January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month across America. More than 300 ski and snowboard areas throughout the U.S. are offering free and reasonably priced lesson programs through January or the entire ski season as part of this initiative to get more Americans on the slopes.
Also this year, on Friday, January 8, ski resorts throughout the country are trying to set a Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Lesson – the largest multi-venue skiing and snowboarding lesson on a single day.
Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member ski areas and resorts are offering special promotions and programs to make it easy for people to learn Colorado’s signature winter sports. Guests visiting CSCUSA member resorts in January will find package deals on rentals, lift tickets, and professional instruction, and in many cases resorts will reward successful first-time learners with a complimentary season pass after completion of a multi-day lesson program.
CSCUSA member resorts participating in the World’s Largest Lesson include Arapahoe Basin, Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Powderhorn, Snowmass, Steamboat, and Sunlight.
With plentiful, soft snow and a small army of dedicated skiing and snowboarding instructors ready to create lifelong skiers or snowboarders, January is the perfect time to introduce a friend or family member to Colorado Ski Country. Here are highlights of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard activities and offerings at CSCUSA member ski areas.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area’s Super Sunday Lessons are morning, half-day only (2.5 hours) and include a lift ticket. Adults (ages 15+) are $80 and children (ages 3-14) are $100. Equipment rentals are not included but guests can find alpine ski and snowboard rentals on-site at the Arapahoe Basin rental shop. Super Sunday lessons are available January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 as well as Friday, January 8 as Arapahoe Basin participates in the World’s Largest Lesson (www.arapahoebasin.com).
Buttermilk Deluxe Package: Join Aspen Snowmass for a special private lesson package on Buttermilk while they prepare for and host the Aspen Winter X Games. For $390, participating guests will receive a full-day private lesson and can bring up to four of their friends/family. Added benefits include flexible meeting times and locations, priority lift access, and overnight ski/snowboard storage and mountain transfers. Valid January 18 through February 5, 2016. Reservations and pre-payment are required (www.aspensnowmass.com).
Beginner Incentive Package at the Limelight Hotel: New this year at the Limelight Hotel, the property introduces the Beginner Incentive Package that will make any newbie to the sport a skier for life. Offered in conjunction with the Aspen Snowmass Ski & Snowboard Schools, the package includes three full days of adult beginner lessons and four nights at the Limelight Hotel. Daily lunch is included in the experience, and the property’s local guides will escort skiers and riders to the slopes each day. Ski or Snowboard boot rentals, skis, snowboards and helmets are included. Guests also have the option to rent goggles, gloves, jackets and outerwear upon arrival from local retail partners. The package is valid during Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month from Jan. 2-17, 2016. Pricing for this all-inclusive package starts at $1,778 per person. Book by visiting www.limelighthotel.com or calling 844-854-3387.
Copper Mountain Ski and Ride School University: No More Excuses for Winter Sport Never-Evers: Inspired by National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, Ski and Ride School U offers newbies aged 18 and older a hassle-free and affordable option to catch the winter bug. For $199 the package includes 3ski or snowboard lessons; lift tickets; equipment rentals; close-in parking; lunch on the 2nd and 3rd days. Upon graduation and completion of the third lesson, Copper will award participants a free season pass so guests can progress further on the slopes for the remainder of the winter. Quantities are limited and the package must be purchased in person at Copper Mountain ( www.CopperColorado.com).
Crested Butte Adult First Time Beginner Adventure Lesson: During the month of January, first time skiers and riders, ages 15 and older can sign up for a First Time Beginner Adventure lesson with the Crested Butte Ski + Ride School for $79. This package includes a full-day ski or snowboard lesson, full day adult lift ticket (valid for limited lift access on the day of the lesson) and half off a single-day equipment rental package. This offer is available to first time skiers and riders only. Limit one lesson package per person. Advance reservation required (www.skicb.com/learn).
Purgatory “One, Two, Free” Learn to Ski Package: Purgatory Snowsports School offers a special learn to ski and snowboard package starting at $74 that includes 2 days of lift tickets, rental gear, full day beginner lessons. On the third day, receive a free lift ticket, 50% off rental gear and 50% off half-day lesson. Participants also receive a 50% off discount card on lift tickets, rentals and lessons for the remainder of the season. Skiers & snowboarders can bring a friend to participate in Purgatory’s Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month program and receive a $25 Purgatory mountain card just for their referral, plus save 25% on a group lesson (www.SkiPurg.com/LSSM_.
Steamboat’s January Learn to Ski/Ride Package opens the slopes with two days of lessons, rentals and lift tickets for just $199 from Jan. 4-31. Learn to Ski/Ride is available for adults and children ages 1st Grade and older (www.steamboat.com, 800-299-5017).
