First Timer?
Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is the ideal place for a first-time skier or snowboarder to be introduced to the joys of snow sports! We are so glad you will be joining us, and offer you the following tips to make your first visit a pleasure….
Are you a skier or a snowboarder? Some people believe that snowboarding is easier on your knees, or is easier to master if you have previous experience on a skateboard. Others opt for skiing because they have a background in bicycling or cross country skiing, and feel that those types activities will transfer well into alpine (downhill) skiing. There is no wrong choice here – it is all a matter of personal preference.
Here are some other frequently asked questions. Click on one, and it will jump you directly to the answer....
1) TAKE A LESSON. The Learning Center at Mohawk Mountain offers ski and snowboard lessons for every age and ability, on convenient schedules. We have an outstanding children’s program, SNOWHAWKS, for kids between the ages of 5 and 13, with lessons offered at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12 noon, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For anyone age 12 and older, our group lessons are an excellent option, and are offered on a daily basis at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For the very young – age 4 – we offer a popular class called Parent-Tot – an accomplished skiing parent (skis blue and higher) skis with the child, and learns how to teach the child to ski. For the 2012-2013 we wil offer a Parent-Tot SNOWBOARD version of ths poplular class. Dates TBA. Private lessons are also available. If you have questions about the lesson, call the friendly staff at the Learning Center at Mohawk Mountain. They can be reached every day, from our opening time to 8:00 p.m. at 860.672.6100. One word of advice – learn from a pro. Your friend (or spouse) is not usually the best choice for a teacher. If it’s been a few years since you have been on skis or a board, a lesson is good idea. Equipment has changed drastically over the past few years, as have the techniques skiers and boarders use to take advantage of the technological improvements you are seeing in the equipment.
2) RENT TOP QUALITY EQUIPMENT. Skis, boards, boots, and bindings have all undergone dramatic evolution in recent years. If you remember the days of painful, pinchy boots, and endlessly long straight skis, you are in for a surprise. Today’s ski and snowboard boots are hi tech, lightweight, warm and COMFY! Skis are shorter and have a parabolic shape. Edges are sharper and more angled. In short, leave your old stuff at home and rent the latest in hi-tech ski and snowboard equipment from our friendly technicians in the rental shop. We’ll custom fit your equipment, and send you out on the snow with a smile. We’ll also take the time to share with you how your equipment works, which is vital to your safety and enjoyment on the slopes.
Rental packages include the following items: SKI RENTALS: Ski, bindings, boots and poles.. SNOWBOARD RENTALS: Snowboard, bindings, boots. Rental packages do not include helmets – they are available for rent as a separate item. We do not rent clothing, goggles, gloves or other garments. If needed, you can purchase those items in our Ski Store, in upper level of the Main Lodge.
Be prepared to spend at least 20-30 minutes per person ( longer on a busy day) being fitted for your equipment in the rental department. We want to make sure we fit you properly, double check all of your settings, and teach you about your equipment and its functions. Anyone under the age of 16 will require parental signatures on their rental agreement forms, and children in our Snowhawks programs require parental signatures on their lesson waivers. Be sure to plan this time into your visit.
3) START WITH A NUTMEG LIFT TICKET. A Nutmeg lift ticket is a beginner area lift ticket – it gives you access to the magic carpet (a stand-upon conveyor style lift that moves you up the slope) and the brand new Nutmeg Triple Chair lift ( a sit upon lift that carries you above the ground, and requires you to mount and dismount), two lifts that serve our beginner area. If you, or your child, is a brand new skier or snowboarder, spending your time in the Nutmeg area while you develop your skills is an excellent idea. If you advance rapidly, and want the opportunity to ski the entire mountain, you can upgrade your lift ticket to an ALL MOUNTAIN lift ticket for an additional $10. Simply visit the main ticket window, and ask for an upgrade. 
4) DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. You will be most comfortable if you dress in garments appropriate for the weather and the activity. Do wear layers – that way you can adjust if you are too warm or too cold. Long underwear is a great base layer, but many people substitute pajama pants, thin sweat pants, running tights, etc. Never wear denim jeans skiing – they get stiff, absorb water, and are very uncomfortable in the snow. Whatever you choose to layer underneath, your top layer should be both windproof and water proof. Parkas, snow pants, waterproof (not fabric or knit) gloves or mittens, and thick, comfy socks are always good items to stick into your gear bag on a ski/snowboard day. You don’t need to purchase a lot of expensive new clothes to enjoy a day on the slopes – check your closet. If in doubt, give us a call – or choose something made of nylon.
