For many New Englanders the cold weather means much more than having to scrape off your car each morning. For those, the cold also brings fresh powder and the thrill of speeding own the steep face of a mountain. But for those who have never taken to the peaks on skis or snowboard, fret not; the instructional programs at Wachusett Mountain will have you doing your best Bode Miller before long. With January marking National Learn to Ski and Snowboard month, the time is now to get on the hills.
Those on the outside looking in – the non-skiers – often have many preconceived notions that bar them from participating in the sport. Tom Meyers of Wachusett Mountain says he sees three common barriers for those looking to learn to ski. First, many perceive the sport as dangerous. After all, you’re flying down a sheer face of ice and snow and the danger of injury is always present. Second, many people don’t enjoy being outside in the cold weather. Who in their right mind would willingly stand on top of a windy mountain in freezing weather? Finally, the price of skiing – from buying or renting equipment to the lift tickets – can be a turnoff for many.
Now, for those of us who have skied before, these concerns seem silly. While you can hurt yourself skiing or snowboarding, the present danger is also part of the appeal. As with any sport, the risk brings an adrenaline rush. Much more, once you’ve conquered a difficult trail, the feeling of accomplishment combined with that adrenaline will have you sprinting, or shuffling, back to the chairlift.
As for the cold, the appropriate dress will leave you extremely comfortable when on the mountain. Check the weather conditions and be sure to have the proper equipment – extra layers of wickable clothing, a good set of gloves, and, on extra cold days, a face mask. Most important, wear clothing that will keep you dry. The cold temperatures do their worst damage on wet or moist surfaces and materials. Wickable and breathable materials like nylon or polypropylene will help remove moisture from sweat and snow to keep both your clothing and skin dry.
And when it comes to cost skiing may carry a seemingly hefty price tag, but Meyers asserts that you should relate the cost to the overall value of the activity. “Think of how much you’d spend for a round of golf or even going to the movies for only a few hours of entertainment,” says Meyers. “You can ski from 8am to 4pm, making it a great value as an hourly activity.” Speaking to the overall value of skiing, Wachusett Mountain earned an 8th place nod for value in Ski Magazine’s annual Top 50 Resorts Survey. Named 20th resort overall, the mountain also claimed honors for grooming, access, weather, food, and family programs.
For those new to skiing and snowboarding, Wachusett Mountain’s Ski and Snowboard School offers special programs for beginners. The school’s Learn to Turn program includes three packages – a one day, two day, and three day set – to get new skiers and snowboarders on the hill. Bruce McDonald, Director of Wachusett’s Ski and Snowboard School, holds his staff to three objectives: Safety, Fun, and Education. Safety, first and foremost, is most important to prevent injury. Fun, says McDonald, is subjective. “You might fall, but as long as you enjoy yourself it’s okay,” he explains. And finally, Wachusett’s 300-plus instructors are training with the latest techniques and teaching methods to ensure they can properly instruct any skier or snowboarder.
For the staff at Wachusett Mountain, their number one goal is to develop passionate skiers. The three day program, therefor, is most recommended to properly introduce the sport. “On the first day there’s a lot of confusion, but on the second day you already know a bit – it’s familiar to you,” states Meyers. “By the third day, you’re hooked.” Above all, Meyers and McDonald hope to make skiing and snowboarding a fun experience for every rider.
