Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

Special Features

What's New for LSSM 2013 and the Bring a Friend Challenge? 

LEARN TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD MONTH 2013 is over but lessons continue at venues throughout the winter and there is plenty of winter left. Check the zip search/locator map for locations near you where you can take lessons. Also check with your local ski or snowboard specialty shop near you via the locator map.  (Photo Courtesy of Mountain Creek (NJ))

WEEK of January 27, 2013 - Take the Bring a Friend Challenge. Enter the "Why I Love to Ski or Ride" Video Contest. 

 Humans Were Never Meant to Hibernate! GET OUT THERE and take advantage of winter. Some program offers are listed below.

Check out our Facebook page for even more info. 

Have some fun and enter our "Why I Love to Ski or Ride Video Contest". If you win, you not only have a chance to help an organization that advocates physical activity but you also can win some great prizes from our partners. Find out who they are on our special Facebook Contest page. The contest is strictly for amateurs and it continues until February 15, 2013.  

Bring a Friend to a local venue for lessons from a pro and WIN some cool prizes for doing so. Take the new Bring a Friend Challenge. Lots of popular brands such as HEAD, Rossignol, Swany, Burton and many more are offering incentives and prizes will be distributed each week starting January 7. Current participants AND newcomers can win product prizes and a four-day trip to either Utah, Idaho or Vermont. Trips are for the 2013-14 season and include lodging, lifts, rentals and lessons. The two western trips also include arifare from a major airport. Challenge rules have recently been updated. If you are a newcomer to snowsports Bring a Friend along a friend and take some lessons. 

The U.S. Forest Service's Junior Ranger Program continues to help kids gain a better understanding of and appreciation for winter. The RECREATION.GOV web site is celebrating Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month for venues on U.S. Forest Service land. Check out this video HERE.

Thanks to all of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and Bring a Friend supporters. The information below is a sample of programs that were offered during January 2013. Check with local venues for programs going on for the rest of the winter. 

New England

 Ski New Hampshire’s “free week” is over but there are plenty of great learning programs still going on. Check the SkiNH Web site for details, especially on Super Bowl Sunday when slopes are not as crowded.  

Also in New Hampshire, Attitash Mountain Resort & Wildcat Mountain are offering Learn2 discounts for beginner programs during the month and the opportunity to earn a Vertical Value Card good for discounts on lift tickets. See Press Release for details.  

.Ski Vermont’s $29 Learn To packages continue through the end of January at ski and snowboard areas throughout the state. It includes lesson, equipment rental, and lift ticket. Children and adults can sign up for programs at participating resorts on the Ski Vermont Web site.

Ski Vermont is teaming with Smugglers' Notch to offer a Grand Prize trip for East coast residents who take the Bring a Friend Challenge. The trip is for the 2013-14 season and includes lodging, lifts, rentals and lessons.  

The Stowe Tour de Snow day was a big success. See facebook.com/learntoskiandsnowboard for photos. 

Maine: A variety of Learn To packages are available at Maine venues. Ski Maine is running its 3rd Annual Get a Lift promotion with Maine Today Media. Giveaways include family ski packages for experienced familys who Love to Ski and Beginner packages for families who want to Learn to Ski. A short essay is required. 

Massachusetts' Butternut is offering a discounted beginner package that includes a beginner lift, lesson, rental package. Lesson times are 9, 10 and 11 am, 12 noon, 1 and 2 pm each day. The lift ticket is valid all day from 8:15 am to 4 pm. The rate is $75, a large discount over purchasing each component separetly. Check www.skibutternut.com for details.    

Bradford Ski Area, in Massachusetts, has a Beginners Only Package for those aged 6 and up that includes a learning area ticket and a one-hour lesson. The cost is $45 weekdays and nights and $55 on weekends. Rentals are $20. You can register online up to 24 hours prior to the day of your lesson or at the area information desk. 

Wachusett (MA) is offering a Bring a Friend for Fun (BFF) Package: For you: 1 Adult lift ticket ($58 value); For your friend: 1 Day Learn to Turn package ($89 value); That's a $147 value for only $127, save $20! IMPORTANT: This package must be purchased online and picked up at a ticket window/customer service desk. Both the lift ticket and Learn to Turn must be used on the same day. The package is valid during the 2012-2013 season only. Wachusett is celebrating its 50th season. 

