Featured image: Visit Reno Tahoe
Growing up in the South, skiing always felt like an adventure reserved for those who lived in wintry, mountainous parts of the country. And once I reached adulthood with one sad local ski trip under my belt, I thought I had totally missed my opportunity to learn.
But after a trip to Lake Tahoe last winter, I realized that even first-time skiers can have an incredible experience with the right destination and a little preparation. With easy access through Reno and two resorts that cater to beginners while offering world-class scenery, this trip proved that skiing isn’t just for seasoned pros, and that us Southerners can hold our own.
These are my top tips if you’re interested in a ski trip as a first-timer.
Tip: Pack Wisely
Packing (and shopping) is an important part of any trip, but even more so when you’re prepping for winter weather. If you’ve never skied before, know this—being cold isn’t the problem: it’s overheating, sweating, and then getting cold that can make your day miserable. Sometimes I feel like I’m living in a perpetual hot flash, and exceptions were not made just because I was surrounded by snow. Skiing is exercise, and exercise makes you hot.
Layering is key: start with a moisture-wicking base layer (avoid cotton), add an insulated mid-layer, and finish with a waterproof ski jacket and pants. You can remove and swap layers as the day goes on and the sun rises to keep yourself from both overheating and getting too cold. A helmet is a must, especially for beginners, and don’t forget goggles, gloves, and wool socks. And, pack plenty of sunscreen!
Tip: Pick the Right Destination
I had skied a few times at small resorts around the South, but I was feeling ready for the big leagues when I was invited on a press trip to Reno and Lake Tahoe. At first, I was terrified I was signing myself up for an ACL tear or an expensive med-evac, but the PR team assured me I’d be just fine. Spoiler alert: I was!
Mt. Rose
Flying into Reno, I stayed downtown, where the lively, urban energy made for a fun start to the trip. My first ski day was at Mt. Rose, a smaller, approachable mountain that was perfect for a refresher course in ski school. The resort’s high base elevation of 8,260 feet helped it become the first ski area to open for the 2024-25 season, thanks to early snowfall and prime conditions.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Mt. Rose has invested $2.2 million in upgrades, including a revamped dining area featuring a new Taco Bar (because après ski tacos are a must), improved snowmaking, trail enhancements, and a new snowcat for even better snow conditions.
Palisades Tahoe
The next day, I headed to Palisades Tahoe, a resort steeped in history as the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. If Mt. Rose felt manageable, Palisades was the complete opposite—a massive, awe-inspiring mountain with an incredible après-ski village and electric energy. That day, an international downhill competition was also taking place, adding to the excitement (and the growing nerves).
At first, I was overwhelmed by the scale of it all, but I was thrilled to discover that the beginner ski area is actually at the top of the mountain. Unlike many resorts where novice skiers are stuck at the base, even Palisades’ bunny slope and green runs offer breathtaking, wide-open beginner terrain with stunning panoramic views of the Sierra Nevadas and glimpses of Lake Tahoe.
The wide, spacious slopes at Palisades were ideal for learning, with fewer obstacles and plenty of room to practice turns without the pressure of advanced skiers whizzing by. This season, Palisades Tahoe is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and new investments include $1.4 million in snowmaking upgrades and a commitment to sustainability with Neste renewable diesel powering all of the resort’s snowcats. The newly opened Little Bear Café, located near the Tram, is a cozy stop for fresh-baked pastries, coffee, sandwiches, and locally sourced goods—a perfect way to refuel between runs.
Tip: Ski School is a Must
No matter how athletic you are, ski school is non-negotiable. Learning the basics—how to stop, turn, and get on and off the lift—will make your experience infinitely more enjoyable. At Mt. Rose, the ski instructors were patient, encouraging, and even provided fascinating history on the mountain and the resort.
I felt comfortable on the beginner terrain and, more importantly, confident enough to try a bigger mountain the next day. If you’re new to skiing, start at a resort known for good instruction and beginner-friendly slopes like Mt. Rose.
For those looking to extend their ski day, Mt. Rose has also expanded its popular ‘Open Late’ hours to both Fridays and Saturdays beginning in February 2025, which is a great way to get more practice in after the crowds thin out.
Tip: Be Cognisant of Elevation Changes
I learned this lesson the hard way during my first trip to Switzerland: alcohol hits different at high elevations, and before you know it, a few glasses of champagne will knock you backward. Aprés ski shenanigans are, arguably, the best part of a ski trip, but remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Other elevation-related considerations: moisturize your skin and lips often, drink tons of water and electrolytes, take breaks to catch your breath (and don’t be too hard on yourself for getting winded walking around), and know there’s no harm in calling it a day when you feel you’ve had enough.
Happy skiing!
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