Skiing & Snowboarding

Planning a first day on snow? These guides cover skiing vs snowboarding, which is harder, whether you can learn in one day, lessons, rentals, clothes, cost, kids, and what the first green run feels like. Pick one board for day one. This is a resort day, not backcountry. Search a ZIP when you are ready to find a mountain.

Looking for a guided sled instead? See the Snowmobile.

Quick Facts

• Experience needed: none for a first lesson
• Pick one: skis or snowboard — not both before lunch
• Typical first day: rental + lesson + beginner hill
• Gear: rent. Do not buy a kit for day one
• Filters: Resort alpine skiing · Resort snowboarding
• Fear level: falling on snow is normal; steep is not day one

Start here

• Skiing vs Snowboarding for First-Timers
• Which Is Easier — Skiing or Snowboarding?
• Can You Learn in One Day?
• Can Anyone Learn?
• How Much Does a First Day Cost?
• What to Wear
• What to Rent vs Bring
• Common First-Timer Questions

Beginner Fundamentals

• What the First Day Feels Like
• Do I Need a Lesson?
• Is It Scary?

Safety and Planning

• Is It Safe?
• With Kids