This January, Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) and its member resorts invite beginner skiers and snowboarders of all ages to learn Colorados signature winter sports during January Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.
Lesson deals and specials on learning packages abound all month, from discounted first time lessons to beginner program packages, complete with hotel accommodations. Nearly every CSCUSA member resort is offering a lesson promotion during January.
January is an ideal time for learning to ski and snowboard. Most of the holiday visitors have returned home and plenty of snow has fallen. Resorts have good snow coverage and beginner runs have ample space for learners to practice their turns.
Colorado resorts consistently attract some of the top instructors in the world. The best skiers and snowboarders recognize the lasting value of lessons, including the benefits of learning the technical and safety skills from a professional, said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA.
Special to 5th graders and only during January, CSCUSA offers First Class. First Class provides one complimentary beginner ski or snowboard lesson, including rental equipment, for registered CSCUSA 5th Grade Passport holders who are new to both the sports of skiing and snowboarding. First Class lessons are provided during the month of January as part of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Initially we started the 5th Grade Passport as a way to give every kid who grows up in Colorado the opportunity to learn to ski, explains Mills. By introducing First Class to the 5th Grade program, we are expanding this introduction beyond free lift tickets for 5th graders to also teach them Colorados favorite sports.
The 5th Grade Passport program provides three free lift tickets at each participating CSCUSA member resort, and the 6th Grade Passport program provides four lift tickets at the same resorts for $99. More information on 2010-11 5th and 6th Grade Passports and First Class is available at www.ColoradoSki.com/Passes, or by calling 303-866-9707.
Below are highlights of CSCUSA resort deals for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.
Arapahoe Basin
This January, A-Basin is offering Super Sundays during Learn to Ski and Snowboard month. The Snowsports School will extend $75 first time lessons, and half-day group lessons. These events will take place on January 8, 22, and 29 during the 2011-2012 season. More information can be found at www.ArapahoeBasin.com.
Aspen/Snowmass
As a special introduction to the sport, during January kids age 5-teen can take a Beginners Magic lesson for $139. The lesson includes instruction, rental equipment and beginners lift access. In addition, two of Aspen Skiing Companys resorts offer the Adult Beginners Magic lessons, where Aspens famed pro instructors get beginners out on the easy runs that challenge them just enough. Beginners learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding from pros that practice a teaching method that promotes peak performance and confidence, while educating them about the right equipment and mountain awareness. The package includes a lesson, beginner lower lift ticket, and rental equipment. It is available at both Snowmass and Buttermilk, with single day prices of $189, or $179 if purchased seven days in advance. Get three full days for the price of two for $378, or $358 if purchased seven days in advance. For more information, visit http://www.aspensnowmass.com/schools/adult/default.cfm.
Crested Butte
Starting January 3, CBMR is offering a free day of lifts, lessons and rentals to aspiring skiers and riders who book a two-night stay at any CBMR property. The offer is valid for true beginners never-evers and includes each person on the reservation. Even better, this package applies to both adults and children.
CBMRs Learn to Ski for Free special is available from January 3 through March 9, 2012. A two-night minimum stay in a CBMR property is required. Included lift ticket allows access to beginner areas only and included lesson is intended for never-ever skiers and riders. An upgrade is available for a full-access lift ticket and lesson for more experienced skiers. Included rental is for Sport level skis or snowboard. For information or reservations contact Crested Butte Vacations at 800-600-2803.
Echo Mountain
Echo Mountains Mini Mountaineers is for skier ages 4-5 and snowboarders age 5. For three weeks, students in Mini Mountaineers will have the same instructor and the same peers of similar ability in their class. Snowboard classes are limited to 3 students per class so the instructor can provide each student the attention and “hands on” time needed to get them balancing and moving on his/her board. All Mini Mountaineer classes are catered to the childs comfort level, physical development, and attention span.
In January, classes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 10:15 am-12:15pm or from 2:15pm-4:15pm. For skiers, each three week session is $115 and includes three free daily 5 & under lift tickets. For snowboarders, each three week session is $160 and includes three free daily 5 & under lift tickets. Three daily equipment rentals can be added for $60. For questions, call the Ski & Ride School Desk at 303-325-7347, ext. 2 or visit www.echomt.com
Eldora
Eldoras First Timer Lesson Packages provides new skiers and riders with a 4 hour group lesson, rental equipment and a lift ticket for just $119. Eldoras lower mountain terrain is perfect for first-timers looking to develop their basic skills. For more information please visit www.Eldora.com/lessons.first
Loveland
For beginners, Lovelands 3 Class Pass is teeming with value. By buying three beginner lesson packages, the individual receives a free season pass valid for the remainder of the season upon the completion of the third lesson. Guests can pre-purchase the three lesson packages and get the season pass right away. Three Class Pass products are available for first time adults and children. For more information, visit http://www.skiloveland.com/skischool/3_class_pass.aspx
Monarch
January is the month to learn to ski stress free at Monarch Mountain. Monarchs new surface lift, the Caterpillar, makes it easy to get up on the mountain. Combine that with Monarchs spacious Lesson and Rental center containing new HEAD rental gear and more than 100 professional patient instructors, and Monarch is an ideal place to learn to ski or ride.
