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Bear Valley Mountain Resort

Beginner's Guide

Welcome to the world of snow sports!

Before heading to the slopes | When you get to Bear Valley
Prepare for your lesson | What to expect in your lesson

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)

Prepare for your lesson

Know your level
Skier

Level 1 First Time Skier, learn 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 Comfortably match skis and skid turns on advanced green terrain
Level 6 Ski open parallel turns on blue terrain
Level 7 Links turns on black terrain, working on technique in various snow conditions and carving blue terrain.
Level 8 Make parallel turns on black terrain and moguls with ease. Exploring extremes.
Level 9 Make dynamic parallel turns and ski double black diamonds

Snowboarder
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

When to arrive
Lessons are offered at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm on the weekends and 10am & 12pm 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!

  • Gloves or Mittens
  • Warm Fleece or Sweater
  • Warm Hat or Beanie
  • Goggles and/or Sunglasses
  • 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 Resort. Knowing how to use the slopes is essential to help ensure your individual well being and the safety of other guests. (rules / code)

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 sunscree, and don't forget to reapply.
  • Goggles or glasses are a must!
  • Stretch