Ski Ward (MA) has a one - time $49 learn-to package (1 hour group lesson, all day beginners area ticket and rentals) and a three - time $125 learn-to package. When you sign up for a three - time package, you'll receive a free ticket after your first lesson to Bring a Friend and then be eligible after all three lessons to purchase a season pass for $125.

Jiminy Peak (MA) is offering a free lift ticket to anyone who brings a newcomer to take a GET Skiing or Burton Learn to Ride lesson. The free ticket is good for the same day the friend takes the lesson. 

Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is a private, non-profit youth development organization based in Boston. YES was founded in 1968 and gives Boston youth opportunities to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and develop into young leaders. THe organization's signature winter program, Operation SnowSports, takes over 900 kids and teens to the slopes of New England to learn how to ski and snowboard, often for the first time! 

 NEW YORK

The Ski Areas of New York represents more ski and snowboard areas than any other state. Below are some examples. 

Tuxedo Ridge is a great place to learn. Check out their offerings. 

Bristol Mountain's VIP Learn to Ski & Snowboard Package offers First Time Skiers and Snowboarders an opportunity to get fit and experience winter in a new way for $99. Bristol's VIP Coaching Session is available weekends and holidays from December 22, 2012 - March 10, 2013. Newcomers should sign up and meet their coach at 9:15am at the Learning Center Desk in the Sunset Lodge. You will be with your coach from 10 am to 2 pm, including an hour for lunch (included in the price). This small group format provides an environment for optimal learning. No reservations are needed. Arrive at The Learning Center in the Sunset Lodge by 9:15am on Saturday, Sunday and holidays (Dec 22, 2012-Mar 10, 2013). Call 585-374-6000 for details. More learning programs are available on the Bristol Mountain Web site including the Holiday Week Adventure Camps, various "Brigades" learning programs, the "Take it to the Next Level" Women's Workshop with Lisa Densmore and Family Fun NIghts. 

Oak Mountain (NY) has a "take two lessons and get one free" offer during the month of January, good all month long, for children and adults. There are no age restrictions. The offer is for group lessons only and reservations recommended. Costs start at $35 for a half day. 

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (SKIPA) is offering a special $5.00 discount on January learn to ski and snowboard packages at all member resorts. Check SkiPA.com for details.   

Liberty Mountain, Whitetail and Roundtop - All three "Snowtime" Ski/Snowboard areas - are offering some exciting "learn to" and Bring a Friend programs.  They are providing discounts on all Learn to Ski and Snowboard Packages during selected days in January. During these selected days, First Class Learn to Ski and Snowboard Packages—which include a lift ticket on selected beginner terrain, equipment rentals, and a first-timer group lesson—will be at the discounted rate of only $39. Each beginner is then eligible to purchase a Mountain Passport which, for the low rate of $45, provides the guest with a FREE All Mountain Package to use anytime during the season, as well as 40% off all lifts and rentals and FREE lessons for the rest of the season. Mountain Passport holders also receive a booklet explaining in detail all of the benefits they are eligible to receive throughout the winter. 

In the Poconos region of PA, Camelback is offering an all-day beginner lift ticket for $39 including a 90-minute lesson and rentals for the day. The package is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Lesson times are 10 am, 2 pm and 6 pm. Book the package on-line ONLY. Camelback's Bring a Friend program is available Sundays through Thursdays ALL WINTER LONG. Bring a Friend for learn to ski or ride lessons and you both are eligible for discounts and other incentives. 

Shawnee Mountain (PA) Shawnee Mountain is offering a discount coupon good for a $59 Learn to Ski or Snowboard Package available online at www.shawneemt.com.  This package includes a lift ticket, rental equipment and a first time group lesson. 

SnoMountain (PA) is celebrating LSSM with discounts of over 50 percent off various beginner packages. Lessons for those aged 11 and over are $35. Super Kids lessons for those aged 6 - 10 are $40 each. All beginner packages include a beginner area lift ticket, lesson and rentals. The schedule is January 6, 13, and 20 at 10 am for those aged 6 and up; January 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10 am and 1 pm for those aged 6 - 10 and at 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm on those dates for those aged 11 and up. Discounted beginner packages must be pre-booked online 24 hours in advance at www.snomtn.com. Online registration begins when Sno Mountain opens. Phone is 1-800-GOT-SNOW. 

