OP, you need to get there as soon as they open on a Saturday or Sunday and pay for a group lesson. Then you'll have all day to figure it out. By late in the day, most of you should be up on your feet and going down the basic hills. It will get fun towards the end of your first 8 hour days. Before that it's not really fun at all---lots of feeling awkward and falling down.

Night skiing is icy and cold. I don't particularly enjoy it. My kids do because they love to go super fast and don't seem to ever get cold.

Good luck and have fun!!

are they even open past 6pm?

Anonymous wrote:OP, it's not like ice skating where you can kind of hop in and out. Conditions matter a great deal, and you REALLY need someone who has experience, preferably an instructor, to show you everything. I worry that you won't even be able to get yourself in and out of skis and boots in this situaion. Do you know how to get up when you fall over? Do you know how tight the boots need to be? Or how to get into a binding?

OP here. Just want to thank everyone for sharing their guidance and experiences. I now see that rushing into this is not ideal at all and I do want our first ski outing to be a good one. (Quite) a bit more planning is in order!
Thx to all

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wait, you want to start skiing as it gets dark? For a first time? This is a TERRIBLE idea. Skiing with less light is really a challenge as you can't see the terrain conditions very well.

Do yourself a favor- go bookl a "first time" package that includes rental equipment and a lesson for everyone. During the day.

OP here. I appreciate this feedback. We were thinking of sticking to bunny hills. Would that still be a no-go in the dark hours? I am thinking now yes ...

Novie skiiers will stick to the bunny hills for a while. I think your ambiotion exceeds the reality of your situation!

OP, it's not like ice skating where you can kind of hop in and out. Conditions matter a great deal, and you REALLY need someone who has experience, preferably an instructor, to show you everything. I worry that you won't even be able to get yourself in and out of skis and boots in this situaion. Do you know how to get up when you fall over? Do you know how tight the boots need to be? Or how to get into a binding?

Can you possibly do it for the first time on a day where you can plan at least a few days in advance? Can it be rescheduled? The experience will be much better, not to mention the safety for new skiers.

In theory, you COULD do it if you can get the reservations done online. But it's Friday, and there's not really pressure to end your day skiing before nightfall, you know? Few people are going to work tomorrow.

You also would benefit from nailing down the logistics. Are you the OP of this ongoing thread, "Help me out - never been skiing" https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1026953.page

If not, might be worth a look.

Anonymous wrote:We had a similar group over the holidays. What we did is book a lessons package that included lessons, equipment rental etc. Took lesson in the morning, break for lunch and then spent the afternoon skiing the bunny slopes. Some in our group graduated to the green slopes by the end of the afternoon. I agree with PP - for first time skiers, going in the dark will not be ideal

OP-- do this!!!!!

We had a similar group over the holidays. What we did is book a lessons package that included lessons, equipment rental etc. Took lesson in the morning, break for lunch and then spent the afternoon skiing the bunny slopes. Some in our group graduated to the green slopes by the end of the afternoon. I agree with PP - for first time skiers, going in the dark will not be ideal

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wait, you want to start skiing as it gets dark? For a first time? This is a TERRIBLE idea. Skiing with less light is really a challenge as you can't see the terrain conditions very well.

Do yourself a favor- go bookl a "first time" package that includes rental equipment and a lesson for everyone. During the day.

OP here. I appreciate this feedback. We were thinking of sticking to bunny hills. Would that still be a no-go in the dark hours? I am thinking now yes ...

Yes. Seriously, it will get icy, slick and not fun. Plus cold. AND expensive for what will wind up being less than an hour.

Turn the car around, go to lunch somewhere.

Make a booking for the whole package including lessons for another day. Don't worry about when, but you need to start when its going to be fun and enjoyable. Not scary and cold.

Anonymous wrote:Wait, you want to start skiing as it gets dark? For a first time? This is a TERRIBLE idea. Skiing with less light is really a challenge as you can't see the terrain conditions very well.

Do yourself a favor- go bookl a "first time" package that includes rental equipment and a lesson for everyone. During the day.

OP here. I appreciate this feedback. We were thinking of sticking to bunny hills. Would that still be a no-go in the dark hours? I am thinking now yes ...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Need to go online and reserve. Many places are reservation only

Thank you. I am hoping we are not to late for this afternoon

You are absolutely too late for this afternoon, for new skiers without equipment.

Wait, you want to start skiing as it gets dark? For a first time? This is a TERRIBLE idea. Skiing with less light is really a challenge as you can't see the terrain conditions very well.

Do yourself a favor- go bookl a "first time" package that includes rental equipment and a lesson for everyone. During the day.

Anonymous wrote:Need to go online and reserve. Many places are reservation only

Thank you. I am hoping we are not to late for this afternoon

Need to go online and reserve. Many places are reservation only

Majority of group has never skied before so a bit lost. Planning an early afternoon trip to local ski place in PA but should get there just before dark.
I imagine it would be crowded today? If so will there still be ski equipment available to rent at such a late arrival. Am thinking that the day skiers will just be leaving when we arrive. Any tips appreciated