How to Learn to Ski at Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain, located in Palmerton, Pa., is a 30-minute drive from the Lehigh Valley, or an hour and a half from Philadelphia or New York. Adults and kids can learn to ski at Blue Mountain by taking lessons and practicing on the beginner slopes. Blue Mountain's ski school's experienced instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Once you've taken a lesson, you can practice your new skills on any of the mountain's 13 green-circle ski runs.

Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Get in shape. Skiing is a physical activity that will be easier to learn if you are in moderately good physical condition. Leg strength and aerobic fitness are the most important.

    • 2

      Get your car ready to travel to the mountain. Make sure your windshield wipers, heater and defroster are all in working order, and your windshield-wiper fluid is full.

    • 3

      Driving in the mountains can be more challenging and dangerous than driving in the city. Expect snow and cold weather. You are required to have four-wheel drive, snow tires, all-season tires or chains to drive up to the mountain.

    • 4

      Get equipped with the right clothing. You will need warm, water-wicking base layers or long underwear, a sweater or other warm mid-layer and waterproof/windproof jacket and pants.

    • 5

      Get the right accessories. You will need warm, waterproof gloves, sunglasses or goggles, wool socks and sunblock. Hats are essential to keep your head and whole body warm, while ski helmets keep you warm and safe.

    At Blue Mountain

    • 6

      When you arrive at the mountain for your first time, park in the parking lot near the Valley Lodge. If you have a lot of gear or are bringing up the whole family, you can drop them off near the lodge and then park the car. If you are taking a lesson, arrive at the mountain at least half an hour early in order to have enough time to prepare.

    • 7

      Visit the rental shop in the Valley Lodge to purchase an adult first-time-skier package. This package includes a first-time lesson, rentals of skis, poles and boots, and a lift ticket that gives you access to the three easiest ski runs.

    • 8

      Drop the kids off at the Kids Center for children's ski lessons. They must be registered by 9:30 a.m. for morning or full-day lessons, or by 12:30 p.m. for afternoon lessons.

    • 9

      Get your gear from the rental shop. Rental technicians will ask you your shoe size, height, weight and skiing ability in order to get you set up with the right skis, boots and poles.

    • 10

      Take your lesson. First-time group lessons take place at 9 a.m. or 7 p.m.

    Practice Skiing

    • 11

      After your first lesson, practice your new skills. On your first day, stick to the easiest runs: Ski School Hill, Valley School West and Valley School East.

    • 12

      Take another lesson on your second day. Packages for skiers who have some skiing skills include a lesson, rentals and an all-mountain lift ticket. These group lessons take place at 9:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m. or 5:45 p.m.

    • 13

      Continue to take lessons as you improve. Even after you have learned the basics of skiing, there is still a lot to learn. If you prefer one-on-one instruction, or if you want to improve a particular skill, take a private lesson.

    • 14

      Practice on green-circle runs. Once you are very comfortable on green circles, move onto blue squares, then black diamonds. Double black diamonds are for expert skiers.

    • 15

      After you have skied five or six times, you might want to buy your own equipment. Rental skis are designed for beginner skiers, so you should rent during your first few trips to the mountain.