SOUTHEAST

North Carolina’s Cataloochee is offering free beginner ski or snowboard lessons to anyone who purchases a rental equipment package. The offer is good Monday through Thursday. They recently announced a $29 lift, lesson, rental package available Monday - Friday (non-holidays). Check out their Web site for details or Liftopia.com.

Beech Mountain, NC is celebrating its 45^th anniversary by offering a Learn to Ski Package for $45 during January.  It includes a mid-week (Monday-Friday) lift ticket, equipment rental, helmet, and a first-time beginner lesson and is available for beginners ages 8 and up only. Additionally, newcomers can learn to ski and stay with "Skiing 101” on Beech Mountain.  This special package is available every weekday in January for $101 per person. Participants receive: a skiing or snowboarding lesson, equipment rental, helmet rental, lift ticket and one night's lodging in the town of Beech Mountain. Double occupancy is required, and all participants must be age 8 or older. See Press Release.

In Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg’s January “Learn to” package Includes a 3 Session Aerial Tramway, Area/Lift Ticket, Ski or Snowboard Renval and 1 Hour Lesson for $129.00. The offer is not Valid Saturdays and holiday periods. After completing the 3^rd lesson participants will receive a voucher good for the purchase of a season pass valid for the remainder of the 2012/13 Season and entire 2013/14 Season. The cost is $199.00 and it must be purchased by February 28, 2013.

Canaan Valley in West Virginia recently had a ribbon cutting event for the opening of their new tube park and new beginner/ski school area.  On Saturday, January 12, the resort's Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month celebration, included a Community Day when all 3^rd through 8^th grade students at Davis/Thomas Elementary Middle School, Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School and Harman School had the opportunity to Learn to Ski, Learn to Snowboard or Snow Tube for free. Canaan's learning programs continue throughout the winter. More than 30% of Canaan's terrain is dedicated to beginners. 

Massanutten Resort in Virginia is offering a four-hour beginners "Pathway Program" from January 2 - 31, 2013. The deal is on Monday - Thursday and includes slope use, lesson and rentals for $59.

Maryland’s only ski/snowboard resort, Wisp, is offering a learn to ski or ride program Monday – Friday for $49. The package includes a lift ticket, rental equipment and a group lessons. Minimum age is eight years old. Wisp also provides basic information that first-timers should know. 

Skisoutheast.com and goskiwv.com are good resources for the region.

 MIDWEST

The Michigan Ski Industries Association again is offering the Discover Michigan program at all ski and snowboard areas that are members of the association. Ski areas across the state have teamed up with Michigan McDonald’s restaurants to offer a popular and very affordable introduction to the sport of skiing and snowboarding, called Discover Michigan Skiing. The program, which has run every January for the past 19 years, includes: a beginner lesson, ski or snowboard rental equipment and a beginner-area ski lift pass or cross-country trail pass. Twenty-three ski facilities are offering the package, which will be honored from January 2 through January 31, 2013. The prices for the Discover Michigan Skiing program are: $20 for Discover Michigan Cross-Country Skiing; $30 for Discover Michigan Downhill Skiing; and $40 for Discover Michigan Snowboarding. The program is open to everyone 7 years and older. 

Governor Rick Snyder has declared January "Discover Michigan Snowsports Month". 

The Midwest Ski Areas Association has a new portal that makes it easy to find Learn To Programs. 

Boyne Mountain in Michigan is offering a Learn to Ski and Snowboard learning package for Alpine skiers, snowboarders and cross country skiers. The cost is $20 for cross country, $30 for Alpine skiing and $40 for snowboarding lessons and all include a two-hour lesson, rentals and a lift ticket (for downhill activities). Times are 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. each day from January 1 - January 31. Space is limited and newcomers should use BoyneLSSM when signing up.

Throughout the month of January, Snow Snake in Michigan, is offering a free, one hour, beginner group lesson at 1:00 p.m. Already a ski/boarder? Share the love and invite your friends that have been wanting to learn! Separate classes are available for skiers and snowboarders. You must be 8 years or older; You must purchase lift ticket and have appropriate equipment. Call ahead to sign up: 539-6583

Retailer Boyne Country Sports (MI) is offering 2 for 1 lift tickets for those who share their lesson esperience photos on their Facebook page at facebook.com/boynecountrysports.

