‘Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month’ beckons first timers

Colorado ski country. Credit: Casey Day.

By Jeanenne Tornatore

January may be one of the best times to take a ski vacation this year.  Not only is it a great time to find ski travel deals, it’s also “Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month,” with resorts in more than 30 states participating.   Throughout the month, you’ll find many of the country’s top ski schools offering deeply discounted — and even free — lessons for new skiers and snowboarders!

From the Northeast to the Rocky Mountains, here’s a sampling of the ski and snowboard opportunities (and deals!) you’ll find this January.

• Killington Resort Villages (VT) is offering 150 free Learn To Ski/Ride lessons for first time skiers or riders ages 16 and older, accompanied by a friend or family member purchasing a full-day adult lift ticket on the same day throughout the month of January.
• At Vail Mountain (CO) you can buy three consecutive days of adult group lessons for the price of two. This offer is available to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities and levels.
• Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort (CA) has great deals for families.  For the same price as an adult all-day lift ticket, guests can purchase the Parent Predicament ticket and take turns on the slopes. As one parent takes a few runs, the other stays with the child until they’re ready to switch.  And, kids enrolled in a 2-day lesson at the Kids’ Ski & Snowboard School save 50 percent on the second day of lessons.  Finally, all children’s single-day lift tickets are valid for two out of three consecutive days.
• Breckenridge Ski Resort (CO) is promoting its First Time Discovery Series.  Guests get three days of beginner lift tickets, lessons and rentals for $300 (USD)!
• Keystone Resort (CO) is offering lessons starting from $109 per day or buy two group lessons, get the third free from $218 (USD).
• At Snowbird Ski Resort (UT) you can buy a special Lucky 13 beginner ski and snowboard package for just $39 (USD). On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from January 7 – 30, first time skiers and riders age 16+ can purchase a beginner ticket, ski or snowboardlesson and equipment rental for $39.
• Park City Mountain Resort’s (UT) Start Now program includes lift access, an afternoon lesson and rental for just $25 (USD).
• Twenty-six ski areas in New York are offering 20 percent off their lift ticket, group lesson and rental package beginning January 3 and continuing throughout the month. The only blackout dates are through Martin Luther King weekend.
• “Discover Michigan” is offering specially priced cross country, Alpine and snowboard lessons at 23 facilities. Fees are $20, $30 and $40 (USD) respectively. Other Midwest Ski Areas Association states also are offering a variety of packages.

Related resources

• Ski attractions and deals
• Vail hotels
• Breckendridge hotels
• Keystone hotels
• Michigan hotels

Jeanenne Tornatore is a senior travel editor at Orbitz Worldwide. A long-time traveler and avid deal seeker, she regularly shares her industry knowledge, practical advice and savvy tips with national print and broadcast media around the country.

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