FAQ’s for First Time Skier or Snowboarders
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So it’s your first time and you want to know – do I need lessons, should I ski or board, where should I go? Below are some tips and info that might help.
I’ve never been on the slopes before – should I ski or snowboard?
It’s entirely up to you and how much time you have on your first ski trip.
Skiing is generally considered easier to pick up and you’ll only need about 1 day on the snow to feel like you are making good progress. As with snowboarding – your body still needs some time to adjust and recover so try and keep it to no more than 1-2 days at a time. You also have the benefit of poles to help push you along and keep you standing when you need it!
Snowboarding takes a bit longer to get the hang of and to really make some good progress you need about a minimum of 3 days – with no more than 1-2 days at a time – your body needs some time to get into the different movements and recover! With Snowboarding – be prepared to fall – and it’s probably going to hurt, but stick with it because once you get the hang of it snowboarding is heaps of fun and you will have a blast ripping through the fresh powder.
Hot Tips:
Learning to ski or board will depend on practice and confidence, and if you’re happy to throw yourself on the floor, laugh and get straight back up again then you will progress more quickly, whether you are skiing or snowboarding.
If you’re short on time and only have 1 or 2 days – stick to one discipline – you will make better progress and your body will thank you for it. Then on the next trip – once you’ve mastered one, then try the other.
I’m a complete beginner, which Mountain should I go to?
Every mountain offers fantastic facilities and packages for beginners – if you’ve got the time – try and do a day at each to really make the most out of your first New Zealand ski holiday.
South Island
The dedicated learner and novice area at Coronet Peak was upgraded in 2010 and provides an excellent environment to start off and make a smooth transition from learner to novice skier/snowboarder.
Away from the crowds and high in the mountains, the family friendly Remarkables is blessed with tons of sunshine and a gentle beginners slope in full view of the large deck in the base building so your family and friend can watch you become an expert.
Cardrona has a terrific learner area with a variety of beginner lifts, long and wide gentle slopes and fantastic views towards Queenstown and Wanaka.
With 10% of the terrain at Treble Cone for beginners and magic views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains - first timers and learners will love the chilled out, local atmosphere at Treble Cone and to top it off – access to the Magic Carpet and Nice ‘n’ Easy Platter lift is FREE.
At just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch airport and 30 minutes from the ski town of Methven – Mt Hutt offers a laid back kiwi atmosphere and a host of trails and gentle slopes for beginners to start your skiing adventure on – including an enclosed Magic Carpet to help you warm up and re-group before your next run.
North Island
How great would it be to say you learnt to ski on an active volcano in a World Heritage Area? Mt Ruapehu in the centre of the North Island offers 2 ski areas – Turoa on the southern side and Whakapapa on the northern side.
Turoa offers one of the best ski field access roads in New Zealand and during the week you could almost have the place to yourself. With a 120 metre long beginners Magic Carpet and quick easy access to the base building and café – Turoa is a great place to start.
On the other side of the mountain is Whakapapa – the largest ski field in New Zealand with a dedicated beginners valley with its own rental complex, café and nice long learner slope.
How will I get to the ski fields?
All of the ski field roads in New Zealand are well maintained and suitable for driving if you have a rental car (campervans not recommended). Entry and car parking is free. Some of the roads are not sealed and can be quite windy and a bit daunting. If you aren’t comfortable driving –daily transportation is available to and from the mountain for an additional charge – so why not sit back and enjoy the spectacular New Zealand scenery and let someone else do the driving!
Do I need Lessons?
Absolutely – The people who didn’t enjoy their first time on the snow didn’t enjoy it because they didn’t take a lesson! Lessons can teach you anything from the basics of how to put on your skis or snowboard, how to stop, turn, fall safely or even tricks to try when you are on your own. Lessons are a must for any one new to the snow.
Can I learn in the same lesson as my 2 children?
When it comes to the group lessons, adults and children are separated into different groups – adults are grouped by ability level and children are grouped by age and ability level. So it is not possible for you to join the same lesson. Private lessons are a way for the family to learn together, however it does depend on the age of the children and often the lesson could be catered towards the children a more than the adults. For the best results – separate the adults and children.
What do I need to wear?
The weather in the mountains can change very quickly so layers are the key – underneath your jacket and pants; it’s a good idea to get some thermal underwear for your top and your bottom. This layer will act as a second skin and keep you nice and warm. On top of the thermals have a long sleeve t-shirt or light fleece. If you need to take layers off – there will be storage or lockers available at the ski area to store anything else you don’t want to carry with you.
Sunscreen is an absolute must as the reflection of the snow can be very strong and don’t forget to apply it under your chin and on top of your ears!
Can I borrow equipment from my friends?
Any clothing like jackets and pants, goggles, gloves can all be borrowed providing they fit properly, but skis, ski boots or snowboard and boots are all individually fitted according to height, weight and ability level – so if you borrow skis and boots from your friend who is an expert skier – chances are they aren’t going to fit and you’ll end up being uncomfortable all day.
Can I get a refund on my ski passes if I do not use them or like skiing?
All ski products – including passes are non-refundable and non-transferrable, so if you don’t like it – you can’t give it to your mate who does. If you purchase an NZSuperpass – you do have the added flexibility of being able to exchange your unwanted pass and use it towards an activity in Queenstown or Methven. Checkout the NZSuperpass page for further details. New in 2012 is the OnePassNZ a south island lift pass providing unlimited freedom to ski and ride at eight of the South Island’s favourite mountain resorts. Check out the OnePassNZ page for further details.
