This past weekend we took Mazen skiing for the first time! We are lucky to live so close to the mountains, so we headed to Wintergreen Ski Resort about 45 minutes from Charlottesville for a day trip. We left Birch at home with the best Nona a family could ask for! Thomas spent years up on the mountain snowboarding with his buddies and worked as a snowboard instructor, so he was excited take us for the first time.
Here are our tips for skiing at Wintergreen!
1 // Get there very early
Ideally we would have gone on a weekday, but multiple factors, including having a full-day babysitter for Birch, meant that we needed to brave the Saturday crowds. We were up before sunrise and out the door by 7:30 to arrive well before 9. We had easy parking and short-ish lines. Thomas owns all of his equipment, but Mazen and I had to rent ours, so we were glad to get through the equipment lines relatively quickly. We were on the slope around 9!
2 // Book lessons a month in advance
We had hoped to put Mazen in the Treehouse Ski School, as it came very highly recommended by friends. The kids learn to ski from 9am – 3pm with breaks for hot cocoa and lunch. And the parents get a little day date on the mountain. But when we called the week before we found out that ski school had been booked for a month and the private lessons were full too! Lesson learned. At least we saved a chunk of money doing it ourselves.
3 // Stick with what you know
AKA age 37 is a little too old to learn a new extreme sport
This Southern gal isn’t the most snow sport experienced. I’ve skied only a handful of times in my life. It had been 12 years since I last hit the slopes! I thought it would be “fun” to snowboard like Thomas. After all, I’m a lot better at wakeboarding than water skiing. HAHAHA. I basically ripped open every muscle in my body in one hour. It was much harder than I was prepared for, and 10x harder than wakeboarding on a lake. When every inch of my body was shaking with exhaustion, I decided to switch to skis. I would be willing to try it again because I was just starting to get the hang of it when I got too tired (toe edge, at least), but I think I should probably just stick to what I know. I really thought I was about to rip my knee open!
This is the only pic I snapped of me on the snowboard – flat on my bum!
Mazen did great!
Mazen was very cautious getting started, but he did a great job listening to instructions and making his pizza. I thought he would go a little faster and fall more, but he went very slow and didn’t fall much. His personality is anti-risk like mine! Thomas was so patient with us both standing around when I’m sure all he really wanted was to snowboard at top speed.
4 // Dress in layers
We picked a perfect day for a ski day. I had on 1,000 layers and could have been down to one layer by the of the day. My base layer was soaked in sweat! When we arrived they were blowing snow and we were glad we brought hats, googles, and waterproof gloves. When we left it was almost 60 degrees and hot enough for outdoor dining! The snow was blinding, and I was glad to have both UV goggles and an extra pair of sunglasses, plus sunscreen! It would have been nice to have something neon for each of us to wear because it was really hard to spot each other on the slopes.
Bonus tip:
Hide an inexpensive water bottle outside somewhere. I was SO THIRSTY and there aren’t exactly water fountains in the trees. It was too hard to take everything off to go inside and you can’t really carry around a water bottle. Next time I’ll tuck one near the lodge fence.
5 // Pack a lunch and have dinner at Blue Mountain Brewery!
Next time we might pack a lunch because are burgers and chicken fingers we had at The Copper Mine weren’t great. The Checkerberry Cabin at the bottom of the green slope had a decent menu, but not much in the seating range. But it was nice to sit down inside for a little while.
But Blue Mountain Brewery, on the way home to Cville, is a spot not to miss! We had an early dinner with beers and the best local sausage pizza before heading home.
Mazen didn’t want to leave!
By the end of the day Mazen was able to go down the whole beginner slope without stopping and didn’t want to leave! We are hoping to get in one more mini ski day before the season ends.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I miss skiing! Looks like you guys had so much fun! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Gina says
This is a life saver while skiing! We put these in our pocket for the day and take a drink whenever needed.
https://www.rei.com/product/132053/hydrapak-stow-water-bottle-17-fl-oz
Juli says
Hi Kath, I don’t want to offend you but my most important tip would be for all of you to wear helmets. Not only as an example for your children but also from a safety perspective for you.