5) DO I NEED AN HELMET? Wearing a helmet is a personal choice, as the State of Connecticut does not have a statute regarding skiing/snowboarding and helmet use. Helmets are not included in any of our rental packages, but are available as a separate item at a rate of $10 per day, or can be purchased in our ski store. A helmet should fit snugly, with the chin strap secured, and should be fit by someone who knows how to do so properly. Don’t borrow helmets or buy them second-hand – you don’t know what you are getting. For more information about helmets visit this informative website, Lids on Kids.
6) SHOULD I BUY A PACKAGE? Packages are a great, economical way to get a taste of skiing and snowboarding. An Adult can purchase a NUTMEG LEARN TO package for only $70 on weekends and holidays – and it includes an 8 hour Nutmeg area lift ticket (value $30), a complete rental package ($38 value) and a 1-1/2 hour group lesson ($30 value). It’s a great deal. It's an even greater on the weekday at a cost of $60. An Adult can purchase a Nutmeg Learn To at Night package for only $55 on weekends and holidays and $45 on weeknights- and it includes an 4 hour Nutmeg area lift ticket, a complete rental package, and a 1-1/2 hour group lesson at 7 p.m.
We offer similar package savings for SNOWHAWKS for children – you can purchase a SNOWHAWKS lesson with a lift ticket and rental package for only $95. Only want to ski 4 hours? Deduct $5.00 for a 4-hour ticket instead!
7) WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT MOHAWK MOUNTAIN? Mohawk is a full-service ski and snowboard resort, with 25 trails and 7 lifts. We are open every day until 10:00 p.m., except Sunday when we close at 4:00 p.m. Our main lodge is our central hub, and offers a cafeteria style restaurant, a full-service ski shop, our main office, 5 ticket windows, and lots of cozy space to sit and enjoy a hot chocolate by the roaring fire. The lower level of the lodge offers our rentals department, Express Line Pickup Area, The Learning Center at Mohawk Mountain, and more seating. There are men’s and ladies bathrooms on the upper floor of the main lodge, as well as an ATM machine.
8) CAN I STORE MY GEAR IN THE LODGE? There is limited storage inside the lodge – cubby holes and hooks are available on the upper level, and there are lockers (coin-operated) on the lower level. Like any public place, you should secure your belongings, and don’t leave valuable items unattended, including your skis/boards. It’s a good idea to leave your large gear bags stowed in your car. Always lock your skis and boards. We have locking racks on the deck and keys are available for purchase in our ski shop.
9) WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME? You'll want to inlcude these items in your bag: eye protection (sun reflecting off snow is BRIGHT!), sunscreen, a few dollars to get a hot cocoa in the cafeteria, and your sense of adventure. Skiing and snowboarding is the most fun you will have this winter!
10) ARE THERE CHANGING AREAS? No, we do not have private changing areas. Most people wear their under layers when they travel here, and simply pull on their outer layers in the lodge or in their vehicle. Rest rooms are located on the upper level of the Main Lodge, next to the Ski Shop.
11.) DO YOU HAVE ONSITE LODGING? No, Mohawk Mountain does not offer any on-site lodging. We can recommend several lovely properties in the area that we partner with to provide you excellent accommodations. Please visit our lodging page for more info on these properties.
A typical visit to Mohawk goes something like this:
- Arrive about 1-1/2 hours before your lesson time.
- Park your car, and grab your gear bag, leaving any other valuable or small electronics safely stowed in your locked vehicle.
- Head into the lower level of the main lodge to put on your outdoor gear, and stow your bag.
- Purchase your lesson/lift ticket/rental package or pick up your EXPRESS LINE order.
- Proceed directly to boot fitting, where one our friendly technicians will guide you through the rental process.
- Exit the rentals department right onto the snow, and bear left toward the sign that says Mohawk Learning Center Meeting Area. Your instructor will be waiting for you, at the designated time, and introduce you to the fun that awaits you at Mohawk Mountain!
