Learning to ski can be a daunting task, especially as an adult. But some ski resorts are taking learning areas to the next level, offering a unique way to pick up the sport while still enjoying the views and vibes that make a mountain getaway special.
Gone are the days when learners were relegated to bunny hills by the parking lot. Today, ski resorts across the country are carving out learning areas on top of the mountain and offering sweet treats as a reward for making it there.
In Keystone, Colorado, ride the gondola up to the top and learn how to pizza from more than 11,000 feet high. In New York’s Catskill Mountains, beginners can take in views of the surrounding peaks from Belleayre’s learning area at the summit, all just a few hours from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. At Beaver Creek, beginners are rewarded with a sugary treat from the Candy Cabin for mastering some of the lifts serving beginner green runs. And in Sun Valley, Idaho, learners practically have an entire mountain devoted to beginner runs while their more experienced friends and family rip over 2,500 skiable acres.
Here are eight beginner areas that’ll convince any ski skeptic to give it a try.
Keystone Resort; Keystone, Colorado
Hop aboard the River Run gondola and head up to the top of Dercum Mountain, named for the family who founded Keystone more than 50 years ago. From the summit, beginners can try their first turns from the learning area, riding the wide and mellow run (and the magic carpet lift) until they get the hang of it. When they need a break from skiing, head over to the tubing hill, which is also conveniently located at the top of the mountain.
When you’re ready to progress: From the learning area, confident beginners can ski all the way down to the bottom on Schoolmarm, a 3.5-mile-long green run that happens to be the longest on the mountain. Or head to the Bergman Bowl for introductory bowl skiing, which boasts one green run above the treeline (for more experienced beginners).
Total amount of beginner terrain: 12 percent
Belleayre Mountain, Highmount, New York
Tucked away in the Catskill Mountains just a few hours north of New York City, Belleayre offers a unique way to learn at the top of the mountain. Ride the high-speed Catskill Thunder Gondola — the only gondola in the area — to the new learning zone, which was specifically designed for first-time skiers and opened last season. The learning area boasts incredible views of the surrounding mountains and has its own brand-new covered carpet lift.
When you’re ready to progress: Less confident skiers and riders can ride the gondola back down since the only other runs from the top are classified as blue. But once you get down, there are plenty of mid-mountain trails served by the Lightning Quad lift.
Total amount of beginner terrain: 22 percent
Beaver Creek Resort, Beaver Creek, Colorado
No matter a beginner’s age, no one is above a sweet reward. At Beaver Creek, they take that literally. Head to the Candy Cabin at the top of both the Strawberry Park Express and the Upper Beaver Creek Mountain Express lifts to score some classic treats like Swedish Fish, Nerds, Jelly Belly’s, Root Beer Barrels, M&M’s, and more before exploring the nearby green runs. Later, head to McCoy Park for a dedicated learning zone complete with gladed trails. The resort also offers a “Green Run Guarantee” in which they promise skiers and boarders will conquer a qualifying green run by their third lesson or receive a fourth for free.
When you’re ready to progress: Keep the sweet treats coming with a trip to the Cookie Cabin at the summit atop the Cinch Express lift. Grab some fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and hot cocoa before heading down the many green runs from the top.
Total amount of beginner terrain: 28 percent
Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley may be known for its challenging terrain— “no flats, no plateaus and nothing but downhill,” as they put it — but just down the road is the resort’s smaller, beginner-focused Dollar Mountain. With 296 acres, 16 different trails, and 628 feet of tree-free vertical, there’s plenty of space to learn. And for those dreaming of freestyle greatness, the mountain offers several beginner terrain parks complete with entry-level tabletops, boxes, and rails, mini moguls, and more.
When you’re ready to progress: While mostly made up of green runs, Dollar Mountain does feature a few intermediate blues and even two advanced black runs for those who want more of a challenge.
Total amount of beginner terrain: About 60 percent
Park City, Utah
It should come as no surprise that Park City, one of the largest ski resorts in the United States has something for everyone. But while beginner runs don’t dominate the mountain, the resort’s mid-mountain High Meadow Park learning terrain boasts amazing views of the Wasatch Mountains and gently-graded slopes specifically designed for beginners. Like Beaver Creek, the resort has a “Green Run Guarantee,” promising first-time or beginner skiers and boarders they will ski a qualifying green run by their third lesson or receive a fourth one for free.
When you’re ready to progress: There are three “Adventure Alleys” off High Meadow Park where the resort has improved the condition of the natural terrain to offer a beginner-rated “off-trail, groomed experience.”
Total amount of beginner terrain: 8 percent
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Just off the mid-station of the Wild Blue Gondola sits Greenhorn Ranch, designed for “natural feature-based instruction” to help with turning and gliding. The area uses shapes carved into the snow and allows new skiers and riders to naturally progress. The magic carpet lifts and terrain features are for the ski school, but the Greenhorn Ranch Express lift and the Rough Rider trail are open to the public.
When you’re ready to progress: Head back on the Wild Blue Gondola and take it to the Sunshine area at the top, which features a couple of green runs and several blues.
Total amount of beginner terrain: About 12 percent
Winter Park, Colorado
Skiing can be an expensive sport, but Winter Park takes some of the pain out of just starting. The resort has a package that offers rentals, a lift ticket, and a half-day lesson for just $139. Newer skiers will likely spend time on the Galloping Goose lift, or the “Goose” as it’s fondly known, a completely free fixed-grip, two-person lift at the base of the Mary Jane area.
When you’re ready to progress: If skiers and riders are ready to advance, they can hop on the Gemini Express lift (though it may not be part of their beginner lift ticket package) for a longer green run.
Total amount of beginner terrain: 8 percent
Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia
Snowshoe Mountain is an upside down” mountain with the village and lesson areas located at the summit. Take in gorgeous views of the Mountain State from The Skidder area, a wide, gentle slope with no lift ride required to get there. Beginners can enjoy about 150 feet of vertical descent for easy learning conditions.
When you’re ready to progress: From the top, beginners can continue all the way down on green runs or take the shuttle to the Silver Creek area, which boasts beginner runs and night skiing.
Total amount of beginner terrain: 30 percent
The post Skiing with Beginners? Check Out These 8 Resorts Offering Perks For New Skiers appeared first on Outside Online.
