Scott Markewitz, Aspen Snowmass
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month across America and Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member ski areas and resorts are offering special promotions and programs to make it easy for people to learn Colorados 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.
In addition, several resorts are participating in the Worlds Largest Lesson on Friday, January 8. This group lesson will occur at ski resorts across America in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest multi-venue skiing and snowboarding lesson. Participating CSCUSA member resorts include Arapahoe Basin, Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Powderhorn, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight, and Wolf Creek.
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 is a summary of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard activities and offerings at CSCUSA member ski areas.
Arapahoe Basin
Super Sunday Lessons
Arapahoe Basin Ski Areas 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 Worlds Largest Lesson. For more information, visit www.arapahoebasin.com.
Aspen Snowmass
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. For more information, visit http://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 propertys 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 now by visiting www.limelighthotel.com or calling (844) 854-3387.
Cooper
3 Lesson Package
Coopers First Timer 3 Lesson Package is available as a first time snow experience for those who have never skied nor snowboarded before. This program is intended for a first time snow sport experience only and is geared toward adults 13 years old and older. The package includes three two-hour group ski, telemark, or snowboard lessons, rental equipment, and access to Coopers Magic Carpet lift for $210, or $189 with advance online reservations. Lessons can be taken any time Group Lessons are offered during the season. For more information, visit http://skicooper.com/product/first-timer-3-lesson-package/.
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:
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. For more information, please visit 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.For more information, visit http://www.skicb.com/learn.
Eldora
Lesson, Lift and Equipment Rental Package for Children and Adults
Eldora Mountain Resort (EMR) is offering the Mountain Explorer Childrens Learn to Ski and Snowboard Package for $129. The day package includes an all mountain lift ticket, all day rental, and all day lesson, with snacks and lunch. Reservations are recommended; visit http://www.eldora.com/lessons.children.html for more information.
For adults, EMR is offering the EASY 1-2-3 for $129. The day package includes one day of lower mountain lift access, all day equipment rental and 3.5 hour lesson (2 hours AM and 1.5 hours PM). Visit http://www.eldora.com/lessons.daily.html for more information.
Loveland Ski Area
3-Class Pass For Kids
All children (ages 4-14) regardless of ability who pre-purchase or complete 3 full day lesson packages receive a free, unrestricted season pass to keep practicing their skiing or snowboarding skills for the rest of the season. Children’s full day lesson packages include lesson, lift access, rentals (ski or snowboard) and lunch. Full day lessons are from 10am through 3:30pm daily. Phone reservations are available or guests can register at the Loveland Valley between 8am and 9am. Participants who pre-purchase can enjoy the season pass all winter long. Pre-purchase price is $336 for ages 6-14 skiers & snowboarders (Includes Season Pass); $360 for ages 4-5 skiers (Includes Season Pass & early drop off)
3-Class Pass for Newcomer Adults
The 3-Class Pass for adult first-time skiers or snowboarders is now available for pre-purchase. The pre-purchased package includes one All Day Newcomer and two half day Master the Mountain lesson packages. Upon completion of their third lesson, guests will receive a full, unrestricted Loveland Season Pass. Lesson packages include lesson, all-day lift access and equipment rental. Phone reservations are available or register at the Loveland Valley between 8am and 9am. Pre-purchase price is $331 (includes season pass).
Adult Novice/Intermediate 3-Class Pass
The Pre-Purchase program includes three 1/2-day Master the Mountain, full lesson packages, and an unrestricted Season Pass valid all season upon pre-purchase. Lesson packages include lift access and rental equipment, (ski or snowboard). Phone reservations are available at 800-736-3SKI or register at the Loveland Valley between 8am and 9am. Pre-purchase price is $471 (includes season pass). For more information, visit www.skiloveland.com.
Monarch
Monarch Mountain celebrates Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month with affordable learn to ski and ride packages at the Monarch Mountain Ski and Ride School. Pricing begins at $55 for a half day youth group lesson. Guests ho take a 4-hour group Learn to Ski lesson will receive a free lift ticket to use at their next visit. Visit www.skimonarch.com for details.
Powderhorn
Learn to Ski or Snowboard Series
Powderhorns Learn to Ski or Snowboard program is for first timers only, skiers aged 5 and older and Snowboarders aged 7 and older. The program includes three full-days of lessons and EZ rider lift tickets and rentals for $169 (helmet not included). Upon completion, participants will receive a Graduate Card that entitles them to 50 percent off any additional lessons, rentals or lift tickets for the remainder of the winter season. Lessons are available Thursday-Sunday throughout the season and holidays. Lesson times are 10:30 am – 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. For more information, visit www.powderhorn.com.
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 Purgatorys Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month program and receive a $25 Purgatory mountain card just for their referral, plus save 25% on a group lesson. For more information, visit www.SkiPurg.com/LSSM.
Ski Granby Ranch
Get on the Snow
Ski Granby Ranch is offering a special program from January 4-31, 2016 called Get on the Snow for $249. Designed for first-time skiers and snowboarders aged 13 and older, Get on the Snow participants will receive two days of lessons and will ski and ride free at Granby Ranch for the rest of the season with a complimentary season pass upon completing their lessons.
Reservations are required. For more information, visit http://www.granbyranch.com/ski-ride-granby-ranch/get-on-the-snow.html.
Steamboat
January Learn to Ski/Ride Package
Guests at Steamboat can build confidence while they learn in a safe, controlled, terrain-based environment with instructors that guide them every step of the way. Steamboats 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. For more information, visit www.steamboat.com or call 800.299.5017.
Sunlight
Skier Appreciation Day and Student/Teacher Appreciation Day
Skier Appreciation Day at Sunlight (January 8) offers $20 lift tickets to all skiers and snowboarders with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated to the United Way of Garfield County. In addition, on January 10 Sunlight will host Student/Teacher Appreciation Day, with $20 lift tickets for students and free lift tickets for teachers.
United States Ski and Snowboard Association U-10/U-12 Festival
On Jan. 30-31, Sunlight fans have an opportunity to watch the nations top up and coming ski and snowboard racers as part of the United States Ski and Snowboard Associations U-10/12 Festival. Come watch some of the ski and snowboard talent that just might be standing on top of the podium in future Olympic and World Cup races. For more information, visit www.sunlightmtn.com.
Winter Park
Kid’s Multi-Week Lessons
Winter Park Ski + Ride Schools 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 here: http://www.winterparkresort.com/plan-your-trip/lessons/kids-multiweek-lessons.aspx
Wolf Creek
Camp Robbers Clinic for Kids
Wolf Creek Ski Area offers a variety of ski and snowboard packages to help introduce never-evers to the sport. During the month of January, Wolf Creek is offering a four-week Camp Robbers clinic for kids. For $231 ($264 for non-Season Pass holders) lift ticket, ski rental, four hours of instruction, lunch, and snacks are all included each week. Children will be grouped with the same children and instructor each week for the clinic. Not only will the kids improve on their skills, but also this class design will encourage socialization and friendship over the four-week span. Mountain safety, fun races, and a terrain garden are all featured in this program. For more information, visit http://www.wolfcreekski.com.
