Ski areas celebrate Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month with special promotions for first-timers

Photo by Carl Frey/Winter Park

FRONT RANGE
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, so it’s the perfect opportunity for first-timers to learn how to enjoy the downhill delights found in Colorado. All across the state, ski areas are gearing up to offer their best deals, promotions and programs for beginners. The goal is to make it easier than ever to learn to enjoy one of our state’s greatest assets and raise appreciation of outdoor winter recreation.

Colorado ski areas offer acclaimed ski-school learning programs that are the perfect springboard to a lifelong love affair with the slopes. Whether you’ve tried skiing or snowboarding a few times or you want to make that inaugural Colorado mountain trip, taking a professional lesson will help you get the basics down and improve techniques more quickly. It’s the ideal time to get good deals on learning programs at participating resorts. Beginner programs vary but most include a lift ticket, rentals and the lesson. Some are multi-day and some include a season pass upon completion.

Newcomers who post photos of themselves or friends at skiandsnowboardmonth.org on their first day can win $250 gift vouchers from Liftopia, GetSkiTickets or skis.com and more.

Designed for kids, adults and those of all skill levels, nearly every Colorado ski resort has a learning program to get you started. Learn to Ski and Snowboard activities and first-timer offerings can be found at most regional ski areas. Here are some highlights:

ARAPAHOE BASIN
At Arapahoe Basin, adult beginners can take advantage of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month with a lesson package that will include a half-day lesson, ski or snowboard rental and a full-day lift ticket for $126. Kids who are skiing or snowboarding for the first time can get a discounted, morning class lesson and full-day all-mountain lift ticket for just $100 on select days in January. Reservations are required for all lessons. Call 888-272-7246 or visit arapahoebasin.com to book a lesson and learn more.

COPPER MOUNTAIN
For Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, Copper offers a discount on the First Time Adult Lessons. Afternoon lessons in January 2018 for first-time adults are $79. For more information, visit coppercolorado.com.

ECHO MOUNTAIN
Brand new for the 2017-18 season, Echo Mountain has installed a magic carpet learning area for beginners. For more information, visit echomountainresort.com.

ELDORA
For kids, Eldora offers the Mountain Explorers Built by Woodward Learn to Ski and Snowboard Package for $169 on non-peak days and $189 on peak days. The day package includes an all-mountain lift ticket, all-day rental, and all-day lesson with snacks and lunch. For adults, Eldora offers the Discover 1-2-3 Adult Group Lesson for $169 on non-peak days and $189 on peak days. The package will include one day of mountain lift access, all-day equipment rental and a three-and-a-half-hour lesson. Call 303-440-8700 ext. 1 for more information or visit eldora.com.

GRANBY RANCH
At Granby Ranch, guests can receive a season pass after completing two beginner lessons. The package will cost $199 and include one full day lesson, one half-day lesson, rentals and lift tickets. Complete the lessons by March 4 and receive a Granby Ranch season pass. For more information, visit granbyranch.com or call 888.850.4615.

LOVELAND SKI AREA
Loveland Ski Area’s 3-Class Pass encourages a life-long love of snow sports by rewarding first-time adults that complete three full lessons with a free season pass. First timers may also pre-purchase the three lesson packages for $366 and enjoy their season pass all winter long. The 3-Class Pass program is also available for children 4-14 and intermediate adults. For more information, visit http://www.skiloveland.com or call 303-571-5580.

Photo by Carl Frey/Winter Park

WINTER PARK RESORT
For Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, Winter Park offers the Headway Easy Start Lesson, an adult first-timer ski lesson using Head’s revolutionary program to help participants learn to ski. Lessons will be limited to first-time skiers 14 years and older only and includes a full day lesson, lunch, ski rental equipment and lift ticket starting at $269. For more information, visit http://www.winterparkresort.com or call 970-726-5514.

Originally published in the January 2018 issue of the MMAC Monthly