Thinking of snowboarding? Here’s what to expect from a Great Bear lesson

This piece is sponsored by Great Bear Ski Valley.

Trying something new is intimidating. If that’s what has been stopping you from learning how to ski or snowboard, Great Bear Ski Valley gets it. To help ease those nerves, a Great Bear employee who had never been on snow before decided to take a snowboarding lesson and share what the experience was really like.

Here are five things to expect in a 90-minute private lesson, straight from a first-timer’s experience.

1. Plan ahead

Before taking a lesson, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared. It all starts with the booking. Hop on the Great Bear website, and book a private lesson. Don’t forget to fill out your rental waiver while you’re at it — this makes check-in a breeze.

Next, grab your gear: snow pants, a coat, a hat, gloves and one pair of thick socks. Po tip: Never double up on your socks! Once you’re geared up, make your way to Great Bear, check in with guest services and you’ll be set to meet your instructor and take your very first lesson.

2. Safety always comes first

At Great Bear, safety is always the priority, so here’s a pro tip: Make sure to rent a helmet along with your other gear. Instructors emphasize safety from the very start, beginning each lesson by going over your equipment and showing you how to wear it properly.

Not only will you learn about the safety of your gear but also the safety of falling. Let’s be honest: You’re going to fall — multiple times probably — but learning how to do it safely makes a big difference and helps beginners feel more comfortable right from the start.

3. Learning the basics — and why they matter

Watching people fly down the hill and pull off cool tricks can be exciting, but true confidence starts with mastering the fundamentals. Once safety is covered, instructors focus on essential skills like how to stop, how to control your speed, basic slope rules, proper body positioning and turning techniques.

They’ll break down everything step by step, making sure you understand not just how to do it but also why it matters. These basics might not feel flashy at first, but they are the building blocks that make everything else click. With a solid foundation, each run becomes easier, more natural and much more fun, setting you up for success as the lesson progresses.

4. Practice, practice, practice

Once the basics are covered, it’s time to put them into action. Lessons begin at the bottom of the bunny hill, giving beginners a chance to practice in a low-pressure environment. While it may feel slow at first, this part is incredibly helpful for building confidence and making everything feel more natural before heading higher up the hill.

Then comes the big moment: bringing all that practice to the top of the bunny hill. It can feel intimidating, but Great Bear instructors do a great job of calming nerves and guiding beginners through it. They show where to start and stay close along the way. For this first-time snowboarder, the very first run didn’t go far — but thanks to proper instruction, it was a safe fall and an important part of the learning process.

5. Wanting more of those memories

Maybe you’re not an Olympic-level snowboarder yet, but the progress you can make in just one lesson is impressive. With each run, confidence grows, and riders start to feel more comfortable on the snow. By the end of the lesson, many first-timers — even ski area employees trying it for the first time — are already thinking about booking the next one.

At Great Bear, it’s all about creating fun memories with your friends and family, and taking a lesson is the perfect way to get started.