In short, here's a look at how to get started. It all begins with your arrival at the mountain. On weekends, expect a lot of other people with the same idea, all descending on limited numbers of resorts. In order to find convenient parking, be there before the lifts start running. The alternative is planting the car three counties away and taking shuttle buses back and forth.
Most areas have drop-off spots for passengers and equipment in front of the lodge.
Since new skiers aren't encumbered with gear, head straight for the nearest lot. No one should learn to ski on his or her own. Taking lessons from a friend will be an embarrassment at best, and divorce lawyers just love to see people taking ski lessons from a spouse. Make tracks for the mountain ski school and a professionally certified instructor. What you'll want to buy is a package plan that gives you a lift ticket, rental equipment and a group lesson.