Tips for Your First Day

Never been skiing or riding before? This section will walk you through the steps of getting a lift ticket, picking up rental and where to go for your first lesson.

STEP 1 - BUY YOUR LIFT TICKET

The drive up ticket windows are located at the bottom of the hill. Please use caution driving down the hill there can be slippery spots. The top of the hill drive up ticket booths are open on some weekends and holidays.
Click here for lift ticket prices

We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Afton gift cards.
Click here to buy a gift card online.

You will receive a lift ticket. Instructions for affixing your lift ticket are located in the rental shops. Employees of Afton are happy to assist you with explaining and will show you how to affix your lift ticket.

STEP 2 - PICK UP RENTAL EQUIPMENT

There are three rental shops at Afton.

Alps Rental
In the Alps area between the Ski Patrol (it has a red + on the side of the building) and the Alps Office (The Alps Office is the A frame building).

Meadows Rental
The Meadows Rental is located in the Cream Colored Metal Building on the right hand side of the Meadows Chalet.

Alpine Rental
When the top ticket booths are open the Alpine Rental shop is open, it's located on the lower level of the Alpine Chalet.

Once inside the Rental Shop fill out your rental form completely. Then pick out boots: ski boots are in the front, snowboard boots are in the back of the rental shop. Coin lockers are available to store your shoes.

Once you have your boots, head over to the ski or snowboard pick-up. You will be asked questions such as height, weight, and ability. This lets the technicians adjust the equipment specifically for you.

If you are skiing and want poles, pick those up on the way out and you are ready to go!

At Afton we also have a Demo Center located on the lower right hand side of the Alps Chalet. You can try the latest ski, or telemark equipment. The Demo Center also has higher end snowboard equipment. Go to one of the local shops such as Hi Tempo, Hoigaards, Joe's, Pierce, or The Summit. These local shops have discount coupons for the Demo Center equipment.

You will need a picture ID (a drivers license or school ID) to rent a snowboard or Demo Center Equipment. In addition you will need a credit card to rent equipment at the Demo Center.

STEP 3 - TAKE A LESSON

Lesson sign up is available on the lower right hand side of the Alps Chalet in the Demo Center. The Meadows Ski and Ride School is in the lower right hand side of the Meadows Chalet. There is also a lesson sign up counter on the second level of the Alpine Chalet, when the top ticket booths are open.

Once outside on the snow, head over to the the ski and ride school bell This is the lesson meeting area.

Lessons are offered at the following times:
Monday - Thursday 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6:30pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

Group Lesson (Skiers 6 and Up, Snowboarders 7 and Up) $20 per hour
Private Lesson (reservations recommended) $45 per hour

Each additional person (private lesson) $20 per hour

You can make Private Lesson reservations at 651-436-5245 or if you live outside of the Twin Cities call 1-800-328-1328

Complimentary beginner lesson (13 +) available at daily lesson times with the purchase of a full price lift ticket and full price rental package. Complimentary lessons are not available before 1pm Monday - Thursday except Holidays.

During the lesson your instructor will teach you how to turn, stop and use the lifts. Don't be afraid to ask questions; they are here to help you learn.

TIPS FOR WHAT TO BRING

You may already have most of the recommended items at home or in your closets. (The items listed below are available for purchase in our Accessory Shop located in the lower right hand side of the Alps Chalet)

The most important thing to remember are to wear wind water resistant/proof pants (no jeans), and jacket. Find something that can "breathe," allowing perspiration and excess heat to escape through the fabric. One lightweight and/or one heavy jacket to allow for changing weather. You can adjust for temperature changes by what you wear underneath.

Dress in layers for maximum warmth.

Undergarments of polypropylene or some other synthetic fiber that wick away perspiration from your skin to the outside layer. Don't wear cotton next to your skin. When it absorbs your perspiration, it will stay wet. Then when you decrease your activity (ride the lift, for instance), you'll be cold. A light shirt, turtleneck, or fleece to wear over the underwear. A sweater of wool or fleece for insulation and warmth, these are excellent laying pieces.

Hats, helmets and headbands: Wear something on your head. Since more than 60 percent of your body's heat can escape from an uncovered head, it's real important to wear a hat, headband or helmet when it's cold.

Neck Gator, face mask, balaclava: These accessories are great when the temperature drops.

Sunglasses and/or goggles: Sunglasses and goggles protect eyes from the sun.

Gloves and mittens: Most gloves and mittens use waterproof, breathable fabrics. Leather options are great for comfort, but they will get wet on rainy or wet-snow days. Mittens, in general, are warmer than gloves.

Consider the type of activity you'll be doing. Snowboarding gloves and mittens often have a reinforced palm because of extra wear from adjusting bindings. Some snowboarding gloves and mittens also have built-in wrist guards, which are excellent for novice snowboarders.

Socks: One pair of lightweight or medium-weight socks works best for skiing, or snowboarding. Socks are made from a variety of materials, including polyester, silk, wool and nylon. Some socks have wicking properties similar to long underwear, meaning your feet will stay dry and comfortable. Resist the temptation of putting on too many pairs of socks. You'll restrict circulation and actually cause your feet to get colder.

Sunscreen and lip balm: Wear sunscreen during the day, even on cloudy days. Protect your nose and face with sun block with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number.