First Time Skiing? Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Bousquet

For your first time skiing, dress in three layers: a moisture-wicking base layer (like a long-sleeve athletic shirt), a warm mid-layer (fleece or sweatshirt), and a waterproof outer layer (ski jacket and snow pants).

You’ll also need warm socks, waterproof gloves or mittens, a helmet, and goggles or sunglasses.

Don’t have waterproof ski pants? Regular jeans or sweatpants work for your first visit, though waterproof gear keeps you more comfortable.

Our onsite retail shop with Berkshire Bike & Board carries snow pants, jackets, gloves, helmets, and goggles if you need to pick anything up.

Read our complete guide on what to wear skiing.

No! You don’t need to own any ski equipment for your first time.

Bousquet Mountain has a full-service rental shop where you can rent skis or a snowboard, boots, and a helmet.

Our First Timers Package includes all your rental equipment, plus a lesson and lift ticket. Renting is the smart choice for beginners – it lets you try skiing or snowboarding without any gear investment! 

First-time skiers should skip poles; they’re not needed when you’re learning basic turns and balance.

Arrive 45-60 minutes before your lesson start time, especially if you booked a package that includes rentals. This gives you time to park, purchase or pick up your lift ticket, check in at the rental shop, get fitted for equipment, and meet your instructor on the snow ready to go.

Our Ski and Ride School handles all lessons and programs at Bousquet. Arriving early ensures you’re not rushed and can start your lesson on time.

Ski and snowboard lessons (both private and group lessons) include instruction only. You’ll need to purchase your lift ticket and rent equipment separately.

Our packages, like the First Timers Package, bundle everything together: instruction, equipment rentals (skis or snowboard, boots, helmet), and an 8-hour lift ticket.

Packages are the most convenient and affordable option for first-time skiers and snowboarders.

Lessons and packages sell out quickly, so we recommend booking in advance.

Yes! While waterproof ski pants are ideal because they keep you dry when sitting in the snow (which happens a lot when you’re learning), you can absolutely wear jeans or sweatpants for your first visit to Bousquet Mountain.

We want skiing to be accessible to everyone, so don’t let not having the “perfect” gear stop you from trying the sport.

If you decide you want waterproof gear, our retail shop carries snow pants and other ski clothing at the mountain.

Absolutely! Bousquet Mountain is a family-owned ski resort in the Berkshires that’s been welcoming first-time skiers since 1932.

We have beginner-friendly terrain, experienced instructors through our Ski and Ride School, and a relaxed, non-intimidating atmosphere perfect for learning.

Our First Timers Package includes everything you need for a successful first day: equipment, instruction, and lift access.

Plus, we’re locally owned and operated, so you’ll get personalized attention and a welcoming community vibe.

If you have family or friends who don’t ski or snowboard, snow tubing at Bousquet is a fantastic option!

Tubing requires no experience and is fun for all ages (participants must be 42″ tall). We offer tubing sessions throughout the day during our operating season.

Reservations are highly recommended as tubing sessions sell out. You can also warm up in our lodge, grab food at Drifters, or simply enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

While lessons aren’t required, they’re highly recommended for first-time skiers and snowboarders.

A lesson from our professional instructors will teach you proper technique, help you learn faster, keep you safer on the mountain, and make your experience way more enjoyable.

You’ll spend less time frustrated and more time having fun.

Our First Timers Package includes a lesson along with equipment and lift access; it’s the best way to start your skiing or snowboarding journey at Bousquet Mountain.

Bousquet Mountain has specific refund policies for lessons, rentals, lift tickets, and tubing. Generally, we recommend reviewing our complete refund policies before booking.

Weather conditions, personal circumstances, and timing all factor into refund eligibility.

For the most up-to-date information on cancellations and refunds, visit our policies page or contact us at (413) 442-8985 or info@bousquetmountain.com.

Bousquet Mountain is located at 101 Dan Fox Drive in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshires.

We’re easily accessible from Albany (45 minutes), Boston (2.5 hours), and New York City (3 hours).

For detailed directions, parking information, and our current hours of operation, visit our Hours & Location page.

Free parking is available in our main lot.