Best Julie
Erin says
Not to be preachy, but EVERYONE should be wearing a helmet. I’ve been snowboarding for 7 seasons, and you literally never know when you’ll fall whether someone runs into you (even on the green trails). A friend of mine was just standing around waiting for others on the bunny slope when a guy twice her size plowed in to her. She ended up in the hospital. and yes she was wearing a helmet. It doesn’t matter how good you are at skiing or snowboarding, your head is too vital not to protect it.
On another note, I learned how to snowboard 7 years ago, at 32. It probably took me an entire season to learn! it is hard!! and i’m also not a natural at it like my husband is. And yes, always pack your lunches!! and have dinners out!
Sue says
I have to agree, I was surprised at the first photo and so many without helmets. I ski in Alberta & BC (Canada Rocky Mountains) and I would say those without helmets make up a max of 5% (if that) of the skiers and boarders on the hill. Helmets are just the norm up here. It looks weird if you are not wearing one.
Kath Younger says
I’m not trying to create an excuse because I agree with you guys on the severity of a TBI, however, I didn’t even know a helmet for adults skiing was a thing. (Remember it had been over a decade since I skied, and I have never worn one before.) Most of the adult skiers on our mountain didn’t have one on, and I didn’t stand out. I don’t think a helmet was even included in our equipment rental. I can wear one next time.
Sue says
I get it. I am more so surprised by the difference between the two locations. No judgement, just surprise.
Elle says
I went skiing (in BC) at Christmas for the first time in MANY years and I have to defend Kath – I had no idea helmets were the norm now. I skied a lot in my teenage years (a long time ago!) and helmets weren’t a thing, at least not where I skied! I think the importance of wearing a helmet has been clearly stated here, mostly in a respectful way, but let’s not shame Kath into never wanting to ski – or post about it – again! It takes courage and effort to go after years of not skiing but it’s such a fun sport and a great way to enjoy winter.
christianna says
Um, I don’t see anyone trying to “shame” Kath and it seems a little dramatic for someone to wade in here to defend her. The information was given respectfully and Kath replied. Kath also hardly seems like the type who would never want to ski again due to a few blog comments.
jen says
totally agreed. absolutely everyone needs a helmet, especially snowboarders
Louise RD says
Looks like a fun day! In our family, everyone wears a helmet when downhill skiing – it’s SO important.
Kelli H says
My husband and I used to snowboard ten times a year before we were married. We never go now but I loved wearing a camelback for my water. I could always take sips that way. We also always packed a lunch and went back to the car to eat to save lots of money.
We’re going to be moving closer to the mountains in a month and hope next year we can put our daughter in lessons. She’ll be three so maybe too young? Well see!
Kath Younger says
I thought about a Camelback – I think I would do that if I were more hard core! And I think 3 sounds like a good age. There were some TINY skiers out there!
Kay says
I’m glad to see you put Mazen in a helmet but SHAME ON YOU TWO ADULTS for not wearing them too. I’ve seen so many TBIs at my practice from adults who have “been doing it forever” or “was only on the bunny-hill”. Brain injury is no joke and skiing/snowboarding is a high-risk sport for them.
Lindz says
Shame? Educating someone is one thing, but your condescending manner isn’t going to get anyone to wear a helmet. Kath didn’t break any laws or anything. It’s not like a seatbelt.
I’m sorry you have to deal with all these rude comments, Kath. FYI…I rarely see adults wearing helmets on the slopes. I can see how it’s advisable, but you don’t deserved to be shamed over this.
Kirsten says
Wow! I am so surprised that you did not wear a helmet! I live in Whistler, B.C. and ski every week and I would never ski without my helmet! And I have been skiing for years. It always shocks me when I see people on the mountain without one.
Jackie says
Not to be a nag but want to echo all the helmet comments. Helmets should be worn by every single person on a mountain regardless of age or difficulty of the slopes! There is no reason not to wear one.
Also packed lunches are the way to go! More nutritious than the offerings at most ski lodges and cost effective too.
Make sure your layers are not cotton and are wicking material. You don’t want them to absorb sweat which will make you colder! Have fun!