Minnesota's Giant's Ridge has private ski and snowboard lessons beginning at $47 per person. 

Minnesota's Afton Alps has a 3 lesson, 3 lift ticket, 3 rental equipment package for $99.95. 

In Iowa, Sundown is offering a beginner special every day in January for those ages nine and above. The package includes a half-hour ski or snowboard lesson with rental equipment. The offer is good weekdays and also anytine after 4 pm any day including weekends. SKIwee Kids Park Learn to Ski or Ride is designed for children 4-11 years of age. The LTS program allows students to progress through a series of lessons, learning how to be responsible and have fun on the slopes. Lessons are typically small in size, allowing students to spend quality time with their instructor. Sessions are offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights from 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

Wild Mountain in MN has a two-day learning program for $72. It includes lifts, lessons and rentals. It's a great way to enter the Bring a Friend Challenge.  

Wisconsin's Tyrol Basin is bringing back its 3 out of 4 times lesson package for beginners ages 10 or older. Anyone who completes three lessons gets a season pass. 

The Homestead (MI) is teaming with Discover Michigan to offer a package that includes a beginner lesson; ski or snowboard rental equipment; and a beginner-area ski lift pass or cross-country trail pass. The prices for the Discover Michigan Skiing program are: $20 for Discover Michigan Cross-Country Skiing; $30 for Discover Michigan Downhill Skiing; and $40 for Discover Michigan Snowboarding. The program is open to everyone 7 years and older during the month of January.The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards, including stopping, turning, riding the lifts, and getting up from a fall.To sign up, interested beginners must have a Discover Michigan Skiing Value Voucher. A printable voucher is available here or all this month at any MSIA retail ski stores. On the voucher, simply select The Homestead as the place you wish to visit.  To download the vouch visit goskimichigan.com/michigan-ski-programs/discover-michigan-skiing.

Wisconsin's Trollhaugen is offering a three lesson/lift ticket/rental package for $125. Those who complete three out of four "training" dates is a session receive a FREE season pass for the remainder of the season. Two session choices are available: Sundays - January 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Tuesdays - January 8, 15, 22 and 29. You must be a beginner 10 years old or older. Complete details are available at  

ROCKY MOUNTAINS 

Colorado: All of the Vail Resorts properties are participating in Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Resorts participating in LSSM in Colorado include Arapahoe Basin, Durango, Loveland, Powderhorn and Winter Park. Participating Vail Resorts properties in Colorado include Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone.

Powderhorn’s beginer learning program is designed for first timers ages 8 and up who are new to either the sport of skiing or snowboarding and ready to commit to three lessons. The three-lesson package provides a great foundation and new skills that can be applied all over the mountain. Those who complete all three sessions will get a FREE season pass for the rest of the season! 

This deal offers three lessons, the chance to learn a new sport, and the chance to practice, improve and have fun as many days as you want with your free season pass! 
INTENSIVE SERIES: 
January 2-4, 2013 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday); SATURDAYS SERIES: January 5, 12, 19, 2013; SUNDAY SERIES: January 6, 13, 20, 2013. Adult (19+) and Youth/Pre-Teen programs include lessons, lifts and rentals.  

Beaver Creek is offering a special "Ivy League" package.  

Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) is hosting Super Sunday Specials for First-timer on January 6, 13, 20, and 27. Lessons begin at 10 am. Guests who purchase a Super Sunday Special are entitled to discounts for future lessons (expires 3/1/13). Lesson packages include lift, lesson and rentals. Adult Alpine ski lessons are $99 and snowboard lessons are $107. Lesson package costs for children are $79 for ski and $84 for snowboard. See Press Release.

Loveland Ski Area’s 3 Class Pass program rewards first time skiers and snowboarders that complete three lesson packages with a free season pass.  Pay as you go and receive the season pass after completing 3 lesson packages or pre-buy the three lesson packages and use the season pass all winter long.  All children 6-14 also receive a free season pass after completing three lesson packages.  3 Class Pass programs are available for all ages and abilities with some restrictions.  Visit skiloveland.com for all the details.

