Ready to Try Winter?

You do not need a big trip, fancy gear, or years of experience to start skiing or snowboarding.

You just need a place that makes learning feel possible.

At Maple Ski Ridge, we help beginners build confidence, families make winter memories, and local skiers and riders learn to love winter close to home.

Everybody starts somewhere. Start here.

New to Snow? We’ve Got You

Being comfortable on snow starts with dressing the right way.

Wear warm layers that let you move. Choose waterproof or water-resistant outerwear whenever possible. Snow pants are much better than jeans or sweatpants. Gloves or mittens should be warm and dry. One pair of tall socks is best — not three pairs stuffed into ski boots.

A good beginner outfit includes:

Warm base layers top and bottom
A winter jacket - waterproof or water resistant.
Snow pants - waterproof or water resistant
Gloves or mittens - waterproof or water resistant
One pair of tall socks - thin or medium weight
A neck warmer
A helmet!!
Goggles or sunglasses

Best to avoid:

Jeans
Bulky sweatpants
Stretchy gloves
Ankle socks
Multiple bulky socks
Scarves that hang loose
Clothing that soaks through easily

Staying warm and dry will not make learning effortless, but it will make your experience a whole lot better.

Please NOTE!! Bodies warm up quickly while learning to ski or snowboard. Extra heavy winter wear is usually not needed unless it is close to zero degrees or below.

Lessons Make the First Day Better

Can you try skiing or snowboarding without a lesson? Technically, yes.

Should you? We do not recommend it.

A good lesson helps you learn the skills that make skiing and riding safer, smoother, and more fun. You will learn how to stop, turn, control your speed, move around in your equipment, and understand what to do next.

Without a lesson, beginners often spend more time frustrated, tired, cold, or stuck in survival mode. With a lesson, you have someone guiding you through the process step by step.

Lessons help you get to the fun part faster.

Find the Right Lesson

Parent Tips for a Better First Day

A little planning makes the first day much smoother.

Arrive earlier than you think you need to. Everything takes longer with kids in winter gear.
Lessons start on time! Arrive early—late arrivals disrupt the whole group, including your child.
Make sure your child eats before the lesson. Hungry kids do not learn well.
Use the bathroom before putting on ski boots. Trust us on this one.
Dress them warm—but not too warm. Kids heat up fast while learning to ski or ride!
Invest in ski socks. One thin pair of ski socks is better than several bulky pairs.
Let the instructor teach. Your job is to encourage, cheer, and help your child feel proud.
Celebrate effort, not just success. Learning something new is hard.
Expect some falls. That is part of the process.
Plan for a hot chocolate break. It fixes a lot.
Practice makes progress! Make time for a few extra runs after lessons.
If you have any questions or concerns - ask us! We are here to help!

Have more Questions? Check out our FAQ Page

FAQ's