Beginner's Guide

Still learning?  Don't worry. We'll be gentle.

Before Your Adventure Begins

Winterize Your Car

Cold temperatures, snow and ice can be hard on vehicles (and their drivers).  Here are a few tips to winterize your car and make your drive safer and more enjoyable:

1. Carry tire chains that fit your vehicle.  During storms, the highways around Sierra can be chain-controlled.  Don’t leave home without them and carry $20 - $40 in cash if you want someone else to put them on for you.
2. Top off your antifreeze, and make sure it is rated to -30 degrees.
3. Fill up with cold weather (below freezing) windshield wiper fluid, available at any auto-parts store.  If your fluid freezes, you won’t be able to keep your windshield clean!
4. Always carry a flashlight and blanket (or sleeping bag) in your car for emergencies.
5. When you park your car and it’s snowing, pull up your windshield wipers. It will make it a lot easier to clear off your windshield when you return.

Know Where You are Going

We are located off of Hwy 50 on the west side of Echo Summit, about 1 ½ hours from Sacramento and 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe.

• Directions and contact information
• Shuttle services

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When you get to Sierra Resort

Arrive early and park your vehicle.  Arriving early has many benefits:

1. You can park in a close lot and won’t have to carry your gear as far.
2. You’ll have more time to find your way around the mountain.
3. The Ski and Snowboard Rental Shop is less crowded and offers more choice of gear in the morning.
4. Our lifts open at 8:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays and 9:00 a.m. on weekdays, with lessons generally starting at 10:00 a.m. 
5. Allow about 1 hour before your lesson to get fitted, rent gear, sign up for lessons and get on the mountain in time.
   

Take only what you need with you – or rent a daily locker for $5.  

Purses, large bags or backpacks are unmanageable on the slopes.  Tuck credit cards or cash into pockets and wear just what you’ll need.  Don’t worry.  Everyone else will be in those puffy pants, too.

Take a lesson!  Sierra is THE Place to Learn.

• Adult Lessons
  
• Sign up for our best beginner package:  the Learn to Ski/Ride Guarantee  program (for adults).  You'll get 3 days of lift tickets, equipment rental and lessons.   We guarantee you’ll be able to ski or ride from the top of the mountain after the 3rd lesson, or the 4th day is FREE – on us!  Lesson packages can be purchased at the Sierra ticket window located at the base of the main lodge.
  
• Kid's Programs

Purchase a lift ticket

If you don’t take advantage of one of our lesson packages (available by the day or the 3-Day Learn to Ski/Ride Guarantee program), you’ll need to  purchase a lift ticket separately. Lift Tickets can be purchased at the Sierra ticket window, located at the base of the Main Lodge.

Rent good equipment

As a beginner, you may like to get the feel for your new sport without dishing out the cash for new stuff right away. You can   rent both skis and snowboards   (boots and poles, too) in the Main Lodge or the Learn to Ride Center.  We maintain our rental equipment daily so you can be sure you'll ski or ride on well-tuned gear. 

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What to Wear

Being comfortable is the key to enjoying snowsports.  Key concepts:  wear layers, never go out without a hat, use good water resistant or waterproof outer wear and choose great socks!  Here is your checklist: 

• Great socks (wool or wool/wicking synthetic blend).  They will make or break your day, we swear.  NO COTTON!  Bring two pair in case your feet get wet. 
• Base layer on top and bottom.  Choose wool or synthetics, lightweight if you run warm, middle weight if you run cold. Your standard pair of thermals will work just fine. 
• Middle layer fleece pullover 
• Water resistant (or waterproof) pants and jacket 
• Beanie (not a headband – 80% of body heat is lost through your head) 
• Waterproof gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer) 
• Goggles (preferred over sunglasses) 
• Snow boots or comfy winter slip-ons with traction (Sorels and Merells are common)
• Chapstick
• Sunscreen

Other good ideas

• Consider a Helmet - Helmets are a great investment for beginners through advanced skiers and riders. They add protection and warmth. Grab one designed for snowsporting – not for your bike – unless you’re snowbiking
• Consider a bladder-style hydration system - Worn on your back or around your hips with an easy access tube, bladder systems make it easier for you to drink and stay hydrated – essential at altitude.
• Be Aware of Your Fitness Level - As you progress, you’ll work out new muscles, gain better aerobic fitness and have more intense workouts – but as a beginner, be aware of what fitness level you are. Don’t overdo it – you can hurt yourself this way. Stretch before and after skiing or riding and stay with a gang with similar abilities and fitness. Drink lots of water. Eat a big breakfast. Don’t worry, you’ll be making many laps on Grandview Chairlift in no time.

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Getting Around the Mountain

Beginner Terrain – Just for You!

Sierra offers some of the best beginner terrain at the Lake. 

• We have a special, 2.5 mile beginner run from the top of the mountain called Sugar n' Spice, which means you don’t have to be an expert to get those incredible views. 
• Our hills are clearly marked, and our groomers always have “beginners run of the day”, chosen for quality of grooming, snow conditions and weather. 
• The Easy Rider Express is a high-speed quad that serves Sierra-at-Tahoe beginner terrain exclusively.  Because the quad slows down in loading and unloading zones, beginners can feel more comfortable boarding and riding a chairlift for their first time.

Click here for a trail map.

Where to Find What

• Main Lodge is where you’ll find our rental shops, several cafés, our outdoor bar and grill, Sierra Mountain Sports gear and clothing shop, the ticket office and the Tuning Center
• Our Ski and Snowboard School is located in the Learn to Ride Center adjacent to the base lodge and Demos are available in the rental shops in the Main Lodge. Wild Mountain Children’s Center and Human Resources are located in the administration building.
• Food! Glorious Food! -After your big day out on the slopes, nothing looks finer than some quality Sierra grub. We have many food and beverage outlets, some only accessible by lift.
• Restrooms and Telephones -Base Lodge has ‘em all. Ask anyone in a Sierra uniform for the nearest location!
• First Aid - We hope you never need them, but the Base Lodge has a First Aid/Patrol Station always ready to help, from a band aid to an X Ray.