Winter Park Kid’s Multi-Week Lessons: Winter Park Ski + Ride School’s multi-week Fish Programs can accommodate children from age 3 to 14. With the 7 week Piranhas Program, 5 week Barracudas Program, or the 3 week Minnows Program, kids will have a blast while making new friends, and developing new skills on the slopes. Groups are broken down by age and ability level, from beginner to expert. Programs include instruction from the same coach each week, GPS tracking, and lunch. Programs for the month of January begin at $259 and may be reserved at http://www.winterparkresort.com/plan-your-trip/lessons/kids-multiweek-lessons.aspx
Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColoradoSkiCountryUSA.
Ski Vermont Announces New “Take 3” Learn-to-Turn Package
Ski Vermont resorts are offering a new “Take 3” learning package that includes three beginner lift tickets, rentals and professional lessons. The package will fill out an already impressive collection of beginner incentive programs that fall under Ski Vermont’s Learn-to-Turn initiatives. One lucky participant in the program will also win a new pair of Rossignol skis, or a Burton snowboard.
The Ski Vermont “Take 3” pass includes three beginner ski or snowboard lessons at participating Vermont resorts for one low package price of $129. Beginner skiers and riders can choose to redeem all three lessons at the same resort or they can choose to visit a new resort for each lesson. Each lesson will include rental equipment for the day plus a lesson with a professional instructor and access to beginner terrain.
A list of participating resorts and Take 3 program guidelines can be found at skivermont.com.
Ski Vermont’s Learn-to-Turn initiatives also include these programs:
- January Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month Promotion – January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month nationwide, and participating resorts are offering $49 packages for beginners including a beginner area lift ticket, lesson and rental in January 2016.
- World’s Largest Lesson Day – On Friday, January 8, 2016 at 10 am, nine Vermont resorts are going to join a national effort to set the World Record for the largest multi-venue ski and the largest multi-venue snowboard lessons ever taught for entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- Fifth Grade Passport – Ski Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport allows fifth graders to ski and ride at Vermont resorts up to 96 times for free over one season. It includes three lift tickets to each alpine resort and 1-3 for each Nordic resort.
- Bring a Friend – Whether learning or a pro, skiers and riders are encouraged to introduce someone to their favorite sport this season and be entered to win a two night ski and stay package. Participants share photos and stories of friends learning to ski or snowboard onInstagram, Facebook or Twitter and tag it #BringaFriendVT to enter to win.
“The ski industry has recognized that beginner programs with multiple lessons and completion incentives have been the most successful at creating lifelong skiers and riders,” said Ski Vermont Marketing Director, Kyle Opuszynski. “We’re glad to have worked with our partner resorts in Vermont to develop a statewide program that will get more people falling in love with winter sports, and coming back again and again.”
Many Ski Vermont resorts have other learn-to initiatives:
Sugarbush Resort participants of the $49 learn to ski and ride lesson have the option to upgrade their lesson to the First Timer to Life Timer Program. A three-day program, the $49 lesson will count as the first day, with the next two days coming at a discounted price of $156. Upon completion of the third lesson, participants will receive a season pass good for the rest of the season. Sugarbush is also hosting Essential Elements: Breakthrough camp. The camp is aimed for those who ski and ride on green and blue trails and who really want to take their skiing and riding to the next level. Coached by our finest instructors, “Breakthrough” meets every Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm for four consecutive weeks, from January 9-30, 2016 for just $370.
Okemo Mountain Resort’s First Tracks and Double Tracks learning packages, designed for first-time skiers and riders, include group lessons with a professional instructor and specialized equipment to make learning easier. First Tracks is a one-day program that provides the basic building blocks for enjoying the sport. Double Tracks builds on the skills learned the first day and adds a second morning of instruction, more time on the slopes and more opportunities to improve. Pricing is $85 and $170 respectively. Same-day additional lessons for both programs are just $45. Learn more at okemo.com.
Okemo will be participating in the World’s Largest Ski Lesson. Okemo Ski + Ride School Director Chris Saylor says, “This is a fun event to be a part of – especially to be a part of going for a record. Ultimately, though, we want to gain participants in this sport that keeps creating lifelong family experiences and traditions.”
Bolton Valley‘s 3-Day Learn To Love It Program includes three days of beginner lessons, giving participants a solid start on skiing or riding. Upon completion of the third lesson, skiers and riders will receive the Learn To Love It card which entitles the cardholder to 50% off of full day lift tickets, lessons and full day rentals for the remainder of the 2015-2016 Season.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is celebrating national Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month with a week-long special package from January 3-10, 2016 for first time skiers or riders. Level 1 & 2 skiers and riders on the Club Smugglers’ Base Package will receive free beginner ski or snowboard group lessons, plus rental equipment for the entire length of stay. Smugglers’ National Learn to Ski Week special rates are $129 per adult/per night and $99 per youth/per night. This package also includes use of the pool and hot tubs, the indoor FunZone with games and climbing inflatables, snowtubing, daily lift tickets and family and adult entertainment. (www.smuggs.com/skivtw 1-855-814-7325)
World’s Largest Ski Lesson – Participants at Smugglers’ will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes and will receive discount coupons to continue developing their ski or ride skills with the pros at the resort’s Snow Sport University.
