Going to Tahoe alone for First Time, going to attempt to Snowboard for First time, advice?
I’m going to the Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe by myself, flying from the Bay Area. I’m 23 years old. I was at Heavenly last year but didn’t do anything because my company didn’t want to have fun. Could anyone that knows anything about this Resort or area give me advice as to where I should go, what to look out for, should I take the Lift up the Gondola? Can I board withouth lessons, etc? Thanks.
GET A LESSON.
annoying though it may be, there are things you really cant learn without a little help.
However, some stuff to learn on ur own before the lesson, to get ahead of the pack:
“Skating”. Clip your front foot into its binding, and learn to kick yourself around with your back foot like you would on a skateboard. praktice on a flat area at first, then try skating up a tiny, gentle slope, and point the snowboard straight down the hill. Give yourself a little kick forward with your back foot to the bottom of the hill, then rest your foot on the snowboard, just before the back binding.
Then, try to turn as you go down the slope. Learn to do a “toeside” turn first, by gently leaning forward. When you have this down, do a “heelside” turn – the same thing but on your heels.
I don’t know the instructors at Heavenly – so i can’t help you there. However, If you discover that the lesson is a complete waste of time (i.e. skating around for 2 hours straight, not riding the lift on the first lesson), don’t be afraid to ditch.
See if you can get hold of your own equipment cheaply on “www.craigslist.org” . It will make your day much more enjoyable, as resorts often rent miserably tuned boards with step in bindings – YUCK! you need strap in. Do make sure to get a relatively modern board – they have advanced enormously in the past 10 years. (3-4 seasons old is fine) . Complete outfits of this type can often be had for under 100.
Finally, get waterproof pants. You will be spending a lot of time on you a$$ as you learn, and you do not want your pants picking up snow and it melting.
have fun,
Joe
Trail Running – Lake Tahoe Rim Trail – Kingsburygrade to Spooner Summit
