Catching a Winter Bug: Beginner Ski Lessons in Park City, UT

We all made it successfully off Burns. Hallelujah. We did not fall.

“Which way should we go? Gnat’s Eye back to Snowflake or you want to try getting over to the Mountaineer Express to take Deer Hollow all the way down?” I ask.

Charity’s smile is slow and hesitant. “I don’t know. I’m not so sure”.

“You all can make it down Deer Hollow. I am certain you can.” Our Instructor Brandon offers to the group with confidence.

It’s a gorgeous afternoon. Almost a bluebird sky day as the locals call it. So many evergreens swaying gently around us. Trails weaving through the trees every which way, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. You can hear the start of Après music in the background from the lodge. We have been going at it all day, but my feet finally feel anchored into my skis ready to sail across the snow in a new direction.

Megan, the black diamond skier of our group, gently chimes in. “You guys can not miss out on getting up to the top. You have to get up to see the views. That alone is worth it. You can totally do it!”

“Ok! Let’s do it.” Charity is in.

“Let’s Do it”. I'm in.

      Deer Hollow here we come

It's a Lifestyle in Park City

“It’s in your own backyard”. You hear people saying this all around the world. People live in New York City and never go to a Broadway show. Or in Florida and just do not find the time to see the Everglades. Friends of mine live in the outskirts of Rome and have never seen the Sistine Chapel. I have family that lived in Anaheim, minutes away from Disneyland and never took their toddler to the happiest place on earth. Sometimes the opportunity just passes by.  Timing, finances, health. Sometimes things don’t align. But sometimes they do.

We had just moved to Summit County, Utah and our address was quite literally 25 minutes to not one, but two, internationally known ski resorts: Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain. We quicky learned that skiing is simply what you do here in Park City. Coworkers spend their lunch breaks getting a few laps in (and not in a swimming pool which is what I originally thought). Commuting to work, you see tourists and locals alike at the free shuttle stops with ski boots and helmets strapped on.

At school drop off, students are dressed in snow gear, packing along their skis and snowboards to go to their lesson or team practice as soon as the dismissal bell rings. I was determined to not miss out on the offerings of winter sport here and wanted to take advantage of where we live. There was only one rather interesting dilemma—I did not know how to ski. I had never tried. Waterski, yes. Quite regularly as a child and teenager. In the glorious, warm summer. But snow skiing, not once.

I had started a 40 under 40 list before we moved to the mountains, somewhat of a bucket list if you will. Nothing outrageous but a few goals and random to-dos I hoped to accomplish before turning 40 and to be more intentional about living. #28. Learn something new. After we moved to Utah, and I had a chance to revisit my list, I decided that the pursuit of learning how to ski would count. I just had to make it happen.

Booking a Ski Lesson at Deer Valley

The advice given by 99% of people who hear you say you do not know how to ski is to take a private lesson. It is an investment but one well worth it. Most resorts offer a variety of private lessons. If you have a few friends or find a small group of people that want to learn, try a private group lesson. Or if you want the undivided attention of the ski instructor, do a private one on one lesson. There are half-day or full day options too.

 Deer Valley Resort is known to have an award-winning ski school and welcomes first-timers and beginners with open arms and eager instructors. I went with a private full day group lesson with some friends from work.

Making the reservation was effortless. Going online to the Deer Valley ski lesson page, I found all the lesson options and called their skier services line. A kind and enthusiastic staff member collected my information and secured our private group lesson. Deer Valley has the option to add rental gear to the reservation.

I do recommend calling a few weeks in advance as their calendar does fill up quite quickly. If you do not have a Season Pass to Deer Valley, you also will need to purchase a lift ticket for your specific lesson date.

Ski Rental Gear

Downhill skiing does require some equipment. Rentals are the way to go for first-timers or beginners that are unsure if they see themselves skiing regularly. A rental package includes skis, boots, poles and helmet. I picked up rentals at a rental shop prior to the lesson but half of my group went early to Deer Valley Resort and were fitted for their reserved rental gear.

Proper attire includes ski pants, jacket, gloves, and a helmet. I highly recommend goggles. The sun reflecting on the snow is blinding at times so goggles are critical to prevent discomfort or headaches. A buff, balaclava, or gaiter as some refer to, is also a good idea. Basically, a multifunctional headwear or neck wrap, that can help protect the neck, face, and head from the elements. Sunscreen on your face and chap-stick are also wise to apply before your lesson. Some skiers also pack a small hip-pack, hydration pack or backpack to carry snacks and water. I did get quite thirsty during the lesson.

One thing to note, rental ski boots do not feel comfortable at first. They are a bit awkward like you are an astronaut headed to outer space. Walking heel-to-toe does help. Good news is once I clicked my boots into the ski bindings and learned how to distribute my weight accurately, the comfort level significantly improved.

Learning the Basics

Unsure of what to expect when clicking into your skis with poles in each hand, the slopes can be intimidating. The mountain seems high, steep, and long. Despite some nerves of being new to skiing, Deer Valley’s beginner-friendly terrain was really the best place to begin learning. Our instructor started the lesson by going over the basics of posture, weight distribution, and having us all slide around with just one ski on level ground. It was interesting how helpful it was to start with the basics.

As he continued to layer on tips and phrases, I soon realized I had two skis on and was slowly moving back and forth. Gradual progression is key. To get up to a gentle beginner slope to really practice going downhill, we rode on a few magic carpets. This was not a lift. Deer Valley staff stand at the entry and exit of the carpet, there to help, and cheer us on. With skis on, I slid onto a retractable carpet and stood still. The carpet carried me up the length of the run, I slid off the carpet, and stepped over to an area the instructor directed me to go to wait for further instruction.

