Snow Valley Mountain Resort - California Snowboarding Sledding Skiing Mini Snowmobiles
Beginner's Guide
Beginners Guide/FAQ's

Snow Valley Mountain Resort has been Southern California's premier learning resort for years. We've been introducing new participants to skiing (and more recently snowboarding) since 1934. With almost 70 years of experience, one of the largest beginner areas in the region, and our convenient location, Snow Valley is Southern California's finest learning resort.

How should I prepare?

What should I bring?

How do I get to Snow Valley?

What should I expect when I
arrive at Snow Valley?

Do I really need a lesson?

Do you offer Children's
programs?

Need more info?

Which one should I choose
- Skiing or Snowboarding?

Snow Valley's Learning Center offers both ski and snowboard lessons; however, you likely have already made your decision-- or maybe you will try both. Skiing and snowboarding are both distinctly different and participants often choose one that is to their personal liking. For first-timers, snowboarding is usually more challenging for the first few hours, but quite often snowboarders advance more quickly. On the other hand, first-time skiers have better control (turning and stopping, etc) as well as an easier time loading and unloading chairlifts.
How should I prepare for my first day on the slopes? Back to top
Preparing for your trip is easy. Snow Valley is all about convenience. Everything is on one easy to access level. You can save time by purchasing a variety of products online at www.snow-valley.com. You can even buy your lesson package online. Think of all the time you will save and spend more time on the slopes!
What should I bring? Back to top
Temperatures at Snow Valley are normally 30-40 degrees cooler than in the city and ultraviolet rays are more powerful in the mountains. You should be prepared as conditions often change in the mountains. The best clothing choice is to dress in layers-it's easier to remove layers than not have the appropriate clothing. Waterproof clothing is highly recommended, especially for snowboarding. Also, for snowboarders, it's a good idea to wear a pair or wrist guards. Since the majority of your body's heat is lost through your head, you should bring a beanie or hat which will also protect your head from sunburn. Waterproof gloves are a necessity as well. Everyone should also wear sunscreen and UV protective sunglasses, even on cloudy days as UV rays still penetrate the cloud cover. Should you forget anything, Snow Valley's Sports Shop is well-stocked and offers accessories at reasonable prices.
How do I get to Snow Valley? Back to top
Snow Valley is the most convenient resort in the San Bernardino Mountains. We are located just 5 miles east of Running Springs on Highway 18. Please reference our Directions page.
What should I expect when I arrive at Snow Valley? Back to top
When you arrive at Snow Valley, one of our friendly parking attendants will direct you to a parking spot or if with a family, you may use our Family Drop-Off Zone located near the Ticket Office. Remember that Snow Valley has a large parking area and you will not need to take a shuttle to an off-site parking lot.

The Ticket Office is located adjacent to the parking area. If you have made online reservations, go to the Will Call Window, otherwise one of our helpful ticket associates will assist you in purchasing the lesson package that will meet your needs. At the ticket window, you will receive your lift ticket and vouchers for your lesson and rental equipment.

You may have additional clothing and personal belongings (jackets, shoes, extra socks, etc). There are rental lockers adjacent to the Ski Rental Shop and restrooms in a covered, protected area.

After proceeding to either the Ski or Snowboard Rental Shop, you will then go to the Lesson Meeting Area, adjacent to Chair 1 and clearly labeled. Be sure to arrive at the lesson meeting area at least 10 minutes before your lesson begins.
Do I really need a lesson? Back to top
Lessons are very important. While you may have a family member or friend who wants to teach you, those who take lessons learn more quickly and studies have shown that professional instruction can reduce the chance of injury. Lessons make the overall first-time experience more fun, enjoyable, and less stressful.
Do you offer Children's programs? Back to top
Yes, Snow Valley offers a Kinderschool program with both half and full day programs for children. Many packages include lessons, lift ticket, equipment, and lunch.
Need more info? Back to top
Please email us at info@snow-valley.com or call (800) 680-SNOW should you have any questions or need information.
Partners•About Us•Contact Us•Media Center•Lodging/Links
Snow Valley Mountain Resort
P.O. Box 2337 • 35100 Highway 18 • Running Springs, California 92382 USA
General Information: 909.867.2751 • Snow Report: 800.680.SNOW
Copyright © 2005 Snow Valley, LLC. All Rights Reserved