A First-Timer's Guide to Waterville Valley Resort

Section 2: When You Get to the Mountain

Now that you've arrived at Waterville Valley, the following tips will sail you through the preparation process and get you out on the slopes for a grand day of adventure. We suggest tackling your preparations in this order:

1. Park Your Vehicle

Arrive Early! Just a few of the many benefits of arriving early are:

You can obtain a parking space in the lot close to the lodge
You'll avoid carrying your belongings a long distance
More rental equipment is available early in the day
The snow conditions are generally best in the morning as well, and lift lines are the shortest

All in all, it's the best part of the day to be on the mountain.

Valet parking at $15 is a great help to parents with young children or if you get here late - you pull in to the unload area and hand over your keys - at end of day, we'll bring your car to you.

Waterville Valley's lifts operate Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:45pm. On weekends and holidays, lifts run from 8:00am to 3:45pm. Ticket windows open one-half hour before lifts open.

By arriving early (one-half to one hour prior to lift opening), you're almost assured a good spot in the upper parking lots. Waterville Valley has a single central base area, at the top of the parking lots.

If you cannot obtain a parking spot close to the lodge, feel free to make use of our 5-minute unloading area, located in front of our base lodge. You can pull into this area, drop off your party and their belongings, and then proceed to a parking spot. Please note, these areas are reserved for drop off/pick up only. Vehicles left unattended in these areas will be towed.

2. Store Your Belongings

If you are carrying extra clothing and gear, go directly to the base lodge. Lockers are available for rent, and your belongings will be secure and accessible to you all day. We also have a basket check on the 2nd floor of the base lodge, which is a secure and economical way to store your stuff.

3. Need a Lesson?

Lift tickets are available right at the Snowsports desk! If you don't need a lesson, skip Step #3 and go directly to Step 4.

We strongly recommend our Intro to Sliding Package for all first-timers. Using the latest equipment and teaching techniques, our Snowsports Coaches are so committed to your enjoyment.

If you're planning to take advantage of our Intro to Sliding Package:

Go directly to the Rental Shop (located just to the left of the Base Lodge, across the courtyard) to sign up for your lesson. Intro lessons are at 10:00am and 1:30pm. You can get your lift ticket at the Rental shop too.

You can sign up for Private Lessons and various other group lessons and clinics at the Snowsports Desks located on the first floor of the base lodge. (Lift tickets are available here too.)

For more information about Waterville Valley's Legendary Snowsports School, visit our Snowsports School.

4. Rent Equipment

If you just need to rent equipment, we have a rental shop in the base areas. The Rental Shop is located just to the left of the Base Lodge, across the courtyard. You can also purchase lift tickets at the rental shop. We also have high-end demo skis available at the retail shop. More on the rental shop is right here.

5. Purchase a Lift Ticket

Lift tickets are included with our Intro to Sliding and All-Inclusive Mountain Packages. However, if you are not purchasing one of these lesson packages, you will need to purchase a lift ticket. You can purchase a lift ticket by visiting our ticket windows. (We're working on adding online and phone orders) Ticket windows are located in the front of the Base Lodge facing the parking lot. You can also buy tickets at the Rental Shop (left side of the base area), and at the Snow Sports school desk (first floor, base lodge). For current ticket pricing, visit our ticket pricing page.

That's it! You're ready to tackle the mountain and all it has to offer!

You Might Also Be Interested In:

» Learn to Ski/Ride Passport Program
» Ski and Snowboard Rentals
» Download or Request a Brochure

Explore Waterville Valley's First Timer's Guide

Section One offers general advice on proper and essential clothing, tips on healthy eating, and a few tips to bear in mind while you're out on the slopes.
Section Two offers our best suggestions for navigating your way from the parking lot to the slopes.
Section Three offers information regarding the location of our various amenities and services.