PLANNING YOUR VISIT

What is the best age for children to start snow sports?
All children develop emotionally, physically, and mentally at different rates. If you feel your child is able to tolerate being away from you for the duration of the lesson, will be comfortable with the surroundings, and can use the bathroom on his or her own then he or she is most likely ready for lessons!

How old does my child have to be?
We offer ski lessons for children as young as 2 1/2 years old for private lessons or 7 for group lessons. We offer group lessons for snowboarding for children as young as 7, (private lessons are available for younger than 7 please call our ski school for more details). Our 5-Week program lesson (begins in January) does have limited ski lesson availability for ages 2 ½ thru 4, see pre-register for details.

Should my child ski or snowboard?
This choice is completely up to you and your child. Snowboarding generally takes more physical strength and balance than skiing and may be frustrating for those of whom haven't developed the proper leg strength. In some cases it may help to start with skiing to develop strength and balance.

Can I pre-register/reserve for ski/snowboard school?
Yes.  For our 5-week or February Vacation Programs, you must register in advance (registrations for the 5-week begin mid-September. These programs sell out quickly and can be sold out as early as one week after registration opens. February Vacation program registration begins mid-January). Private lessons are booked 48 hours in advance by calling 294-3802 ext. 110; however, we can accommodate walk-ins within a short wait. We do not accept reservations for our Walk-in Group lessons. They are held 2-3 times daily and must be purchased at least 20 minutes before the designated lesson time.

Will my child enjoy a group lesson or prefer a private lesson?
Some children may not feel as conspicuous when they're with others who are just starting to learn, while others prefer to learn at their own pace without distraction of others in a group. Consider these questions about your choice:
Does he/she like being around other kids? Does he/she need personal attention, or prefer personal, one-on-one attention? Do you imagine a situation in which your child may want more flexible scheduling or pacing than might be available in a group lesson?

Where do I go when I arrive?

Arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your lesson to provide adequate time to obtain rentals, get dressed, use the bathroom and be at the meeting area at least 10 minutes prior to lesson time.

Walk-in group lessons, private lessons, lift passes and rentals are all sold at the one of the 3 ticket windows (before going down hallway). For a reserved private lesson, give them the name you reserved your lesson under and let them know if and how many equipment rentals you need to purchase. You may also want to purchase a lift pass for after your lesson (lift passes are not needed for the duration of the lesson).

If you will be participating in a walk-in group lesson, you can purchase the lesson and/or lift package (that includes a lift pass and rental if needed/desired, lesson only packages are also available).

If you are renting equipment your next step will be the rental shop with your rental form (you will receive after payment) and a parent if you are under age 18. Once you have your equipment, head inside the main lodge to get your boots on.

Leave your skis or snowboard outside along the fence in a place you will remember. Enter the main lodge using the IN/OUT doors. The first room you come to is the cafeteria, if you head to your right through the stone archway into what we call the "brown bag room", in the back corner of that room is the Snow Sports desk, where you will meet your instructor if you are taking a private lesson.

Walk-in group lesson participants should head back outside to the Snow School Meeting Area which is behind the rental shop near the gazebo (next to Proud Mary Chair Lift) to meet your instructor about 10 minutes before your lesson time.

5-Week Program/February Vacation Program Participants
There is no need to stop at the ticket windows when you arrive. Students are to meet their instructor at the Snow Sports Meeting Area near the Gazebo and Proud Mary Chair Lift. Stations have been assigned for all program participants. Stations are clearly numbered along the perimeter of the meeting area. Students who will be renting equipment for the program, must first stop into the rental shop to pick up their equipment (which will be labeled with students name). Return equipment to the rental shop at the end of your lesson.

WHAT TO WEAR

Layers. Layers. Layers. Winter in Rhode Island is very unpredictable. It could be frigid and cloudy in the morning and warm and sunny that afternoon. Wear layers of clothing allowing you to adjust to the temperatures throughout the day. The most common layer system is based on 3 layers:

1. Base Layer - The layer that is worn next your skin, usually thermal long underwear. For this layer pick a material that wicks (fabric absorbs moisture from skin and evaporates it to keep you dry). Wearing a wicking material will keep you warm and dry while enjoying physical activities in the crisp winter air.

2. Middle Layer –This layer is generally a sweater, vest or sweatshirt. This layers purpose is to keep you warm, and keep the cold air out. Popular materials include fleece a material that insulates even when wet and wool which also wicks away moisture.

3. Outer Layer – Your coat, jacket or parka and snow pants. This layer should be wind and water resistant while allowing air flow from perspiration in order to keep you dry and warm.

Lower Body

Snow/Ski/Snowboard pants that are water and wind resistant. Try going through a 2-hour lesson with snow in your boots. Kids do it all the time. Children’s ski pants ride up a lot, especially when lift attendants pick them up to load the lift. Longer pants with their elastic cuffs pulled down below the boot’s top buckles will save you a lot of bending over to adjust your child’s pant legs. Snowboard pants tend to fit “baggy” to allow free movement and are usually reinforced in the seat and knees for kneeling or sitting in the snow.

Head Wear

You’ve most likely heard it before; most of your body heat is lost through your head. Well it’s true, so a warm hat is a must!

Helmets have become very popular over the years, not only with children, but with adults as well. Wearing a helmet is a very personal decision and is not required at Yawgoo Valley. We do not rent them in our rental shop, however, our Pro Shop has a great selection of helmets for sale. Should you decide to purchase a helmet, make sure the child is present so the helmet fits your child and also they can pick out a color/style they are willing to wear. For smaller children, a lightweight helmet is recommended. Ski and snowboard helmets are specifically designed for protecting the head when participating in snow sports and should not be substituted with a bike helmet.

Sunglasses or goggles on really windy or snowy days are a good idea to protect your eyes.

Neck gaiters are a great idea to protect your neck and even face from sun and harsh weather. Stay away from scarves as they tend to hang and may catch on the chair lift/rope tow or even fall off altogether.

Hands

As long as they are waterproof and fit correctly, the choice is yours, mitten or glove style. Mittens tend to be warmer and easier with young children, while more advance/older children prefer gloves. Please no knitted mittens or gloves as they tend to get wet and icy and even collect snow.

Footwear

Visit your local sports shop or Yawgoo Valley Pro Shop for all your gear & equipment needs.