Steamboat Springs Beginner Skiing

Beginners Guide: Day One On The Slopes

First things first. The key to a successful day of skiing begins with a hearty breakfast and a nice stretch. Complex carbs and loose muscles will make you feel strong and keep you on your feet… we mean skis. Once you are fueled up and stretched out, it is time to hit the slopes!

Preview Lift

We recommend a few practice laps on the Preview Lift, located at the base of the mountain. This chair lift is slower than the others and is designed for beginners.

It provides access to a small, short run that is perfect for testing out the waters, whoops we mean the snow! This slope is what you would refer to as “the bunny hill.”

Christie Lift

After you have mastered Preview, head on over the Christie Peak Express Lift, also located at the base of the mountain.

This lift has two stops. To begin, get off at the first stop (only slightly higher than the Preview Lift) and try out a little longer run. Don’t worry, it’s just as easy as Preview.

After you feel comfortable with that slope you can go all the way to the top of the Christie lift. Once you are at the top you’ll want to take the run called Boulevard, to Rough Riders Basin.

This area is a perfect place to get some practice runs in. Look for the Poma lift located within Rough Riders Basin that will shuttle you back to the top of the run, without having to ski back down to Christie Peak Express at the base. This lift can be a little tricky, but the lift operator will guide you.

We know you will be a pro in no time, so let's step it up and go all the way to the top of Mt. Werner via the Gondola. The trail Why Not is a favorite among beginners. It is a 2-mile green trail that is a winding cat track all the way back to the base of the ski area. Fun features include small bumps on the side (if you’re feeling adventurous) and informational signs that discuss the wildlife on the mountain. We’ve seen Elk and Moose on this trail several times.

There you have it – a guide to a beginner’s day on the hill. Remember, go at your own pace and enjoy your day.

For more information on mountain safety and the Colorado Skier Safety Act, check out the Steamboat Resort Slopewise Page.

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DISCLOSURE: If you have never been on a pair of skis, it is strongly recommended that you take a ski lesson. The professionals at Steamboat Ski and Ride School will show you the fundamentals of skiing and help you trouble shoot balance issues. It is worth the money to get the basics down rather than hurt yourself on the first day. Ask us about lessons when you book with us.