbs.
Crust
Refers to a frozen layer either covering softer snow or buried under a fresh dusting of snow.
Dump
Slang term for a noteworthy snowfall of fresh powder; A t-shirt with the staple slogan "I love big dumps" can be found in many ski tourist towns.
Frozen Granular
Older snow that has frozen together, typically a result of being groomed repeatedly.
Hardpack
A term for snow that has been densely packed due to repeated grooming or skiing and the lack of fresh snowfall.
Packed Powder
Term used to describe relatively new snow that has been groomed or ridden over repeatedly and thus is harder than powder. Less scrupulous resorts will define virtually all snow, regardless of actual conditions, as packed powder.
Powder
Fresh, dry and lightweight snow that for many is the Holy Grail of skiing and snowboarding. Large amounts of fresh powder make for epic skiing conditions.
Wind Packed
A term used to describe snow that has been compressed by the movement of the wind.
White Out
Heavy snowfall, and the accompanying conditions, making it impossible to see more than a few yards in any direction.
Ski & Snowboard Vocabulary
Friendly skiers waving hello on the slopes
Every sport has its own vocabulary, but skiing and snowboarding takes it up a notch. Before you find yourself asking "what did you just say?" here is a primer on some of the most likely lingo and catchphrases you'll hear on the slopes.
Bumps
Bumps are carved into the snow. Typically, they are created by the turns of skiers and riders, but they can also be carved out for perfectly shaped mogul field. Also referred to as “moguls.”
Bunny Slope
This phrase refers to the flatter slopes where beginners learn their first turns. Graduating from the "bunny slope" is always a memorable moment for skiers and snowboarders. First time skiers and riders are encouraged to take lessons at Snowmass and Buttermilk. At Snowmass, our "bunny slope" is at Elk Camp Meadows. At Buttermilk, it's at the base of the mountain and lovingly referred to as Panda Peak.
Cat Tracks
Relatively flat paths used by Snowcats to move around a mountain. These are often used by skiers and snowboarders as well to reach different areas within a resort.
Din
A tension release setting on your ski binding which is calculated based on your height, weight, and skiing ability. The higher the din setting, the harder it is for your foot to release from your binding (a good thing for advanced skiers, a bad thing for potential injuries). When you pick up your ski rentals, the sales attendant may ask you “what is your din setting?” You can simply tell them that you’re a beginner skier and would like a low din setting.
Grooming
The most common form of trail maintenance, done to spread new snow and to smooth over bumps, icy patches and other obstacles. To groom, tractors known as snowcats drag giant rakes over the snow; on steeper slopes, winches are used to drag rakes up the incline.
Liftie
Staff that operates our chairlifts and gondolas, and assists skiers and riders to get on the chairlift safely. Also checks for ski passes.
Magic Carpet
A moving conveyor belt that transports skiers and riders uphill, best for beginners on a gentle slope.
Quad
A chairlift that seats four, versus a Triple or Double or Single.
Six Pack
Slang term for a chair lift carrying six people.
Ski Patrol
Trained staff of skiers and snowboarders responsible for slope safety, including clearing areas of possible avalanche danger after a storm, marking dangerous obstacles on/near a trail, and assisting or even carting injured riders down a mountain.
Skier's Left
Used to describe the area to the left of someone heading downhill. Think “stage left.”
Skier's Right
Used to describe the area to the right of someone heading downhill. Think “stage right.”
Traverse
To ski across a hill, not dropping in elevation. You usually find yourself traversing when trying to relocate to a new area or lift on the mountain.
Tree Line
Elevation above which trees do not grow, snowfields and rocky mountain tops. Around 11,000 - 12,000 feet in our area.
Wind Hold
When chairlifts and gondolas are closed because it’s too windy to operate safely.