From here, I began to practice skiing. And practice you do. Repeatedly. Down on skis, up on the carpet. Over and over again. Until I felt ready, and the instructor felt the group was ready to move on. Deer Valley has a series of these carpet sections, that almost without realizing it, I slowly progressed up and up until the next progression would be to downhill ski and use the lift up to a green run.

Just as we gradually climbed up the beginner ski school area, I also felt my confidence gradually increasing to where I wanted to go on the lift. Jitters were settled by the repetition and the gentle corrections given by the instructor, and I could feel the excitement growing to go for it. To try something a little harder, steeper and challenging.

Graduating from the Bunny Hill

Chairlifts can be one of the main contributors to anxiety by trying the winter sport of skiing. Getting on, or even more so, getting off, can be very unsettling. Our instructor opted not to give any detailed instruction about riding Deer Valley’s Snowflake lift. He felt like you just must try it to figure it out.

Snowflake is the way to get up to the run, so you sort of have to go for it. I sat back on the seat when the chairlift circled around and pulled the guard rail down for safety. I put my ski tips up and that was it. The chairlift is a chance to rest, catch your breath, visit with friends, hydrate, and take in the scenery. It is delightful to watch various levels of skiers skiing down the mountain while you enjoy the scenic ride.

When it was time to get off, I lifted the guard rail, lifted my ski tips up, and then gently laid them down on the snow and glided off. It does require balance, but it truly is easier than it looks.

Ski runs are groomed trails that are color coded by difficulty level. Green is always the easiest way down. Blue is moderate in difficulty, designed for intermediate skiers. Black is the most challenging, steepest terrain. Green is my color. Green runs are great to practice all the techniques the instructor gave me.

On the first time down, the instructor went ahead of me, and I followed behind in his tracks, somewhat trying to mimic his route and curves. On the second trip down, the instructor watched my technique and gave me points on improving my posture and controlling my speed. What I loved most about advancing up to green runs is the length increases by more than double for the descent down. You can really develop with repetition once you get to the runs.  The green runs have been groomed with first timers and beginners in mind and are gentle and easy to practice on.

We did take a break for lunch to refuel and rest. Deer Valley is also known for its award-winning food and beverage offerings. The weather was perfect with enough warmth to sit outside. We invited our instructor to join us and enjoyed reminiscing about all we had learned. We enjoyed Deer Valley’s claim to fame turkey chili, burgers, fries and sweet treats. My body was appreciative of the chance to sit and hydrate. Skiing is a fantastic workout, and your muscles will feel it.

After lunch, and two or three more trips up the chairlift, it was amazing to truly be enjoying this new winter sport of downhill skiing. Taking it slow, but skiing! Our group kept our instructor’s 100% track record alive. We all rode the Snowflake lift and all skied down a green run before the lesson was over.

A Willingness to Explore

Once the instructor felt confident that our group was successful on the first green run, he encouraged all of us to try different green runs. To explore. To take what we had learned and go try different routes. After spending half of the lesson practicing on carpets and very gentle first-time slopes, I really was ready to explore, to push myself a bit to test if I could retain what I learned. The instructor was still there for guidance, but we led the way. Once you are on the mountain you hear people reciting lift names and run like a friend giving directions to a buddy’s house in town. “Just take Snowflake to Burns Express and go down Deer Hollow to Mountaineer Express, and then take Gnat’s Eye back down”. It sounds like poetry and we wanted to find the runs they are talking about.

I am so grateful for Megan, the advanced skier in our group, and our instructor Brandon encouraged us to try something different. To go for Deer Hollow. To ride Mountaineer Express up to the 7,950 ft elevation to see the sites from the top. All of charming Park City was below, Jordanelle Reservoir was shimmering, and the other runs that are painted across the mountains were truly a majestic sight.   

Catching the Ski Bug

Winter was previously an underrated season in my book. It was just a season to survive. Before learning how to ski, it was genuinely my least favorite season. Now, I find myself checking the weather to see when fresh snow will fall. I calendar Saturdays on the Slopes to make sure I protect time to practice what I’ve learned. I even said yes to an invitation for “Laps at Lunch” with a friend.

More Adventures in Park City

Start Planning Your Ski Trip to Park City

Check out Guided Cross Country Trips and Lessons

Family Fun Off the Slopes

I genuinely look forward to sitting on a lift with perfect strangers to learn about where they’ve traveled from or chatting with a local about how blessed we are to live here. I did not realize what I was missing and grateful I checked #28 off my list. To Learn Something New. I have the delight of Alpine skiing to show for it. And look forward to the glorious return of the winter season with a new appreciation. 

Put it on the bucket list. Birthday wish list. Anniversary trip. If you are considering trying downhill skiing, find the time and go take the lesson. I am sure grateful I did!

A Quick Note on Getting There

Deer Valley Resort is a happening place on Saturday mornings. We drove in around 8 a.m. and found the parking lot filling up but still ample spots to park. Options are to opt for driving yourself or you can access one of the park n’ ride lots around town to use the many free shuttle bus lines that go straight to Deer Valley.  

Walking up to the Snow Park Lodge, I saw multiple staff members in the iconic Deer Valley green jacket or vest, directing pedestrian traffic. There was palpable energy in the crisp mountain air with skiers eager to get on the slopes. I was meeting friends at the rental shop, so I headed there first.  I had a backpack and a change of shoes, as did our group members. There are lockers and basket rental options on site. We went with the basket which was very accommodating for multiple people. Both options are located close to the rental shop and are very convenient to use.

By Sarah Stephenson - Group Sales Support Manager