First Timers
Arrival Procedure
General
Mount St Louis Moonstone provides entry-level skiing/snowboarding experiences both at the Moonstone (North) and St Louis (South) areas. Each location offers full services out of their respective lodges. It is worth repeating, that all School Trip participants must wear a helmet.
Mount St Louis Moonstone's Education Program provides lessons, helmets, rentals and a fantastic learning environment for school groups. Our focus is on safety and fun. A part of Mount St. Louis Moonstone's Education Program requires that everyone take a one-hour group lesson regardless of ability with our certified CSIA or CASI instructors.
When the bus arrives at Mount St. Louis Moonstone, a Snow Schoool representative will board the bus and conduct a brief safety overview of the day. The teacher in charge will advise Guest Services and obtain lift tickets for the entire group. Students will remain on the bus. It will be the teacher's responsibility to distribuite the tickets accordingly.
Tickets
You will receive your daily lift ticket which is to be attached to your jacket. It is recommended that the metal hook be placed through a pocket zipper latch. The lift ticket is your pass up the hill on any lift, which is to be visible at all times when skiing/riding.
Rental
If renting equipment, you will be asked your rental number that was assigned to you by your teacher. Your rental number will be written on your daily lift ticket. This number represents you, your school and what equipment you have rented.
Boots
Your next step is to move towards the boot counter. Show your lift ticket to the attendant. You will receive proper boot size for the day. Benches are available for you to ensure proper fit. Take the time to try your boots on. Ask about how they should feel and that all buckles are done up properly.
Lockers
When satisfied with the fit of your boots store your belongings in a locker. Lockers are only steps away from the boot fitting area.
Board/Skis
After storing your belongings in a locker, you should be ready to pick up your skis/board. At this time all you need is jacket, gloves/mitts, hat, and your lift ticket, (You will be wearing your boots). Proceed to the board or ski counter. Show your lift tikcet to the attendant and you will be given properly adjusted equipment.
Now you are all geared up ready to learn how to ski/ride
Exiting the Rental building
Once you exit the rental buildings (at both locations) be sure you are bundled up. Hat on – jacket zipped up – gloves/mitts on – smiles on carrying your equipment in hand. Outside each exit you will see a “Snow School Meeting Area” sign. Our Snow School professionals will be expecting you.
Beginner lessons start immediately after leaving the rental shop. All intermediate and advanced skiers/boarders/bladers must go through an initial ski-assessment to determine the appropriate level of lessons, where they will then receive a colour sticker. Upgrading of sticker is possible at a scheduled time after lunch.
Moonstone
Exiting the Moonstone rental building you will see the Snow School Meeting Area sign just to the left of you, (40 meters away).Please carry your equipment to meeting area
St Louis
Exiting the St Louis rental building you will see the Snow School Meeting Area sign just to the left of you (40 Meters). Please carry your equipment to meeting area
Lesson/Session
Our goal is to have you skiing/riding self sufficiently on beginner slopes (green slopes). This includes getting in and out of equipment, turning, stopping, riding magic carpet, surface lift or chairlift. Each lesson ends with advice on what you are capable of tackling on your own, hints on improvements and opportunities for continuing your progress in the future.
Things to know
When you are on your own exploring the beginner terrain, marked by a green circle, you may want to venture further, to new terrain or lifts. We suggest you pick up a trail map, which clearly identifies slopes locations and their difficulty. Become familiar with trails signs and responsibility code. You may also need to know:
Information
Each day lodge has a Guest Service Desk. Attendants are always happy to assist you with any of your enquiries.
Restrooms
Each day lodge is equipped with restrooms. From the hill side entrance ofthe Moonstone lodge, you will find restrooms at the east end of the building next to a large sitting area. From the hill side entrance of St Louis lodge, straight past the Boutique, and on the second level east end next to the cafeteria cash centers.
First Aid
Enquire at any Guest Service Desk. You can report incidents to Ski Patrol (red jacket with white cross on the back), or Snow School Staff (blue jacket). First Aid stations are located at each Day lodge. Moonstone – north of Day lodge separate building. St Louis - south of Day lodge separate building
Lost and Found
Lost and found items are located at each perspective Guest Service Desk inside the day lodges.
Beginner Terrain
Mount St Louis Moonstone provides you with the best introductory progression of teaching terrain anywhere!
Exciting the Rental building you have access to appropriate terrain and lifts for easy learning. Take your time and enjoy!
On the Moonstone side you find a surface lift just outside the Rental exit, to your left (south) and an opened sliding area plus beginner chair lift just a short walk to your right (north)
On the St Louis side you will find a spacious opened sliding area and gradual progressive beginner slopes serviced by two magic carpets and two beginner chairlifts. The slopes are gentle, wide and well groomed.
What you need being prepared
Skiing/Snowboarding requires some specific preparation. For example proper clothing. Gliding at some speed in the outdoors calls for proper clothing and protection. The good thing is that you already have what is needed for these exhilarating sports.
Here are some guidelines to think about:
3-layer approach
- Wicking (worn next to your skin keeping moisture and sweat away form your skin)
- Insulating (middle layer that keeps the cold out and warmth in)
- Protection (exterior layer to guard against elements)
Turtleneck shirts, sweaters, long underwear, footless tights are good options as under layers. Avoid cotton next to your skin as it will absorb sweat and make you shiver. Wool or acrylic socks are better than cotton socks – socks – wear just one pair. Boots are designed for warmth. Wearing more than one pair of socks can lead to unwanted blisters.
Helpful Hints
- First layer should fit snugly in order to properly wick moisture
- Insulating layer should be loose enough to trap air between your layers but not too bulky yet allowing a full range of movement
- Denim and cotton are not recommended as the dampness will soak through and you will end up cold
- Wearing eye protection having UV protection is very important
- Goggles should fit above the eyebrows and below cheekbones, there should be no gaps around the nose and should be sealed all around
- Extra socks will only restrict circulation and result in cold feet
- Many individuals forget about the effects of the sun. Against the background of the snow, the suns rays are very strong. Skin and eye protection is a must. Protect skin, with UV protective sun screen and eyes with UV protective glasses
- Good idea to have some loose change for the purchase of locker or well deserved hot chocolate break
- Gloves and hand wear should be water resistant. If snowboarding, wrist guards are a smart preventative tool
- Long scarves or hats should stay at home as it is a safety issueswith regards to lifts and sight of gliding skier/rider
- The resort is not responsible for lost items – bring only what you need – purses, I-pods, jewelry, videogames etc are best left at home. If you must bring any of these items it is highly recommended to rent a locker for the day
Press a temperature button below to see the appropriate clothing for a great outdoor experience!
