Southerner Takes the Slopes: I Can’t Mask My Excitement

Last season I was determined to become the fastest advancing student that Snowbird’s  Mountain School had ever seen, but a global pandemic had other plans. For a while, time stood still as I patiently awaited the reopening of the resort following the closure in March 2020. As the world learned more about COVID-19 and its infection patterns, I realized that my destiny of becoming a gnarly rider would be put on hold. While I know we still have a way to go in order to return to “normal”, I’m excited that Mountain School is operating and has implemented  health and safety  measures to prioritize the wellbeing of employees and students.  

Reflecting on my lessons last season, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from so many people from different places and cultures. Although I don’t expect to meet quite as many people in Mountain School this year, I still cherish those moments of human interaction on the chairlift and around the village. So, please continue to wear your mask, sanitize often and practice physical distancing.   

As you start to plan your visit to Snowbird, here are some ways to make the most out of your Mountain School Experience during the 2020-21 season:  

• Reserve lessons in advance.  As part of Mountain School’s health and safety measures, all lessons must be reserved in advance by phone (801.947.8222) or online . Note that same-day lessons are not available for the 2020-21 season.  ​
• ​Book your rentals in advance . Don’t have gear of your own? No problem, book gear for your lesson in advance online at  Cliff Sports ,  Creekside Sports  or by phone at  Christy Sports . Make sure you have enough time to pick up your gear before your lesson; the rental shops recommend arriving at 8 am for a fast and seamless process.  
• ​ Don’t feel comfortable taking a group lesson?  Treat yourself to a  private lesson . Private lessons are available for all ages and levels, and you can work with your Mountain School instructor to improve skills and techniques unique to you.   ​
• ​ Book a group lesson with your pandemic pod or quarantine bubble.  Have you and your friends made a pandemic pod pack? You can book a group lesson for just your bubble.  ​
• ​Test out your mask with your goggles.  Goggles fogging up? Test out your mask with your goggles prior to your lesson to figure out how to keep them from fogging. Try a piece of tape on the bridge of your nose to keep the moisture out.  
• ​Enroll your kids in a multi-week program.  Multi-week programs  are for 5 Saturdays or Sundays with the same group of students in each lesson. Consistency of instructor and classmates will foster meaningful relationships while learning mountain safety, etiquette and skiing/riding skills.  

It may be a different experience this year, but Mountain School is stoked to welcome you back for skiing/riding lessons, build your confidence and show you how to navigate the steeps and deeps that Snowbird is known for. I for one am very excited to mask up, hit the slopes and improve my skills.