First Timer Guide | Titus Mountain

The Titus Mountain First Timer Guide

So you've made the decision to get out of the lodge and head to the slopes? Be prepared... skiing or riding (and maybe even both) might just become your next life-long passion! We welcome you to the wonderful world of snow sports with open arms.

You might have a lot of questions in the beginning, so we've put together the best information to prepare you for your first day out on the slopes. We want your first day to be a great one, so take some time to read through the basics of skiing and riding. Once you experience the exhilaration of sliding on snow you will want to return again and again!

What to Expect
Skiing and snowboarding have a fairly easy learning curve and you should expect to have fun sliding on snow right from the start. Learning how to turn and stop are the two basics that will ensure a fun and safe time enjoying the sport of skiing and riding. Expect to take a lesson the first time out on the snow to truly enjoy your experience. Many mountains, including ours, offer first-timer specials. There is also a national initiative, Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, which focuses on learning to ski and ride with trained professionals. Our Snow Sports School will walk you through the entire process of skiing and riding: from basics such as turning and stopping to things you might not think of such as loading the lift or proper ski etiquette.

Additionally, newcomers should consider the size and scope of the mountain as well as when they decide to come for their first time--both of these things can affect your experience. Remember, your first time on the slopes you won't be hitting 100% of the terrain available on a mountain so plan accordingly when deciding where to start your snow sports experience. Business is an important factor as well. Most mountains, large or small, tend to be less crowded during the week. Holidays are usually the busiest time of year for mountains as well. Keep these things and mind and you will have a great time on the slopes!

Finally, expect to be safe. All skiers on all ski slopes are expected to follow the Skier's Responsibility Code to ensure that everyone has a fun time on the mountain. And with new equipment such as release bindings and high support boots (coupled with your professional lesson) skiing is statistically no more hazardous than tennis!

What to Wear
The right clothing makes a huge difference in the success of your first day. Warm and dry are the keys to dressing appropriately on the slopes--so shy away from cotton as it tends to absorb moisture when wet. If you don't have the "proper" clothes try borrowing from a friend for your first time. And layers are your best friend! When you layer your clothes it gives you the opportunity to shed layers as you become warm and add layers when things cool down. See if you can wrangle up the following gear for your first time:

Wicking Layer: This is the bottom most layer of your outfit. This can range from long underwear to sport-tek such as Under Armour. It should fit snugly to your skin, but not tight, so it can wick away moisture and keep you dry.
Insulating Layer: This layer is all about comfort. Your insulating layer is usually a fleece, sweater, vest, or pullover and goes over your wicking layer. Think an item loose enough for comfort but not too bulky to impede movement.
Protection Layer: The most exterior layer. Usually a winter jacket and snowpants, your exterior layer helps to protect you against the elements of winter such as snow and wind.
Socks: Keep your toes warm. One pair of socks will do it--avoid wearing multiple pairs as it may make your ski or snowboard boots tight and uncomfortable and cut off your circulation. Stay away from cotton socks.
Headwear: Protect your noggin. Heat escapes from your head most readily, so covering your head (and ears) will help you stay warm. Hats and headbands can be found almost anywhere. Helmets are also highly suggested as they can protect your head from falls plus they help keep you warm!
Gloves or Mittens: An essential item in your arsenal. Handwear should be worn no matter the temperature. Again, shy away from cotton or knit gloves as they tend to get wet easily. Opt for gloves or mittens that have an outside shell and inside liner.
Eye Protection: Goggles or Sunglasses. They aren't just for looks! Snow is a reflective surface so even cloudy days can be bright on the slopes. When wearing goggles, watch for gaps which will signify an improper fit.

What to Bring
Now that you have everything that you need to keep you warm and dry, there are some additional items that you should bring with you to the slopes.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm. Again, snow reflects the sun more than you might think! And wind can also affect your skin and lips as well.
Extra Clothes. Since this is your first time, you might not have the "perfect" clothes for the slopes. A set of warm, dry, and cozy clothes will make all the difference on your ride home.
Driver's License or Credit Card. At most mountains you will need at least one of these items to rent ski or snowboard equipment.
Cash or Credit. Don't forget part of the fun of skiing is après! Grab a bite to eat, a hot chocolate, or any other drink that catches your eye.

What to Do When You Get to the Mountain
Every mountain is different. Before you even get to your destination, take some time to peruse their website. This will have handy information on how to get to the mountain, where to park once you get there, where to keep your personal items, how to purchase your tickets, and so on. However, the basics of what to do once you are on the mountain are pretty universal.

Unload your equipment and park your car. At smaller mountains this happens in the same place: you park your car and it's a short distance to walk to their lodge or customer service area. At larger mountains you may want to visit their unloading area first to get all your equipment out of your car and then go find a parking space
Purchase your lift ticket. Every skier and rider is required to purchase a lift ticket to be allowed on the slopes of a mountain. Many mountains allow you to do this step before you arrive with online stores as well.
Rent your equipment. As a first time skier and rider, chances are you don't have your own equipment (and we highly suggest forgoing yard sale gear or skis you found in your closet from the 80s for your first day). Renting your equipment from an established retailer ensures that you will have a proper fit as well as working gear from your bindings to your edges.
Book a lesson. The benefits of lessons can't be stressed enough for your first time.
Familiarize yourself with the trail map. Trail maps can be found as large displays on buildings or next to ski lifts as well as in paper form to stick in your pocket or even through downloadable apps. It's important to familiarize yourself with safety areas, the places you plan on skiing, the lodges, and the trails and lifts that will work with your ability level.
Hit the slopes!

Getting Acquainted with Titus
Titus Mountain is proud to be a family friendly mountain--we are small enough to find your way around easily but big enough that you can find the perfect terrain for your first day on the slopes or your 200th day. Here are some basic links to start getting your questions answered for your first day, but feel free to call us at (518) 483-3740, Email Us, or navigate our site for more information!