Stratton Mountain Resort‘s Learn to Ski / Learn to Ride programs designed for first-timers, available every day and include rental equipment, learning zone lift access and 1 ¾ hour lesson with a Snow Sport Pro from the Stratton Mountain Sports School. Book in advance and enjoy Stratton’s #go5 Lesson Experience – ensuring you’ll never have more than 5 people per group with advance reservations. For just $49, beginner skiers and snowboards have access to a special package that includes a lift ticket, lesson and rentals throughout January.
Don’t miss the World’s Largest Ski & Snowboard Lesson – a Guinness World Record attempt on January 8, 2016 (stratton.com).
Ski Quechee is supporting January’s Learn to Ski & Ride month by offering all kids 6 and under a free lift ticket with the purchase of any regularly priced lesson. Starting at only $75.00, lift tickets include access to 13 Alpine Trails, Terrain Park, sledding hill, ice skating rink and horse drawn sleigh rides! The Base Lodge is the home of Ken Kramberg’s Ski School, Henderson’s Ski Rental Systems, Recreation Center and Food Court. Casual dining includes breakfast and lunch during golf and ski seasons. From fresh hot cocoa and muffins from our pastry shop, to chili and soups, seasonal salads, burgers, sandwiches and grab and go items. There is no better place to learn a love for the sport than the Quechee Ski Area. To take advantage of the special offer, just report to the Ticket Booth upon arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (802-295-9356, emailinfo@quecheeclub.com, or visit www.quecheeclub.com).
Killington Resort is celebrating National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month with $49 Learn-To packages. 1-day packages will include a lesson, rental equipment, and a limited Learning Area lift ticket for first-time skiers and riders ages 7 and up. Become a lifelong skier or snowboarder at Killington, the winner of the 2015 NSAA Conversion Cup, named the best place to learn in the United States and home to the largest Terrain Based Learning facility south of Whistler. *Offer may not be combined with multi-day Learn To packages and discounts. Advanced reservations are recommended as space is limited to the first five reservations per day. Additional restrictions may apply, offer not valid on January 16-17, 2015.
Mount Snow is offering $49 Learn to Ski and Learn to Ride packages throughout January, for ages 13 and up, which include the lesson, learning area lift ticket, and rentals. Mount Snow will also participate in the World’s Largest lesson on Friday, January 8 by offering an hour-long $10 Learn to Ski and Learn to Ride lesson at 10 a.m. for up to 30 skiers and 30 riders.
Pico Mountain is celebrating Learn to Ski & Ride Month with $49 1-day First Time Ski and Ride packages. Valid for first timers only, and includes rental equipment, 1 hour and 45 minute lesson and a limited Bonanza Learning Area lift ticket. Upgrades to a multi-day package available, but advanced reservations are recommended and space is limited to the first five reservations per day (866-233-1195).
More information at skivermont.com
New York’s Belleayre Has 3-Day ‘Learn to” Offer in January
Highmount, NY – Belleayre Mountain is offering the “Learn to Ski & Ride” program to first-time skiers and snowboarders that includes 3 days of group lessons, rentals and lower mountain lift tickets for $131! The first day starts in the Learning Circle to learn the basics – equipment, balance in motion, sliding, intro to turning. As participants gain confidence and skill, that advance to new terrain on the second and third visits, focusing on turns for control.
Lessons are offered at 10 am and 1 pm every day. Weekends and Holidays, the Learning Circle operates continuously from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Learn to Ski and Ride Program is for ages 8 to adult.
Skiing Magazine called Belleayre “the best place to learn to ski in the East,” due to its teaching terrain, excellent instructors, a wide variety of beginner trails separate from the rest of the mountain and terrain mountain-wide that becomes more challenging in increments.
Lift tickets for this “learn to” program are valid on the Lower Mountain lifts and trails only. If skill development warrants advancement beyond the lower mountain by the end of your third lesson, participants can purchase an all-area ticket separately.
The LTS program can be purchased online on the Belleayre Store, at the mountain or by calling 845-254-6116. The Rental Shop in the Discovery Lodge opens at 7am, seven days a week.
Programs are subject to availability. There are no blackout periods for this program. Lift, lesson & rental packages are also available daily for purchase in the rental shop (belleayre.com).
Many other New York State ski resorts have special programs for January and also are participating in the January 8 World’s Largest Lesson, with special deals. See more at https://www.iskiny.com/ski-deals/learn-ski-snowboard. More information on New York Ski areas at iskiny.com
For more information, contact www.skiandsnowboardmonth.org.
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