Beginner’s Guide
Welcome to the World of Snow Sports!
Bear Valley is the ideal mountain to enjoy your first or future ski or snowboard experience. To promote fun and easy trips to our snow, we’ve devised an online guide to winter enjoyment. Regardless of which snow activity you choose, you will find resourceful links that will help you prepare for your visit, get to the mountain, learn to ski or snowboard, and do it all for the best price possible.
Before you Head to the Slopes …
Know where you are going!
Bear Valley is conveniently located on scenic and all-weather Highway 4, regionally located between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. Access is easy from all areas of Northern California. (road map)
Carry Chains
During storms, Highway 4 can be chain-controlled. You should always have a set that fit your tires in your car, even if the weather forecast is “clear.” Conditions can change unexpectedly, and you’d hate to be caught off-guard. You can also get up to date info on road conditions or call CalTrans at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) and say “4″ at the prompt.
When you get to Bear Valley
Arrive Early
When you arrive early, you’ll get a closer parking spot and won’t have to carry your gear as far. You’ll have more time to find your way around the mountain. Plan to arrive at least 1 hour (more on weekends/holidays) before your lesson to allow time to get fitted, rent your gear and sign up for a lesson.
Take Only What You Need … or Rent a Daily Locker
Personal items like backpacks or purses are unmanageable on the slopes. Take only what you need with you. Remember to keep your wallet & keys in zipped pockets- Nothing can ruin your day faster than losing them in the snow. You can always stash them in a daily locker, and keep a credit card or small bit of cash tucked away in a pocket.
Take a Lesson
Bear Valley offers all-inclusive packages at a discounted price to encourage snow sports participation. Our Beginner Ski/Board Package includes a beginner’s lift ticket (valid on Cub, Super Cub, and the Panda Carpet), 1.5 hour group lesson and all-day equipment rental. Make your next snow experience fun and affordable! This offer is good all season long (reservation not necessary or accepted for this package). (more discounts).
Some questions you may be asked:
What is your skier type?
| Type 1 | Beginner or Novice ski skills, gentle to moderate slopes. Ski slow to moderate speeds. |
| Type 2 | Average ski skills. Mixture of gentle to moderate slopes, faster skiing than Type 1. |
| Type 3 | Advanced ski skills, fast skiing on moderate to steep slopes. |
What is your snowboard stance?
“If you are sliding across the floor in your socks which foot is forward?”
| Regular | I lead with my Left leg. |
| Goofy | I lead with my Right leg. |
Skier Levels when Taking a Lesson
| Level 1 | First time skier, learning to stop. |
| Level 2 | Learn to turn in both directions using a wedge. |
| Level 3 | Explore the mountain using wedge turns. |
| Level 4 | Learn to match skis and skid turns. |
| Level 5 | Comfortable matching skis and skid turns Green terrain. |
| Level 6 | Ski open parallel turns on terrain. |
| Level 7 | Links turns on Black terrain. Working on technique in various snow condtions. Carving Blue terrain. |
| Level 8 | Makes parallel turns on Black terrain and moguls with ease. Exploring extreme terrain. |
| Level 9 | Makes dynamic parallel turns and ski double Black diamonds runs. |
Snowboarder Levels when Taking a Lesson
| Level 1 | First Time Snowboarder. |
| Level 2 | Can traverse in both directions. |
| Level 3 | Can make turns in both directions. |
| Level 4 | Comfortably links turns on Green terrain with speed control. |
| Level 5 | Links turns on easy Blue terrain. |
| Level 6 | Links turns on all Blue terrain with confidence. |
| Level 7 | Links turns on Black terrain. |
| Level 8 | Rides the entire mountain with ease, exploring extremes. |
Prepare for your Lesson
When to Arrive
Lessons are offered at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm on the weekends and 10am, 12pm, and 2pm weekdays. You should be at the lesson meeting area about 10 minutes before your scheduled lesson. You should also plan to arrive at the mountain at least an hour (more on weekends & holiday) before your planned lesson to allow time to get fitted, rent gear, and get signed up for your lesson.
What to Wear
The following is a checklist of clothing suggestions for the mountain environment. You will be most comfortable if you dress in layers that can be removed or added as necessary due to varying weather conditions throughout the day. While it is great to have all these items, the most helpful items in ensuring your comfort are listed below in bold!
Mandatory Items:
* Goggles or Sunglasses
*Gloves or Mittens
- Warm Fleece or Sweater
- Warm Hat or Beanie
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm
- Winter Jacket with Hood or Shell/Rain Jacket with Extra Sweater
- Long Johns or Warm Tights
- Long Sleeved Turtleneck/Shirt
- Warm Socks
- Ski Pants or Water Repellent Pants
- Warm Water Repellent Boots or Shoes
- Helmet
Know the Code
Safety is important to Bear Valley Mountain. Knowing how to use the slopes is essential to help ensure your individual well being and the safety of other guests. (The Rules & Code can be found here)
Other Ways to Prepare
- It’s important to keep yourself well-hyrdated, especially at higher elevations. Drink plenty of water, and considering using a hydration-pack.
- Eat a good meal before your day on the slopes.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply during the day.
- Goggles or glasses are a must!
- Stretch.
