First Ride Guide

The First Ride Guide provides comprehensive instructions describing how to make your first ride at Boreal a pleasant experience. The guide provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to plan, execute and enjoy your first ride on the mountain.

Date
The first step to planning your first ride is to select a date for your trip. Boreal is open seven days a week during the ski/board season. Holidays are always a great time to learn to ride. It is less crowded to ski or ride during the week, however.

Weather
Always check the weather report before you plan your trip so you can make proper preparations. You can always check the Current Conditions on the Boreal website or you can log on to weather.com to get a forecast. Always wear sunscreen and sunglasses on sunny days, dress in layers, and bring goggles on snowy days.

Road Conditions
Before you pack the car make sure you check the current road conditions. You can always check the Current Conditions (updated everyday at 6 AM) on the Boreal website or you can call CalTrans at 1–800-427-ROAD for hourly updates. Boreal is the first resort off of Interstate 80 driving from Sacramento and the Bay. Chains and/or 4WD/AWD are recommended when driving in the mountains during the winter and be cautious while driving when it is snowing.

Groups
If you are planning on taking your first ride with more than twenty people, be sure to take advantage of Boreal’s group rates. You can find more information in the Passes section of the website. You will receive one free lift pass for every 20 passes purchased.

Equipment
Whether you want to ski or ride for the first time, Boreal has the gear you need. Once you get to the mountain you can head straight for the rental shop and Boreal’s expert rental staff will fit you with the proper equipment. If you are borrowing a friend’s equipment then make sure our rental staff makes certain that it is properly fitted for you. You should never ski or ride equipment that is not the right size or not properly adjusted.

Essentials
When traveling to the snow it is always best to be prepared for anything. The conditions are always changing so you should always bring the proper accessories. Below is a list of some first ride essentials:

Sunscreen / chapstick
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Layers
Sun glasses
Goggles
Waterproof Gloves
Wool hat
Long underwear
Change of clothes

If you forget to bring some of the essentials to the mountain you can always purchase them at Boreal’s Underground Sports. Boreal’s helpful staff will help outfit you with your needs. Boreal even rents adult snow bibs and jackets.

Parking
When you arrive at Boreal the first thing to do is park the car. Boreal has a massive parking lot so you and your family will waste no time finding a spot.

Passes / Lessons
Boreal offers beginner packages that include a lift pass, ski or snowboard rental and a 1 ¾ hour lesson. The Learn-to package is an excellent way to learn to ride and save money. You can purchase your package at the rental counter or at the Special Ticket Desk located on the first floor of the main lodge. Boreal offers private and group lessons for all skill levels. Children ages 4 -10 can register for the Boreal Kids Club and learn to ski and ride with other kids their age.

Rentals
Once you have purchased your lift pass and secured your spot in one of Boreal’s ski or snowboard lessons you are ready to be fitted with gear. Boreal’s rental shop is located on the first floor of the main lodge. At the rental shop you will fill out a rental form and Boreal’s expert rental staff will properly fit you with the appropriate gear. If you rent your gear from Boreal you receive free all-day ski and board check service. Accessory lockers are available to store your shoes or clothing for two dollars. After you have been fitted properly you can exit the rental shop right to the base of the mountain and meet your ski or board instructor at the Ski/Board School Meeting Area. You are now ready for your first ride.

Food
If you would like to buy a snack before you begin your lesson you can walk up to the food court on the second floor of the Boreal main lodge.