Meghan says
Skiing is our favorite family activity. I think 3 is a great age to start a kid but have low expectations. My daughter is 4 1/2 this season and can ski most of the mountain expect for the blacks. For us, private lessons were crucial at age 4. My husband and I are just too cautious and want to protect her more than she needs to be. Then need room to just go. Plus, teaching a preschooler is exhausting and we are too old for that!
You are right about the neon. I put my boys (ages 9 and 12) in neon green pants and my husband wears an orange coat. Makes it so much easier to find each other, especially because I stick with my daughter and they go do crazy stuff.
Kate says
Gosh, the helmet comments abound! I’ve been skiing since I was 3 (you have to find at least one winter sport you love when you live in the Northeast!). I always thought helmets were silly because I’m an experienced skier, but I got one a few years ago anyways. I’m SO glad I did. I was skiing about 2 years ago and the light was very flat. I ended up losing control and flew off the trail. I was fine, albeit a little embarrassed, but I’ve been a helmet advocate since. It does seem silly to buy one if you’re only skiing once or twice a season though and honestly, if they weren’t available to rent, I’d go without also.
So great that you’re teaching Mazen! It’s a sport to love and a great way to enjoy the long winter months.
Kath Younger says
They are available to rent, but I think it was extra. Thomas did the rentals while M and I waited on the side and I really wasn’t aware.
Eliza says
I haven’t been skiing in years (not at Wintergreen) and I honestly don’t remember how we handled meals. So Wintergreen allows skiers to bring their own food into the lodge?
Kath Younger says
I don’t really know. I was thinking more like a sandwich and less of a picnic spread 🙂
Ruthie says
I think she’s got it! Once a comment is made my suggestion is “let it go”-
Kath responded. Move on..
This post provided a lot of helpful information. If I lived in the area or travelled there it would certainly be a helpful resource. Thanks!
Kimberly A Marcus says
Looks like everyone had a great day. I took my boys 16 and 13 skiing President’s weekend to Pico in Vermont, we live in NJ, so not too far. My 16 year old snowboards,it was my 13 year old first time skiing and I haven’t skied in over 20 years – we had a blast and loved every minute of it.
I agree snowboard is tough, I tried it our with my son’s board and boots and wasn’t even able to get off my backside….complete fail. I’ve heard that snowboarding is harder to learn, bur easier to master…skiing easier to learn but harder to master.
I’m not going to comment on the helmets, because each resort is different, but at Pico they were included in rentals. When I use to ski in the 90’s helmets weren’t even a thing…I don’t think they were for bikes either, but times have changed and it’s always better to be safe. Actually, my friends daughter has been skiing for year and hit her head 2 weeks ago skiing (she had a helmet on), and has been suffering from headaches….Neurologist didn’t see anything on her CAT Scan and feels the headaches will diminish over time…so it can be serious.
Everyone was safe and your better informed for next time.
Kate says
Pico is the best! It’s my favorite mountain, especially on a snowy day. You get the feel of Killington without the crowds.
Jenny says
I’ve been skiing (Northeast) since the age of 2.5 (the motto in my family is essentially, “If you can walk, you can ski!”), so I’ve been doing this for 32 years. You already know about the helmet– everyone around here wears one, and it’s not just about YOU getting in an accident, it’s about inexperienced people hitting YOU. My biggest ski accident was when an out of control man crashed into me and I ended up with a slipped disc in my back. If I hadn’t been wearing a helmet, god knows what would’ve happened. Anyway, you get it by now. I digress.
My tips?
*Absolutely pack a lunch and pack some snacks if you plan to ski all day. I generally will pack a ton of easy things that are easy to eat with your hands (veggies, hummus, trail mix– make your own, pita chips, etc.).
* SPF is CRUCIAL for your face and lips. You are dealing with the sun beating down from the sky, but also the reflection from the sun off the snow.
*I always keep a tin of Smith’s Rosebud Salve in my inner coat pocket– it’s multipurpose and can protect and soothe windburn from high temps and blowing snow, and is good for chapped lips.
