Unlock Your Snowboarding Potential: Essential Intermediate Lessons to Master the Slopes

Are you ready to take your snowboarding skills to the next level? Whether you're transitioning from beginner terrain or aiming to refine your technique, intermediate snowboard lessons can provide the guidance and support you need. This guide covers everything from booking your lesson to essential gear and what to expect on the slopes.

Booking Your Lesson

To ensure you get the most out of your snowboarding experience, here’s what you need to know about booking lessons in advance:

Why Book in Advance?

Highly Recommended: Booking in advance is strongly advised.
Popularity: Popular instructors and lesson times fill up quickly.
Online Booking: We recommend booking online or calling 800.MAMMOTH as soon as your plans are made, reserving tickets and rentals at the same time.

Remember everything takes longer when it snows.

Arrival Time

Rental Process: Allow at least an hour to get through the rental process and dress children for their lesson.
Rental Shop Hours: Rental shops open at 8:00 AM daily throughout the season, or you can pick up rental reservations the day prior.
Lesson Start Time: Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your lesson start time with all of your equipment. This will allow us time to assess your ability level and ensure that you are placed in an appropriately.

What to Bring and Wear

Being prepared with the right gear and attire is crucial for a comfortable and successful snowboarding lesson.

Essential Gear

Helmets and Eye Protection: Helmets and eye protection (sunglasses or goggles) are required for all children ages 3-14 enrolled in ski and snowboard school programs. Helmet rentals are available.
Rentals: Rentals are bookable online in advance and may be picked up from 1:00 PM-3:30 PM the day prior, or starting at 8:00 AM the day of your reservation. Half-day rentals may be picked up starting at 12:00 PM. All rentals must be picked up at the rental location indicated in your reservation.

Do I need to book my rental equipment in advance? Highly recommended.

Clothing

Because Mammoth is located at a high elevation, weather conditions can vary in a short period of time and the sun can be harmful to your skin and body if you're not prepared.

Layering: Layering is the best way to maximize your comfort if/when the weather shifts.
Avoid Cotton: Avoid cotton fabrics, as they retain moisture from snow and perspiration.
Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking inner layer (such as wool or silk).
Middle Layer: Add an insulating middle piece (such as a fleece, sweater, or vest).
Outer Layer: Top off with a wind and water-resistant shell layer to protect you from the elements.

Types of Lessons

Several types of lessons are available to suit different needs and preferences.

5 Ways To Tell You're An Intermediate Snowboarder

Group Lessons

Adult/Teen Group Lessons: This is a group lesson setting for skiers/snowboarders ages 13 and older, suitable for first-timers through intermediate ability levels.
Kids Group Lessons: Kids group lessons are available for Explorers (5-7 years old) and Adventurers (8-12 years old).
During a group lesson, each student will be placed in a class based on age, ability, and type of equipment (ski vs snowboard).
Adult group lessons typically do not exceed 10 students and child group lessons are typically smaller.
Children in the same age range, ability level, and equipment type may be enrolled in the same group lesson, subject to availability. No exceptions.

Private Lessons

Personalized Content: Private lessons offer personalized content and flexibility for skiers and riders, first-time through advanced ability.
Private lessons offer a fully immersive experience that's uniquely tailored to your needs and skill set.
Customization: Available for skiers or snowboarders of all ability levels, with the option to add up to 4 people to a lesson. Availability is limited, customize and book your lesson today!
Group Size: Private lessons are available for parties of 5 or fewer. For parties of 5 or more, an additional private lesson and instructor must be booked.
Flexibility: Yes, your time with your private lesson instructor can be divided any way you like.

Combining Skiers and Snowboarders in Private Lessons

Recommendation: This is not generally recommended as it is very difficult for an instructor to teach snowboarding while wearing skis and vice versa.
Accommodation: We can do our best to accommodate a private lesson for both disciplines so long as everyone is at an intermediate level or higher. Please contact us to let us know if you will have both skiers and snowboarders so that we can match your group with an appropriate instructor.

