Beginner Lift Ticket / No Ticket?!

[ziggyzagski]

Hi ladies,

My sister wants to get into skiing (she’s taken one lesson ever last year) and will most likely spend her entire day on the bunny hill. I was thinking to help teach her without a lesson since she just needs to get comfortable on the skis and practicing simple movements. She didn’t get much from her first lesson and they taught her very strange methods - like using her poles to move herself around rather than her legs / skis.

My question is - I know some resorts have beginner tickets that let you ride the green run lifts. Any in CA that come to mind? Others don’t specify, so I’m assuming they don’t differentiate?

I don’t think she’ll really even go up the lift and probably stay in the beginner pen / magic carpet. I didn’t see them scan lift tickets at the carpet when I’ve been there. Do you need a lift ticket? Seems like such an expensive cost to ride the magic carpet if you do.

Thanks,
Ziggy

 

[SarahXC]

I can’t imagine you can go on the snow without a ticket. Do you ever get enough natural snow? We have just gone to a grassy hill in the park after it snowed and glided down/hiked up with my kids when they were beginners.

 

[Christy]

Since none of the CA divas have responded, you might just have to check different websites. Some MUST offer a beginner area ticket! I know some places up here in WA do.

I just did a quick Google and Big Bear does, for $40. It looks like Badger Pass only charges $5.00 for a single ride?

Downhill / Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding | Badger Pass Ski Area | TravelYosemite.com

For all skiers, here you'll find information about ski/snowboard equipment rentals, top-notch instructors, a ski shop, cafeteria, and lounge—and our fantastic sundeck, where you can watch your kids ski as you bask in the sunshine.

www.travelyosemite.com

Mammoth has a beginner ticket, but it's not cheap ($89). Maybe the smaller areas are the better bet? But I don't know them well enough in CA to do all the right searching.

​

 

[marzNC]

I don’t think she’ll really even go up the lift and probably stay in the beginner pen / magic carpet. I didn’t see them scan lift tickets at the carpet when I’ve been there. Do you need a lift ticket? Seems like such an expensive cost to ride the magic carpet if you do.

At my home hill, there are signs that make it clear that no one is supposed to be on any slope without a lift ticket. Essentially it's like trespassing on private property when no one is looking.

Is there an old school ski area near you? Meaning one that focuses on families and beginners. No need to go to a destination resort.

 

[SallyCat]

I know I've skied at resorts that had beginner tickets that kept you on surface lifts in the learning areas. I'm in the east, so I know this isn't all that helpful, but I would suggest looking at smaller ski areas that are not on any of the multi-resort passes.

Honestly, plenty of areas would probably never bother you about a ticket if you were just futzing around the bunny hill as long as you're low-key about it. I don't think it's unethical to do that once or twice if your intent is to get good enough to use the lifts, and buying a beer or some food at the lodge would probably count as remuneration in terms of the spirit rather than letter of the law. :-)

 

[diymom]

There is actually a place in NH with a free bunny hill, I can't remember which one right off though. From a quick search I didn't find any in CA, but the magic carpet at Donner Ranch is under $25. But what about gear? By the time you add in rentals, it might not be much more for a beginner learn to ski package that includes lesson and rentals.

Or depending on birthdays, you might want to check for updated info at the following hills https://www.thechasingsummitsproject.com/post/ski-free-on-your-birthday

 

[ski diva]

My home mountain here in Vermont lets people use the Magic Carpet on the bunny slope for free. If that's enough for her, you might want to check that out.

 

[diymom]

Not that it helps you in California, but I remembered the hill in NH-- it's Ragged Mountain.

Lessons

www.raggedmountainresort.com

 

[ziggyzagski]

Thanks everyone! I think my best bet is to look up smaller ski hills and call to check, since it’s not always specified online.

Snow outside the resorts is always unpredictable for us, otherwise, definitely a good idea to just find a small hill and learn there! I hadn’t thought of that

 

[newboots]

a good idea to just find a small hill and learn there! I hadn’t thought of that

Truly, it's the best way. Big resorts are big. Hard to find your way around. Surrounded by great skiers (and when you're a beginner everyone looks like a great skier). Expensive. Expensive snacks and drinks. Parking hassles. Find a small local hill! They need our patronage anyway.

 

[Abbi]

Not that it helps you in California, but I remembered the hill in NH-- it's Ragged Mountain.

Lessons

www.raggedmountainresort.com

WAY back when I skied Ragged every Saturday. Volunteer patroller friends invited me. It wasn’t long before the head patroller just held me a ticket every week.