Depending on where you're going, the resort should offer a "Learn to Ski/Learn to Ride" package that includes a day of lessons, a limited lift ticket, and ski/board and boot rentals. That's my biggest recommendation--and in the case of some of these East Coast resorts, the deal is much less expensive than renting the equipment and buying a lift ticket separately.

Good luck! Hopefully I'll be able to get on the slopes this winter.

Thanks you guys! I'll let you know how the trip turns out.

Have fun and I agree about taking a lesson.

Well, as you can tell my user name, this is my area.

TAKE A LESSON.
Most of the resorts have a learn to ski program. Use it.
Take a lesson for at least 3 days.
Ask the instructor for pointers.
IT IS OKAY TO FALL. If you are not falling, you are not trying hard enough.
Do not get discouraged. I have been skiing all of my life and still learn new things.

Neckgator/warmer. For $10, that will be the best thing to have. You can pull it over your chin, nose and cheeks for when it is cold or windy. Don't leave home without it. This is a must have.

LAUGH.
HAVE FUN.
Dress in layers.

Get some of those hand warmers at the base or at Walmart. They are good if you get cold. You can use them in your boots.

Have a good breakfast but not overkill. Don't fill up on pancakes and carbs that will weigh you down. A nice non-sugary whole grain muffin and yogurt will do. Same for lunch. Heaving chili will kill you for lunch. Grab a light veggie piece of pizza. Keep granola bars in your jacket for a quick snack.

SPF Lip balm. Your lips will burn. Trust me. Traditional lip gloss can make this worse, especially with spring time and the rays bouncing off of the snow.

MITTENS.
I like mittens over gloves because your hands stay warmer. Yes, adults wear mittens too. You will not be the only one looking like a six year old on the slopes. You can also buy mittens and gloves for that matter with loops that you put around your arms. This is great so when you are on the chair lift and have to pull something out, you won't lose your mittens/gloves or worry having to hold them.

Okay, I am not sure why you would not ski under or near a chair lift. If you fall, people will see you. I have called ski patrol from the chair on someone falling.

If you are going to Colorado, ski rentals will be cheaper in Denver than at the resorts. AAA might have some deals on lodging.

PM me if you have more questions or concerns.

THANK YOU ALL so much for the tips and advice. I really do appreciate it. I'm going to PRINT this out and take it with me.

Here is my reason for asking:

My father, whom I've never met in person but we've kept in touch over a period of 15 years, is a skier and snowboarder. He, his wife and my half brothers take an annual snow trip to Colorado. Over the years, I've tried to visit him but something would always come up or time was an issue. Now it's just a $$ issue for me and he is paying for my trip out there :). (BTW, he is from Chicago and I'm in San Francisco.) It will be a small sort of, overdue, family reunion. I'm so happy to finally meet him in person. I'm beyond excited!

NinjaPoodle,
I learned to ski at age 5 and have been skiing for 35 years. Double black diamonds are no biggie for me.
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Be sure to know the "Skier's Responsibility Code" (VERY IMPORTANT!)

1. Always stay in control.

2. People ahead of you have the right of way.

3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.

4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.

5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.

7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
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Also, never stop on a hill where people above you cannot see you, when they crest the top --- it's a collision waiting to happen.

You may find learning to snowboard easier as there is less "going on" (no poles, etc.). However, good for you for giving skiing a try.

Other tips: mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves and you will need sunglasses for sun conditions and goggles for snow conditions (have BOTH at the ready, conditions can change very rapidly).

Do take a "Learn to Ski" lesson. It will be more fun for you and less frustrating for the more experienced skiiers (otherwise, they will waiting for you at the bottom of each run -- I'm not the most patient person myself :D ). Or take a lesson yourself in the morning and meet up with them for lunch and then ski together in the afternoon.

Lastly - don't go digging in your pockets for stuff on the chair lift -- many a skier have dropped a pole, cell phone, wallet or mitt off the chairlift and have had to ski back down the same run looking for it Just sit tight and wait until the end of the chair lift ride to check your cell phone or whatever you needed to do.

DITTO. :o


Ooooooh NP I'm so excited for you! This is huge! I hope everything goes well and it's everything you hoped for!