FAQs

Below you will find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the courses offered. If you have a question that is not listed here below, please send an email to Dr. Patrick Lewis, Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, at plewis@ithaca.edu

Q: I just registered for basic skiing for next semester. Can I register for intermediate skiing without taking basic skiing first? I have been skiing for about 12 years and am confident with my basic skills.
A: Yes! Register for the Intermediate Alpine Skiing course. The Basic Alpine Skiing course is really designed for the "never evers" - those who have never ever tried skiing before.

Q: How do I get to Greek Peak?
A: The bus will pick up all IC students in front of Phillips (Campus Center parking lot) at 10:00 am sharp. Don't miss the bus! The bus leaves Greek Peak at 3:45 pm for a 4:30 pm arrival back at IC.

Q: I have a car on campus. Do I have to ride the bus?
A: You are not required to ride the bus (bus transportation is included in the course fee whether you use the bus or not).  Attendance is taken during your lesson by your GP instructor.  Students not present during their lessons will not receive credit for attending.

Q: Are we allowed to leave items on the bus while we are at the mountain like a backpack? And will the bus be locked so our things are safe?
A: No, you cannot leave items on the bus while you are skiing.  Lockers and other storage options are available inside the lodge.

Q: Is the equipment going to be rented at each lesson or will it be given to us for the full course time?
A: Each day that you attend the class, you will be checking out equipment and then before you leave for the day, you will be returning the equipment. You will not be able to take the equipment home with you.

Q: Do you need to know sizes of equipment for rentals ahead of time?
A: When you arrive at the rental shop, you will be filling out a form indicating your height, weight and shoe size. From there you will go to a counter where they will give you boots. If they do not fit, you will be able to 'trade them in' until you get a pair that fits. After your first day, you will know what your sizes are!

Q: I have my own equipment for skiing but can I rent a snowboard too?
A: No. Once you have signed up for a course, either skiing or snowboarding, you must stay with the course you have selected.

Q: I have my own equipment and am not clear on how to take it to Greek Peak?
A: We have a large charter bus with storage underneath. You bring your equipment to the pickup spot and place it in the storage area prior to boarding.

Q: Is there anything that is absolutely needed for this course in terms of equipment?
A: Yes! WARM CLOTHING, preferably waterproof, plus a hat that covers your ears and warm gloves. We will hold class in all kinds of weather, so be prepared.

Q: I am interested in learning to snowboard. Does the course require previous knowledge and experience?
A: Because the course is taught by instructors from Greek Peak, students of all levels of experience can take the course. When you arrive for your first lesson, the instructors will divide you up by ability level; students with no experience will be in a lesson with other students who have no experience and the instructor will 'start from scratch'.

Q: Who will be teaching the course?
A: Instructors from the Greek Peak Ski and Ride School.

Q: Two of my friends are avid skiers who will be taking the advanced course and I have never skied in my life. However, I am a decent snowboarder and I hear skiing is easier to pick up, especially if you already know how to snowboard. Would it be possible to be put in the advanced group or do I have to start with the basic or intermediate class?
A: On the first day, you can explain all of this to the instructors and they can help you determine which lesson/instructor to start off in. If, over the course of the semester, you start to feel that you should be in another group, simply discuss this with your instructor.

Q: What happens when we arrive by bus at Greek Peak? Where do I go?
A: When you arrive by bus at the mountain, a Greek Peak staff member will direct you and get you where you need to go.

Q: I was curious to know what the schedule for the class is. I know the bus will pick us up at the Campus Center Parking Lot (Phillips Hall) at 10:00 am sharp(!). Are we allowed to go on the slopes by ourselves before the lessons start?
A:   Your ski pass is valid for 5 hours, depending on your lesson (times vary slightly) you may have time before or after for some turns (if you want).