Monarch is offering a special learn to ski or ride package that includes an all-day beginner lift ticket, equipment rentals and a 1.75 hour lesson for $99 for an adult and $89 for kids ages 7-12. Each of these packages include a free beverage of your choice in the bar. For more information visit www.SkiMonarch.com.
Powderhorn
For Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month Powders introduces The Daily Sentinel Learn to Ride Series 2012. This series is for first timers, new to the sports of skiing or snowboarding. Participants can ski or ride the rest of the season with a free season pass. Students must be first timers and must attend all three sessions to qualify for their season pass. No refunds and no other discounts apply.
The Daily Sentinel Learn to Ride Series costs $249 and includes lesson, lift ticket and equipment rental. Program dates are as follows:
Intensive Series: January 1,2 & 3
Weekend Series: January 7, 14,& 21
Register by calling the ski & ride center at 970-268-5700 ext. 2080 or for more information, go to www.powderhorn.com.
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
Purgatory is launching a new initiative for January Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Available only during the month of January, beginners who want to learn how to ski or snowboard can receive a package deal that includes three half-day lessons with Purgatory Ski & Ride School, three days of basic rental equipment (skis or snowboard, boots & helmet), plus three days of lift tickets all for $99.
Once beginners graduate or complete the 3-day beginner program, they are eligible to purchase a season pass for $99 that is good for the remainder of the 2011-2012 season. This Learn to Ski and Ride package provides savings of nearly $250.
For those who do not have three days to dedicate to the sport in January but still want to learn, Durango Mountain Resort is offering a great deal in January for one half-day ski/ snowboard lesson with Purgatory Ski & Ride School, basic rentals and beginner lift ticket for $49, a savings of over $65.
These deals are only good in the month of January as part of Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month. The lesson packages are available on Fridays through Sundays (except for MLK weekend) for the entire month of January. These two programs are geared toward people who have never skied or snowboarded and want to learn. For more information please visit www.skipurg.com/lssm.
SolVista Basin
The Get on the Snow Program (GOTS) is a great opportunity for people that have never skied or snowboarded before to learn at an affordable cost. After learners complete two ski or snowboarding lesson days, they graduate with a GOTS season pass to SolVista Basin, as well as a 20 percent discount coupon valid for a retail merchandise purchase. The lessons do not have to be on consecutitive days but both lessons must be completed by March 8, 2012. GOTS is for Level 1 never-ever beginners, ages 10 and older. Lessons are available during January Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month except January 13-16. For more information please visit http://www.granbyranch.com/get-on-the-snow-program.html.
Steamboat
The Steamboat Ski & Snowboard schools Learn to Ski & Learn to Ride clinics pair first time winter enthusiasts with some of the best instructors in the industry, including former Olympians, collegiate athletes and more. The resort is so confident that Never Ever students will be skiing or riding comfortably on green runs after their three-day programs that they guarantee it. Learn to Ski & Learn to Ride Packages offer three days of instruction, gear rental, lift tickets and the same instructor for all three days of instruction for 16 year olds and up. The Learn To Ride Program is part of the signature Burton clinic and features specialized equipment and proven teaching methods designed to help first-time snowboarders. Booking Learn To Ski or Learn to Ride Packages seven or more days in advance can result in a discount. For reservations and call 800-922-2722, for more information visit www.steamboat.com.
Sunlight
Sunlight offers the Learn to Shine lesson program during Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. A three day program which includes ski or snowboard rentals, a lift ticket package, and two hour-long lessons for $325.
For first time skiers and snowboarders, these lessons will enable them to navigate around mountain terrain by the end of the first day, and allows skiers and riders to develop lifelong skills and independence on the mountain. For more experienced skiers and riders Sunlight Ski School offers an array of exciting options. The three lessons can be taken on any dates of your choice, and at the completion of the lessons, participants receive a free five day ski pass to continue practicing new skills.
For more information, or any questions contact Ski School Director, Joe Sims at 970-945-7491, or 1-800-445-7931 or visit www.Sunlightmtn.com.
Winter Park
New to Winter Park this year is the Burton Experience Snowboarding Lounge. Burton and Winter Park have partnered to introduce a new way to experience snowboarding for the first time. Just in time for Januarys Learn to Ski and Ride month, The Burton Experience Snowboarding Lounge features a dedicated space where first time riders can meet with instructors, become familiarized with the latest gear dedicated to help beginners learn, plus its a pretty cool place to hang out with flat screen TVs, leather couches and cranking music. The Lounge is located near Winter Park Resort Rentals, West Portal Station. Watch for specials during the month of January by visiting the deals page at www.WinterParkResort.com.
