I-Slide: First Timer's Guide to Loon

Before Your Adventure Begins

Complete I-Slide Guide

• Before Your Adventure Begins
• When You Get to Loon
• Getting Around on the Mountain
• Interactive Map and Virtual Tour

Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package

After you've read this guide, get complete information on Loon's legendary Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package.

Section 1: Before Your Adventure Begins

This section offers information to help you be prepared for your day and strategies for refueling your body and maintaining your comfort level while on the slopes.

Dress in Layers
Wearing layers keeps you warmer and lets you adjust clothing as the day gets warmer or colder. The two most important layers are the one closest to your skin and the one on the outside. The best underwear is absorbent and "wicks" perspiration away from your skin. The outermost layer, including pants, should be wind and water resistant. Clothes such as jeans or sweatpants absorb water, making you wet and cold.

You can lose tremendous amounts of body heat through the top of your head. Wear, or carry, a hat at all times.

Always Wear Mittens or Gloves
Some prefer the added warmth of mittens, while others like the finger freedom of gloves. Snowboarders and skiboarders wear extra thick protection on their hands. Whatever you prefer, always protect your hands. Even on warm spring days, the snow is very abrasive to your bare skin.

Consider a Helmet
Many snowsports enthusiasts wear helmets. The best ones are light, comfortable, warm, and allow you to see and hear clearly. Helmets provide added protection while keeping your head warm. Use a helmet especially designed for snowsports.

Wear Sunscreen and Lip Balm
In higher elevations the sun's rays are less filtered. Snow also reflects sun rays, making them even more intense. You can get severely sunburned very quickly, so use strong sunscreen.

Goggles and Sunglasses
Infrared and ultraviolet rays can be extremely harmful to your eyes, especially at higher altitudes. Good quality sunglasses are an important investment. Wind, blowing snow, cold, and fog can also irritate your eyes. Goggles are every bit as important as sunglasses. Always bring both with you; weather changes rapidly in the mountains.

A Checklist
Make a checklist of the essential items you need, and check it before leaving for the resort. This will prevent you from having to replace forgotten items once you arrive.

Understand Your Fitness Level
Snow sports are for everyone - regardless of age, body type and fitness level, but it's important to work within your own fitness level. Pace yourself, don't venture too far from resting places and shelter, and don't overdo it. Stay with companions who are close to you in ability and fitness. As you progress in your abilities, you may consider regular workouts to prepare for mountain adventures.

Warm Up and Warm Down
Cold weather tends to make your muscles more stiff and sluggish than normal so make sure to stretch and do a few warm-up exercises. Allow yourself time to acclimate to the mountain environment before you head up-mountain. If you stay out in the cold long after you stop exercising, your muscles will stiffen quickly, so keep moving until you can get inside.

Drink Plenty of Water
Sun, wind, perspiration and altitude rob your body of fluids. You can become dehydrated long before you even feel thirsty. Stop frequently for water or carry it with you. Coffee, tea and soda don't replenish your body fluids as well as juice or plain water.

Eat and Sleep Well
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so be sure not to skip it. Also, bring along a snack to refuel mid-morning. Eating too heavily at lunch can leave you sluggish, but a hearty evening meal is a great way to replenish nutrients.

Too much alcohol can make you groggy and dehydrated the next day. Never drink alcohol while engaging in sports. Your muscles and reactions will be much less responsive.

Always get a good night's sleep before heading out onto the slopes.

Winterize Your Car
Before you travel to the mountain, make sure your car is ready for the colder alpine environment. Top off all fluids, including antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Add lightweight winter oil if necessary. If your car is not equipped with snow tires, you should buy and carry a set of tire chains. In time you may want a rooftop rack to carry skis, snowboards or other snow toys.

Make sure to zip your car keys into a secure pocket when you leave the car. As a back-up, give an extra set to someone else in your party.