Telluride has a three-day beginner package - buy two days and get the third free. 

 Ski New Mexico is teaming with KOAT-7 TV to offer youths ages six to 12 a beginner lift, lesson, rental package for $30 during January at eight Alpine areas and one Nordic venue. See their Press Release for details.

New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez proclaimed January as Learn a SnowSport Month.  

 Ski Utah is offering a four-day trip to Park City, The Canyons and Deer Valley as a Grand Prize for the Bring a Friend Challenge. The trip is for the 2013-14 season and includes lodging, lifts, rentals, lessons and airfare from a major airport.  

Wyoming's Grand Targhee has a 1,2,3 Start Me Up program for beginners. Consumers who purchase three ‘Start Me Up’ packages get a season pass good for the remainder of the 2012/13 winter season! Grand Targhee has a dedicated Kids Fun Zone and beginner area complete with natural mountain features.  Redemption of your 2012/13 season pass begins once a customer purchases and completes all three lessons in the 1-2-3 Start Me Up To Ski Free Package. Package is only available for beginner skiers and riders who have never held a Grand Targhee Resort season pass. Other restrictions may apply.

Idaho's Brundage Mountain Resort is celebrating national Learn To Ski & Snowboard Month by kicking off its ‘Learn to Ski Guarantee’ program on Friday, January 4th. For a single package price of $99, prospective skiers and snowboarders aged 12 and up can take as many Easy Street lessons as they choose during the remainder of the 2012/2013 Winter season. They are also provided with two full days of rental gear and Easy Street lift tickets at no additional charge.

Utah

Ski Utah's (regular) LSSM program is targeted to state residents only, Utah resorts that are on Forest Service land are open to all U.S. citizens. Some Utah resorts are on private land. Check the Ski Utah Web site for up to date info on what resorts are offering. Ski Utah also is offering a four-day trip for two to Deer Valley, Park City and The Canyons including airfare. Check bringafriend.org for details. 

A number of Utah ski and snowboard areas have announced their January plans: Alta's First Time Learn to Ski program features 4 two-hour lessons, 4 beginner lift tickets and 4 days of rentals for $199. Slots are limited and reservations are requires. There is no snowboarding at Alta. Call the Alf Engan Ski School at 801-799-2271. 

Brighton Ski Resort is offering ski and snowboard intro packages for $45! Packages include a 2-hour morning or afternoon lesson, an all-day ski or snowboard rental and a full-day learner lift ticket. Promotion starts January 2 and ends January 31. To take advantage of this offer go to brightonresort.com and print out the "THIS IS THE MONTH TO LEARN" voucher and redeem it at any ticket window at Brighton. Lesson times are at 10:15 AM and 1:15 PM daily.  Group lessons are also available on Thursdays evenings at 6:00 PM.  For more info go to brightonresort.com.

Canyons Resort located in Park City offers our Learn to Ski or Ride program for Utah residents, ages 4 and up, for just $39.00 per day per person for the month of January. This great offer includes a lift ticket (Limited to learning areas), equipment rental and two - 2 ½ hour group sessions with a one hour break for lunch. This program is for Utah residents who are first time skiers or riders. Program is offered January 5 – 31,2013. Advance reservations are required and are based on availability. Please call 877-472-6306 for reservations and information. (Offer not valid January 19 - 21, 2013 and limited to first 50 registrants per day.)

Deer Valley is offering a “Learn to Ski” Program on Saturday, January 26 from 9 am to noon. It is for locals and first-time skiers only (ages 13 and up) and is limited to 55 registrations. The cost is $39 for the package, per participant ($13 for a lift ticket, $13 for ski rental equipment and $13 for the clinic). The package includes lesson, lift ticket and ski rentals. There is no snowboarding at Deer Valley. Reservations must be made prior to January 25, 2013, by calling Deer Valley Resort at 888-754-8477 or 435-645-6648 and mention “Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program.” One lesson (clinic) per participant. A valid credit card is required for all reservations. 

