North Lake Tahoe, California

• If you haven’t been skiing or snowboarding, take a lesson. The Ski Instructors are a great source of knowledge and are eager to help you. If you haven’t been on the mountain in a while, lessons can also help you with style and confidence.

• Make sure to try a couple different ski resorts. Lake Tahoe is an extraordinary place and each mountain has its own specialties. Treat yourself to new terrain because that is what sets Tahoe apart from all other ski areas; we have multiple mountain resorts to choose from!

• There is always something going on once the lifts close, so make sure to consult your concierge, property manager, internet, or good old local newspaper to find out what is happening in Tahoe while you are here.

• Sunscreen is not just a suggestion, it is a requirement! We are a lot closer to the sun up here, so even on cloudy days there is tons of exposure.

• Helmets are your friend. They can turn a bad wreck into a minor fall.

10 Tips to keep you safe and have a great day skiing

1. Do Start Getting in Shape Early
Get ready to ski at least 4 - 6 weeks prior to your trip. Try aerobic exercise to build stamina and weight lifting or stair climbing to build strength. And for balance and agility, try racquetball or jump rope.

2. Do Check Your Equipment Before Skiing
Before skiing is the right time to check your gear.

3. Do Dress in Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Start with long underwear and thermal socks. A hat is vital – 30% of heat loss comes from the head. Mittens are warmer than gloves.

4. Do Use Sunblock and Wear Glasses
It’s important to use a sunblock cream because the sun’s intensity increases in the thin air. Goggles or UV filtering sunglasses prevent snow blindness on bright days and increase visibility on cloudy days.

5. Do Warm Up Before the First Run
Just as with any exercise, warm ups are important before skiing to prevent injuries.

6. Do Take Ski Lessons
Your time on the mountain will be more enjoyable the better you ski. Learning to ski and skiing better will also make your experience safer. A qualified instructor will help you with technique.

7. Do Know the Rules about Food and Drinks
Before skiing, eat a good nutritious breakfast.

8. Don’t Start on the Hardest Run
Take a couple of runs on the easy slopes first to loosen up before tackling harder runs.

9. Don’t be Afraid to Say “No”
Your friends say “go.” You think “no.” Don’t get talked into a skiing a slope that’s too difficult for you. Take your time.

10. Don’t Take the Last Run
Your last run of the day is typically the most dangerous and the time when most accidents occur.