*Make sure when you put on your gloves/mittens you utilize the hand through the LOOP that tightens the glove first, then into the mitten. This way, if you need to take it off on the chairlift to adjust anything, it’ll still be dangling from your wrist and you don’t have to worry about losing it.
*Do check the snow and trail reports before you set out– you can really find out the best places to go on the mountain this way, and don’t be afraid to ask the lift operators throughout the day if they’ve heard what’s good around the mountain
*I see a lot of newbies do this– if you are going to buy a lift ticket that attaches to a zipper (i.e. old school), for the love of all that is holy, do NOT attach it to the zipper that you zip up to your face. If you pick up any speed at all, that thing is going to fly in your face. Put it on a pocket zipper or a zipper on your ski pants, as long as it will still be visible.
*Bring really comfy shoes for apres ski. Even if you wear your snow boots to the car and then put on your comfy shoes for the ride. Trust me. There is nothing better than putting those things on after you take your boots off. BLISS.
Moat of all, have fun. Skiing for me is like…yoga for most people. It keeps me sane, healthy and does pretty great things for my legs, too. Haha! So glad you had fun!
Kath Younger says
Lol about the lift ticket in your face!
jenny says
It cracks me up every time I see it. That, and seeing someone who has just fallen on skis (or a snowboard for that matter), try to get back up with their skis facing DOWNHILL. No. ALWAYS POINT THEM HORIZONTALLY TO GET BACK UP, PEOPLE! HAHAHA!
Kath Younger says
Haha I may be guilty of that!
Sarah says
I have to agree about a helmet. Everyone needs one! My family skis all over Vermont and Colorado and I can’t think of ever seeing anyone without one!
Kate says
So much fun! I grew up in VA and we always said that if you could ski on the ice and slush at Wintergreen and Massanutten, you could ski anywhere.
Kath Younger says
We apparently had the best conditions of the year and got lucky this time. If we go back we might hit the slush!
Ali says
Hi Kath – Just FYI, your website absolutely crashes on my phone. There are 11 ads running, many with videos, plus videos that you made that aren’t part of the specific post. It’s just too much for my (admitted older but still very up to date) phone to handle. It’s also a lot to have to scroll through. I couldn’t even get your full post to load – I had to go to my PC to be able to read this and respond. Just thought you’d want to know since I know you’ve been making a lot of changes on the back end.
Kath Younger says
Yikes I’m so sorry! New KERF is supposed to launch for mobile and desktop TOMORROW and will be so much better for scrolling. I hope it will be a lot better! Thanks for sticking with me.
Elle says
When i started skiing again, I didn’t know helmets were a thing either! They certainly weren’t when I skied as a child. I use one now, and I really like it. They keep your head nice and warm, too. I fully agree on the dressing people so can you find each other – last time we went I had on a dress (like a hiking dress with snow pants under it and a down puff over it) and my sister said it was so easy to spot me.
My only other tip would be to go skiing more! Every time we go, we’re like “why don’t we do this more??”
Kath Younger says
haha yes – more skiing for all!
Laura says
I wear a Camelback with water on the slopes so I can drink whenever I want and it works great! I also stash some snacks like granola bars in there as well for a cheap snack! I also grew up without wearing a helmet when snowboarding and the next time we go we will buy or rent ones to wear. They just weren’t common when I learned to ski and board back in high school. Artificial snow blowing is the worst when you’re on a lift and have to go through it!
DAWN says
LOVE YOUR BLOG—READ EVERY POST
BUT CAN’T FIGURE OUT NEW FORMAT
I JUST WANT TO READ THE NEW POST
IS THERE A TRICK?
THANKS!
Kath Younger says
You can always find them in the “Recent posts” section in order of publish <3
Jessica says
I love the new look! And I am SO GRATEFUL that you can still click forward or backward at the bottom of each post. 😀
Kath Younger says
Yay!!
Kori says
You are so brave!! I would like to try skiing or snowboarding, but I really don’t quite feel coordinated enough for it. I don’t waterski well, so I think I’ll stick to water tubing. 😉 Also, I have to acknowledge that anyone who follows you would know you would never do anything to endanger yourself or your family. The helmet comments are overkill and after about the first two, needless. I think this looks like a fun trip!