Lessons & Beginner Guide

• Dress in layers. Weather conditions tend to change throughout the day
• Wear waterproof or water-resistant clothing whenever possible
• Wear only one pair of warm wool or synthetic socks that come up at least to mid-calf. They should extend above the top of your ski or snowboard boots. (Cotton socks are not recommended.) Do not tuck your pants into your boots
• Wear gloves or mittens. (Wool gloves or mittens are not recommended)
• Snow jackets and snow pants are great for extra insulation as well as wind/water protection
• Bear Creek recommends that skiers and snowboarders wear helmets (you can rent helmets at Bear Creek). However, if you choose not to wear a helmet, be sure to bring a warm hat
• Wear sunscreen, and don’t forget goggles or sunglasses for eye protection.

• Bear Creek offers plenty of free parking. There is a loading/unloading area immediately in front of the plaza near the rental shop and ticket windows. Complimentary shuttle service from the parking lots is available on weekends and holidays.
• First, stopat the ticket windows, located just off the lower parking lot at the front of the plaza, to purchase your lift tickets, rental tickets, Discovery lift/lesson/rental packages, or snowtubing tickets. Attach your tickets to your jacket or outerwear. (If you arrive with a group, the group leader should proceed to the Group Sales office located in the Rental Building on the side by the parking lot.)
• If you are renting equipment, you can proceed across the plaza to the rental shop after purchasing your rental or lift/lesson/rental package tickets. Minors must have the signature of a parent or guardian in order to rent equipment. (Releases can be downloaded here.)
• If you are enrolled in a Discovery lesson or a Youth Discovery lesson, you can proceed to the Discovery teaching area located at the base of the mountain (just off the plaza) after receiving your rentals. The Discovery area is open from 10am-12:30PM, 1:30-4pm and 6pm-8:30pm daily. You may enter and begin your lesson anytime during open hours.

Boots: You will receive your boots first. The rental technician will use your street shoe size to assure that you get the proper fit. Your boots should feel quite snug around your foot, but not too tight. Once your boots are buckled or closed, you should be able to wiggle your toes, but your heel should not move excessively when you pull up. If your boots feel too loose or too tight, please let the technician know to receive a different size.

Skis: Bindings mounted on top of your skis hold your boots to the skis. Your bindings will be adjusted according to your weight, height, age, and ability level. You will also be issued ski poles. You should select poles that put your elbow at about a 90 degree angle with the pole planted in the snow. 

To step into your skis, place the ledge on the front of your boot under the front part of the binding or “toe piece,” then line up your heel with the back of the binding, or “heel cup,” and press down with the heel of the boot. To remove your skis, simply press down on the lever located at the back of your bindings with your ski pole tip and lift up on the heel of your boot.

Snowboards: Our technicians will choose the right snowboard for you based on your weight, height, and ability level. They will also use this information to set the position of your bindings, which hold your boots onto your snowboard. Bear Creek uses only strap-in bindings, which contain two straps and a high backplate to secure your feet to the snowboard. These bindings offer good control and comfort.

Whether on the slopes or in the parks, we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable snow sports experience. Please respect all of our guests and team members, and help us to maintain a friendly, courteous, and relaxing atmosphere.

Please review our safety tips here.