Powder Mountain is offering five weeks of lessons on Saturdays for ages 8 and up for only $95.(Does not include equipment or lift tickets). Registration is open from Dec. 1, thru Jan 4 2013.  Session Dates: January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 2013.  To register, call Powder Mountain Snow Sports School at 801-745-3772 ext. 127 or 12 between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm, or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  All lessons start at 10 am and finish at 12pm

Snowbird is offering a wide range of learning programs.  From January 2-31 (afternoons only), the  First Time skiers and Rider ADULTS (ages 13 and up) package includes a 2.5 hour lesson, lift ticket, and rentals for $45. Learners will receive a “Learner’s Permit Pass” with a photo which entitles the learner to 5 additional discounted adult group lessons ($65 instead of $105) AND five additional days of skiing for half price! The Learner Permit is good for the rest of the current season only, and is not transferrable. One per guest. Participants MUST pre-register a minimum of 24 hours in advance and the program is subject to availability. Particpans must request the Learners Permit Program. The CHILDREN AND YOUTH AFTERNOON ADVENTURE program is for youths ages 7-12 - FIRST TIME SKIERS AND RIDERS ONLY. The COST is $45; (regular price $95) and includes afternoon lesson (2.5 hrs), lift, and rentals. Participants must pre-register a minimum of 24 hours in advance (subject to availabilit and participants must request this program when registering. The Learner’s Permit 4-Week Program is NEW and is the best value according to Snowbird. The cost is $280 and participants must Pre-register by January 1. It is for First Time Skiers and Riders ONLY, ages 13 and up. It includes four 2.5 hour afternoon lessons, appropriate lift tickets for progress (chair lift tickets after first week) and 4 weeks of rentals. Dates are Saturday Sessions; January 5,12,19,26 OR Sunday Sessions; January 6,13,20,27 Participants will stay with same group for 4 sessions, same instructor (unless progress to another level). The program ncludes Learner Permit. The Learner will receive a “Learner’s Permit Pass” with a photo which entitles the learner to 5 additional discounted adult group lessons ($65 instead of $105) subject to availability AND five additional days of skiing for half price! The Learner Permit is good for the rest of the current season only, and is not transferrable. One per guest. The Beginner Kids Program also is NEW! Cost is a $280 "BEST VALUE"!! Participants must Pre-register by January 1. It is for First Time Skiers and Riders ages 7 - 13. The package Includes 42.5 hour afternoon lessons, appropriate lift tickets for progress (chair lift tickets after first week), and 4 weeks of rentals. Saturday Sessions are January 5,12,19, 26  OR Sunday - January 6,13,20,27. Participants will stay with same group for 4 sessions, same instructor (unless progress to another level). This program does NOT include Learner Permit. 

Sundance has a Learn to Ski or Snowboard program for $75 (an average savings of $20). It is for ALL ability levels from Beginner to Advanced. The package includes half day Instruction (10:00am - 12:30pm OR 1:30pm - 4:00pm), full-day lift ticket (good from 9:00am - 4:30pm), full-day Ski/Snowboard Rentals. This package must be booked online. Print the receipt and redeem it at the Snowsports Office. Rental packages are for the Basic Rental Package and do not include Helmets or a Damage Waiver (helmets $5/damage waiver $3). The offer is valid Sunday - Thursday. It is not valid on Friday or Saturday or during the following holiday periods: December 26 - January 1, January 14-16, and February 18-20. Ages are 6 & up for skiing and 
7 & Up for snowboarding. 

Wolf Mountain has a Learn to ski or snowboard package for $39 during the month of January for first time skiers and boarders. This includes the Lift, Lesson and rental and is valid any day but Jan 1 and Jan 21, 2013.

Idaho and Montana

Sun Valley and Ski Idaho are teaming to offer a four-day Grand Prize trip in the Bring a Friend Challenge. The trip is for the 2013-14 season and includes lodging, lifts, rentals, lessons and airfare from a major airport. Sun Valley kicks off its 77th ski season year with ski packages offered almost all winter long. Bring a Friend or family member. Stay at the elegant Sun Valley Resort this winter and save! Kids 15 and younger can Stay and Ski Free at Sun Valley Resort. (One child per skiing parent staying in the same room, blackout dates apply.) November 21 through December 20, skiers can book Sun Valleys Pre-Holiday Package. Beginning at $79.50 per person (double occupancy), this package includes one night lodging and one daily lift ticket. Also, guests staying in the Sun Valley Lodge or Sun Valley Inn between January 3rd and March 31st can ski free, starting at $139. The Ski Free Package includes one night lodging (double occupancy) and one daily lift ticket. (Blackout dates apply.)

