Why not go to an actual hill instead? Seems like this venue is cramped and has almost no terrain diversity; it’s more of a gimmick than anything.

Campgaw in Mahwah is probably a good place for beginners, as it is a wholly beginner hill so there is not a lot of intimidating terrain or riders.

Shawnee in Pennsylvania would be my suggestion for lessons; the hill is a great size for beginners but offers incrementally difficult terrain. Learn in the group, practice in the learning zone, then you can take your new skills and try a bunch of beginner routes before moving up to intermediate and advanced terrain (the advanced is relative to the park as well, so it’s manageable after a handful of trips).

Camelback in PA would also be a good option, and it is a bigger hill with more trails than Shawnee. It does favor ‘intermediate’ skiers and ski runs, so may be a better option after you have a few lessons under your belt.

Mountain Creek has a reputation for crammed slopes and disrespectful riders, and despite it being in Jersey I have to share the sentiment; I am experienced at skiing but will avoid Creek due to the amount of people; bodies seemingly laying all over the trails (I think a lot of new riders misjudge their skill and end up sitting/laying on trail); and a bunch of poor lift etiquette.

But I digress— American Dream really only offers a single route and, after your lessons, doesn’t give you a trail to ski/board on your own that has any variety of terrain or comparison to a natural hill. I feel like one of the above hills will give you the ability to spread out and learn in a beginners area, and practice without interference with/to more advanced riders.

Thank you for your reply! It's just that I've never touched a ski/board so wanted some place I can get familiarized before heading to the real thing. Was looking to learn snowboarding specifically. Also, just wondering if any of these places have any snow yet?

Big snow is a great place to learn before going to an actual hill

-They have a separate slope for lessons. -it’s always 28 degrees. This means no freeze thaw cycle, which limits how icy the slopes can be. -it’s always open. -it doesn’t rain -lifts don’t close due to wind.

If you’re close to big snow, I recommend campgaw or mount Peter as your first outdoor ski experience. Cheaper and closer than the pocono areas (and creek) and are very beginner friendly.

I can't speak of American Dream, but having boarded for years, I agree with everything in your comment. I personally believe Shawnee facilities and terrain is best for learning...my opinion though...

I would say, OP is smart and thoughtful. For your first time, why drive to a mountain that you are only going to ride the bunny slope at? You don't need to fall for a mile and then take the lift back up. I have been telling folks that want to get into riding to go to big snow for a few hours and try it out, it is such a wonderful option to have.

As far as mountains to learn on there are a few within driving range...

My guy, you should definitely do this. I went to big snow in the summer, and its so inspiring seeing folks shredding in the park section. Get some of those booty pad shorts they wear for football, etc, and wear volleyball kneepads under your pants the first day to save yourself some pain and bruising. Noone will know ;)

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This is great info

If you go to mountain creek they have a beginner area that’s not even on the mountain and then there’s a smaller area to learn before going to the first lift which takes you up a fairly small hill, that’s honestly the spot to go, or just do like I did back in the day, strap in and send it and eat shit for the afternoon haha, you’ll most likely learn how to plow heelside first because it’s easier, once you get that down you’ll be able to turn left and slow yourself (provided you’re regular footed). After that it’s just a matter of learning toe side turns which can be scary cause if you catch an edge you’re eating shit onto your back. I dated a girl once and taught her to ride and she’d only turn left and she rode pretty well for years, eventually you’ll get it! Good luck, 27 is a bit late to the game but your body will still heal fairly quick!

do what will work for you, AD mall for sure has snow all year round. There are some great spots that cost less, like Camp Gaw once the winter gets going, but you should aim to ride as much as possible if you are learning. Good luck and enjoy :)