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January 10, 2014
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

And check out our annual guide to Fun in the Snow
And check out our annual guide to Fun in the Snow
Dear family travelers:

Ready to get out of your comfort zone?

 

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month  which means all through January, there are special deals across the country at famous resorts and smaller ones  in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and New York state. (And if you're beginners, it's not necessary to pay for the big league resorts since you'll probably be on the beginner slopes your first time out.)  

 

Snowsports, of course, are about more than fun in the snow.  They're about navigating unfamiliar turf, conquering your fears-however old you are-and the sweet sense of accomplishment when you master something new.  Check out our Fun in the Snow Section to see what snow resorts are offering families this season-on and off the slopes.  

 

Since this  program started six years ago, over 200,000 children and adults  have learned to ski and snowboard, thanks to discounts on lift tickets, rental gear and lessons. Each package includes a snowboarding or skiing lesson from teachers certified by Professional Ski Instructors Association or American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). Research show such lessons greatly increase the likelihood of someone sticking with skiing or snowboarding -versus having a friend or family member offer instruction to a first-timer.

 

Introduce a friend to snow sports with the  Bring a Friend Challenge open to all current skiers and snowboarders including members of the industry. The Challenge offers incentives for current skiers and snowboarders who introduce newcomers to lessons from professional instructors this winter.

 

Several States also offer "passports" for kids of certain ages allowing them to ski free - once you have filled out the paperwork and paid a small processing fee - all season. They include:

The Colorado 2013/2014 School of Shred Pass

provides 4 free days of skiing or riding at each of the state's top-ranked resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin for all Colorado fifth and sixth grade students who register. Lessons and rentals are provided from December 2-15, as well as January 5-31, 2014 as part of "Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month."  

The Canadian Ski Council's SnowPass allows 4th and 5th graders living in Canada to ski and ride three times at each participating ski area all across Canada for less than CDN$30 - the pass processing fee valid for two years.

 

 Here are 11 places to get out of your comfort zone in the snow this January:

1.     Ski Vermont offers $29 packages for new skiers and riders that include professional lessons, equipment rentals and a beginner lift ticket. The packages are available at resorts throughout the state, non-holiday while supplies last. Registration for the $29 packages is available at skivermont.com/learn.

2.     Ski New Hampshire is touting a free week Jan 11-17 where newbies get a coupon for a free lesson, equipment and beginning lift ticket.  Register on the website and then make a reservation at a participating resort.

3.     With a Pennsylvania 4th & 5th Grade Snowpass booklet, your kids have the privilege of skiing and boarding 21 Pennsylvania Ski Resorts for FREE this winter.  This Snowpass package includes a Learn to Ski and Snowboard package if your family is new to skiing or riding. The packages include a beginner lift ticket, rental and lesson.

4.     Copper Mountain, CO   invites beginners to access and learn for free on the Easy Rider carpet located in Center Village. Once basic skills are learned, a ticket for the Pitchfork chairlift is only $15.

5.     Brighton Resort in Utah  is offering ski and snowboard intro packages for just  $49  including  a 2-hour morning or afternoon lesson, an all-day ski or snowboard rental and a full-day learner lift ticket starting January 6 and ending January 31. To take advantage of this offer go to brightonresort.com and print out the " LEARN TO SKI/SNOWBOARD MONTH" voucher and redeem it at any ticket window.   

6.     Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resorthas a 2-Day Basic Beginner Package in January   for only $158, Including  two full-days of ski or snowboard lessons for adults/children, basic rental equipment for two days, and two days of lift tickets.  

7.     Save over 25% midweek in Western New York State.  One hour from Buffalo, and three from Toronto and Cleveland, Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, NY is offering one-night and two-night versions of its Learn to ski and Snowboard Month lodging package Sunday thru Thursday starting at $283 a night include lodging,  breakfast  rentals, lifts and lessons ,for two people. 

8.     Save over 50% midweek in North Carolina about three hours northeast of Atlanta, at the Cataloochee Ski Area  with rates from $139 per person, including all taxes,  two nights lodging, two lift tickets, two rentals and two classes. They've even thrown in a $10 gas card to help get you there.

9.     Alta Resort's deal is good all season for beginners at the Utah resort which doesn't permit snowboarders. First Time Skiers  pay  $239 for 4 two-hour lessons, 4 beginner lift tickets, 4 days rental equipment and 25% off coupon for lunch at the Albion Grill.  Choose any four days of the season (excluding holiday periods). Enrollment is limited and reservations are required. 801 799-2271. 

10.        Crested Butte Mountain Resort is offering a $59 Beginner Ski or Ride Package-a 63 per cent discount.  It includes an Adult First Time Beginner Adventure Ski or Snowboard lesson and a 1-day adult lift ticket valid for limited lift access and  a 50% on rentals when you redeem your Liftopia voucher at the Adventure Center 

11.         At Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, stay four nights for the price of three and take three days of lessons for the price of two days, including rentals and lift tickets. Prices start as low as $386* per person for lodging, lift, rentals and lessons.  Check out the deal here.

 




And from our partners at Family Travel Forum

   

Our Kids' Guides Series from Globe Pequot Press continues to grow with new books on Los Angeles and Chicago, just published.  Boston and more in 2014!

   Kids Buide to New York City  
     

 

   

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