Multiple Ability Levels in Private Lessons

Recommendation: This is not generally recommended.
Instructor's Choice: If you choose to do so, the instructor will choose the terrain that is best suited to the needs of the least experienced guest.
Information: When booking your private lesson, the more you can tell us about the experience you're looking for, the better we will be able to pair you with the best instructor for your needs.

Lesson Levels

Understanding the different lesson levels will help you choose the most appropriate one for your current skill set.

First Time

Focus: The focus is on getting students familiar with the equipment; learning to control speed and STOP; and introduction to the magic carpet.
Mastery: This is the most important lesson in the progression, and sometimes it takes more than one session to master.
Progression: Once participants can confidently and consistently stop independently, it’s time to move to the next level.

Beginner

Turning: Now it's time to turn! Focus on turning comfortably in both directions with speed control.
Terrain: This level is perfect for those riders who are experienced on the magic carpet and ready to move on to green terrain accessible by chairlift.
Repetition: This level can be repeated until the student is ready for steeper terrain and more speed.

Intermediate

Chairlift: We can load/unload the chairlift independently, and link turns comfortably on steeper green terrain.
Technique: Here we are refining our technique and creating healthy habits through solid fundamentals.
Exploration: We will be exploring blue terrain and beyond, in a supportive environment to keep us progressing.
Progression: This level can be repeated until the student is ready for steeper terrain, more speed, and varied conditions including off-piste.

Advanced

Terrain: Once participants are ready to move beyond blue terrain with demonstrated speed control through turn shape, we recommend a private lesson to tailor the lesson content to the student's needs.
Technique: Here we will work on more advanced technique in varied terrain including trees, bumps, powder.
Focus Areas: Carving, freestyle, steeps are examples of what an advanced lesson can focus on.

Additional Tips for a Successful Lesson

Here are some extra tips to ensure you have a great snowboarding lesson.

High Altitude Considerations

Sunscreen: High altitude means less atmosphere to filter the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to hitting the slopes, then re-apply every 2-3 hours.
Hydration: Drink 10-16 ounces of fluid before hitting the slopes, and continue replenishing throughout the day. Focus on water and carbohydrate-replacing drinks.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Modify caffeine and alcohol intake.
Rest: Don’t forget to give yourself enough time and energy to last throughout the day.

What If the Lesson Guest Is Sick?

Stay Home: Stay home.
Reschedule: Call 800.MAMMOTH or visit a ticket counter to reschedule.

Other Programs and Options

Holiday Camp: Designed to help students refresh their skills and get back on snow over the holidays.
Learn More Group Lesson 3-Pack: Perfect for beginners that want to develop their skills on the hill!
Kids Lesson 3-Pack: Save over 30% when you purchase a 3-pack for your kiddo!

Resort Specific Information

Different resorts offer unique programs and options. Here are a few examples:

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Big Bear Mountain Resort is home to the largest learning area and best instructors in Southern California, with lesson options for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities, from first-timers to seasoned snow pros.
Receive a complimentary lift ticket for your child with every group lesson at Snow Valley, plus the option to add discounted equipment rentals.

Sierra

Perfect for first-time skiers or snowboarders who haven’t yet linked turns or ridden a chairlift, this special introduction is designed to get adults confidently moving on the slopes.
All-Mountain Lessons help those ready to get to the top of the mountain to tackle Sierra’s full range of terrain with instruction tailored to your ability.
Find your flow, confidence + community on the mountain with Sierra’s Women’s Clinic, an empowering Sunday morning session for female-identifying skiers and riders.

Bear Valley Mountain Resort

Bear Valley Mountain Resort is the ideal place to begin your ski and snowboard experience, and continue progressing your skills.
Our professional instructors are trained to lead lessons in a supportive environment that emphasizes safety, fun, and learning.

Safety First

Skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities have inherent risks that may result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
GUESTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND ASSUME ALL INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
All guests must follow the Big Bear Mountain Resort rules of conduct and NSAA Responsibility Code. Visit the Safety page for complete details.

By following this guide, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your intermediate snowboard lessons and continue progressing on the slopes. Have fun and stay safe!

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