Mountain Magic

Mountain Magic: The best way to learn guaranteed...Are you a first time Skier or Rider?                         
Gunstock invites all new skiers and riders to join the nationally recognized and award winning learn to ski or ride program - Mountain Magic.  Whether you are 6 or 106, your first day is magical.  This all-inclusive package offers Head BYS System rental skis and/ or Burton LTR Boards, lift tickets, and instruction from patient, fun, and passionate instructors.  

1. Read through the following sections that will help make your first visit enjoyable.
2. Get directions to Gunstock Mountain Resort. (click here)
3. Relax and get ready to make turns and have fun.

Your First Trip

What to wear? - You don't need to have the most expensive or the most stylish winter clothes but you do need to have the right type of clothes to stay dry and comfortable in almost any weather. 

Layering is the key to keeping warm.

• Layer #1 - Base - Socks, thermal underwear, undershirt. Choose a synthetic material/ blend (avoid 100% cotton) that will wick moisture away from the body. Socks (1 Pair) should be thin and long enough to rise above the boot.
• Layer #2 - Insulating - Fleece or wool works very well as a middle layer.
• Layer #3 - Outer Layer - Gloves, Coat, Ski or Snow pants - Waterproof and wind resistant is the key.
• Headwear - 90% of our body heat escapes through our head. Helmets are recommended for both safety and warmth. Rentals are available or a good tight knit hat with a soft itch less headband will address warmth. For more information on helmets for you and your child visit http://www.lidsonkids.org/
• Frostbite Protection - cover up any exposed skin by using a neck warmer or better a product called a Belaclava will cover the top of the head as well as protect the face and neck. A belaclava also fits under a helmet or hat. 
• Eye protection - Goggles or sunglasses are essential to protect from reflection of the snow and blowing snow.
• UV Protection - Sun screen is essential while skiing or snowboarding as the sun is hitting you from above and below (the reflection from the snow).

What to Bring:

• Just like going to the beach or the amusement park it is a good idea to bring extra clothes. If for nothing else than to change for après ski and/ or the ride home after a day of physical activity.
• A back pack or tote bag just like you would bring to the beach is helpful for carrying clothes and shoes from the car to the rental shop and finally to your meeting place in the lodge.

What to Eat: 

• Prepare for a day of movement outdoors. Eat some healthy meals and snacks prior to your visit, drink plenty of water on the days prior to your visit and have hearty/ healthy breakfast on the morning of your first visit to Gunstock Mountain Resort.

When You Arrive:

• Bathrooms are available on the lowest level of the main lodge.
• If you would like to drop people or gear off prior to parking head for the 2 minute drop off zone.
• Once you have unloaded head for the parking lot & look for our faithful parking lot attendants in bright yellow coats. These experts will guide you to a safe spot in one of our parking lots.
• Now you will head to the Welcome Center. As you cross the foot bridge heading toward the lodge look for the Green Awning over a set of double doors that says Welcome Center...and look for the Mountain Magic Logo in the window.

What to do:

• Complete a release form head for the counter on your right or to the left as you enter the Welcome Center. You can fill out the forms (one for each new skier or rider) 
• Follow the queue to the next available Guest Services Associate who will complete the transaction and direct you to the rental shop.

What Next:

• It is time to get your equipment so you can get on snow for the First Time!
• The sales associate will direct you to the Ski & Snowboard Rental Shop (downstairs). If part of your group is skiing and the rest are snowboarding take care of any children first. Once they have their equipment and are waiting safely it is time to get your equipment.
• As a Mountain Magic participant you will be moved quickly through the rental process...just identify yourself as a Mountain Magic participant when you see a rental shop employee.
• Once you have your equipment you will want to find a place in the lodge to get ready to get on snow.
  
  • The best place for your skis/snowboard is in our Free Ski/ Board check located on snow under the deck of the Main Lodge.
  • We have lockers and baskets available for rent on the lower level of the Main Lodge (just behind the ski/ board check).
  • Bathrooms are available on this level of the Main Lodge.
  • Once you have stored your gear, added necessary layers, and put your boots on it is time to get on snow and meet your Learning Center Ski or Ride Pro.

Magic Mountain Meeting Place:

• Retrieve you skis or board from the Free Ski/ Board check and head up the small hill toward the Mountain Magic banners located next to the Children's Center called "Base Camp"
• If you have some time before you lesson walk around in your boots and explore the base area of Gunstock. Walk past the Mountain Magic meeting place to the right and look for the Wonder Carpet conveyor lift. This is where you will slide for the first time and probably where you will make your first turns. Take a look at the Thrill Hill Tubing Park and make note of the chairlift just to the left of the tubing hill. This will likely be where you take your first chairlift ride on your new equipment. Moving around like this will help you get the feel for moving in ski/ board equipment.
• Once you meet your Pro tell him or her about you. Describe other activities you are involved in, describe your learning style. Anything you can tell your Pro about yourself will help her/ him relate the lesson to you personally which will make the learning process Fun and Easy.
• Relax, make turns, and have a Great Experience in Mountain Magic TM!

You are on your way to a lifetime of fun and excitement that you and your family & friends can enjoy together.

Have fun and enjoy the view!