Idaho's Schweitzer Mountain is offering introductory packages beginning at $39 for first time skiers and riders ages seven and older. The package includes lessons, rentals, and a beginner lift ticket. Upgrades to the learn to process over the past two seasons have included; a new rental ski fleet of Rossignol skis with auto-turn technology and early rise tip, updated ski and ride center, and major upgrades to the beginner lift, Musical Chairs.

Montana's Showdown is offering a 2-hour group lesson, rentals and beginner lift ticket package for $25 for skiing and $35 for snowboarding. Their Learn to Ski or Ride in 3 (days) package costs $118.  

PACIFIC WEST and CALIFORNIA

Alaska's Eaglecrest is offering an incredible array of programs including a women's clinic, an adaptive program and the Triple Play Learners Pack for ages 7 to adult. There is something for everyone. 

In Oregon, Mt Ashland’s “My Turn” Learn to Ski or Ride program is a three-day experience for a "First Time" individual. The first day includes a beginner lift ticket. days 2 & 3 include an All Mountain lift ticket.Each day includes group instruction offered at 10am or 2pm, and rentals. It is offered Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays for $119. Graduates get a $8 discount on lift tickets, $10 off on rental equipment or $15 off a “Next Step Package for the duration of the season.   

In California's Lake Tahoe Region, Heavenly Valley,  Northstar and Kirkwood all have a variety of special learning deals in January. Heavenly also is offering a four night lodging, three days of beginner lessons package for $425, the cost of their regular three night stay/two lesson package. Lesson packages are available without the lodging. Enter the Heavenly Bring a Friend Challenge and you could win a 2-night vacation by introducing a newcomer to lessons. 

There's more from Heavenly. The resort is offering two special deals for beginners - take two lessons and get a third free deal OR take one lesson and get 50% off a second lesson. Bring a friend and you can enter Heavenly's Bring a Friend Challenge for a chance to win a two-day vacation. 

Also in Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are celebrating National Learn to Ski and Ride Month by offering four $39 Learn to Ski and Snowboard Days. For just $39, adult first-time skier and snowboarders can get a half-day lesson, beginner lift ticket and equipment rentals for just $39. This year's $39 Learn to Ski and Snowboard Days are January 12 and 26 at Squaw Valley and January 13 and 27 at Alpine Meadows.
First-time skiers and riders will have the choice between a morning or an afternoon adult group lesson as part of the $39 Learn to Ski and Snowboard package. Morning lessons will run from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and afternoon lessons will run from 1-3:30 p.m. Beginners can sign up for the $39 Learn to Ski and Snowboard package in the Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows rental shops on the designated Learn to Ski and Snowboard Days. 

Elsewhere in California, Sugar Bowl's all-mountain lift General Admission ticket entitles those ages 13 - 69 to a standard rental package and a 2-hour group lesson - included in the General Admission pass. Details are available at sugarbowl.com/more. Sugar Bowl's U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Member Daron Rahlves is an ambassadot for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.  

Nevada's Diamond Peak Ski Resort is joining ski and snowboard areas around the country in the (January) Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month program. Diamond Peak is committed to helping new skiers and riders learn and progress. During the week of January 14 – 18, 2013 the resort is offering a Learn To Ski/Ride Week. The Learn to Ski and Ride Package for first time beginners costs $29. The package includes a beginner lift ticket, group lesson and rental equipment for skiers and riders of all ages.

Also in Alaska, Alyeska Resort’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month three-lesson package is designed for those new to skiing and snowboarding. The $99 package includes beginner level group lessons with certified instructors from the Alyeska Mountain Learning Center. The package also includes lower mountain lift ticket which provides access on the magic carpets, Bear Cub Quad and Chair 7 and rental ski or snowboard equipment. It is a savings of $110 off regular lesson package rates. The three group lessons are valid between January 5 and 31, 2013. Those interested in a ski package must be age five or older; those preferring a snowboard package must be age eight or older. Packages can be purchased in person at the Mountain Learning Center Desk located in the Daylodge, online at AlyeskaResort.com or by phone at 907-754-2280.