For First Time Skiers and Boarders
Our motto is always be prepared!

What about equipment?
There are two important things to remember about ski or snowboard equipment.

First, ski and snowboard technology has drastically changed over the past several years. Don’t be tempted to use that old pair of skis and boots or snowboard your uncle gave you or you bought at a garage sale. It is probably out of date and unsafe.

Our teaching methodology is based on new ski and snowboard technology. You will progress to the next level of skiing, boarding or tele skiing quicker and easier using today’s modern equipment!

Second, properly fitting boots and the correct size skis and snowboards are important to your success. Our Rental Shop will help you get the right fit! Renting equipment at Ski Cooper lets you get the fit you need and can make adjustments as necessary.

The Ski Cooper Rental Shop rents shaped skis, ski boots, ski poles (see note in Children's Ski School Parents about ski poles for children) and snowboards and boots.

If you purchase a ski or snowboard package, we suggest you arrive early to get the best selection. The Rental Shop opens at 8 am daily. On holidays, holiday weeks, and peak vacation periods, it is best to get to the mountain early. (There also are several ski shops in Leadville.)

Piney Creek Nordic Center rents telemark equipment. Piney Creek is located just west of the Day Lodge.

If you are arriving with a large group, call ahead to let us know how many and when you are arriving so we can help you get to the slopes faster. Please contact Connie in our Group Reservations Department.

When you arrive . . .
When you arrive at the mountain, we suggest you start at the Rental Shop to get your equipment. (The Rental Shop is located to the south of the Day Lodge.) Purchase your lesson and lift ticket at the Rental Shop when you pick up your rental equipment.

If you have your own equipment, purchase your lift and lesson ticket at the main entrance to the Day Lodge.( You will see the ticket windows)

What else do I need?
If you have children who are in one of the Panda Programs, the Rental Shop personnel will take extra time and patience for a proper fit. Once you have your child's equipment, check your child in at Children's Center.

Food and drink? Full cafeteria service with breakfast, lunch and snacks is offered in the Day Lodge. We also offer bar service.

The Retail Shop, in the Day Lodge, has a full assortment of ski clothes, gloves, hats, goggles, sweaters, sunglasses, sunscreen and souvenirs.

I have my equipment, my lift ticket, and my lesson ticket, now what do I do?
After you have your tickets, it is a very short walk to the Ski School Meeting Place. This is where your fun begins. You’ll meet many of the instructors and be assigned to a class.

What am I going to learn?
Our focus is having an enjoyable experience that is safe. We will challenge you but still keep you in your safety zone. You will learn about the Skier Responsibility Code, a little bit about Ski Cooper and its history, your equipment and the fundamentals that will have you skiing in no time!

But remember . . . skiing and boarding aren't spectator sports! Be ready for an interactive lesson where your instructor will explain what to do, show you how to do it, and then . . . it's your turn to do it! No hiding in the back of the class. Everyone gets their turn. You will be skiing and boarding before you know it! We are certain you will be hooked!

How do I dress?
Remember that when you are at Ski Cooper you are in the Colorado High Country. Our dry, soft snow is the results of the ski areas location, elevation, and weather patterns. Though most days are gorgeous - blue skies and warm temperatures – the weather can change at any time without warning. Here are tips to help you dress for the Colorado High Country.

Dress in layers. Layers let you add more layers when you’re cold and take off layers when you’re warm.

Goggles or sunglasses. We will insist that all children have goggles or sunglasses, and recommend eye protection for all guests.

Ski gloves or ski mittens are a must!

Wear a hat.

Wind and water proof ski pants are a must. This is particularly important for your children since they have a tendency to spend a lot of time playing on the snow as well as skiing on it!

Sunscreen is vitally important for you and your children! It doesn't take long to get a serious sunburn at our elevation.

Why am I feeling not feeling well?
Be aware that the altitude may cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, please let your instructor know immediately.

There is a first aid room in the Lodge attended by trained National Ski Patrol members to help you if you experience altitude sickness.

For those of you who are skiing with children, please follow this link to the Children's Ski School Parents page where you will learn more about how to help your child enjoy their ski lessons at Ski Cooper.