Montpelier, VT – Winter in Vermont is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts and Ski Vermont wants to help more people stay active and enjoy the outdoors during the snow season. January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard month and Ski Vermont member resorts are offering $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.
To further benefit the health and wellness of Vermonters, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports announces that it will sponsor up to 100 young Vermonters’ ski or ride lessons during Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month in January. Vermont children ages 4-18 are eligible for free ski or ride lessons while supplies last. Sign up at vermontfitness.org.
In addition to this year’s Learn to Ski and Ride Month, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are free at multiple locations during Winter Trails Day on Saturday, January 11. The inventory of snowshoes, skis and lesson space is limited. Contact participating ski areas to verify details and availability, and learn more at www.snowlink.com/
Skiing or riding is even better with friends. Whether learning or a pro, skiers and riders are encouraged to introduce someone to their favorite sport this season and be entered to win a two night ski and stay package through the Bring A Friend program. Participants simply share photos and stories of friends learning to ski or snowboard on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and tag it #BringaFriendVT to enter to win.
Vermont ski resorts also offer additional lesson options and specialized clinics for those looking to expand their skills. Here is a sampling of what’s available this season:
Bolton Valley Resort
Bolton Valley again will participate in the National Learn to Ski and Ride Month in January 2014 with a limited number of $29 learn to ski and ride packages, which include lift ticket, lesson and rental equipment any day in January, non-holiday (blacked out: Jan. 1, 18-20, 2014). All reservations can be made through Liftopia for this special package. The package is for ages 4 and up for skiing and 6 and up for snowboarding and lessons begin at 10 a.m. Lessons are 1 ½ hours for adults and 2 hours for kids 12 and under. Please arrive a half hour before the lesson starts.
Bromley Mountain
The Bromley beginner GET ski & ride package has it all – one low rate (only $99 if booked online one calendar day in advance) covers lift ticket, an outcome-based lesson in Bromley’s special beginner friendly learning zone, and equipment. Those who complete lessons receive a GET Recognition Card loaded with benefits, including $25 off lift tickets, $15 off rentals and $15 off Group Lessons for the remainder of the season. Turn in the card at the beginning of next season for a Sun Mountain Card, Bromley’s frequent skier Value Card. Take a second lesson (GET 2) for just $49. This package includes upper mountain lift ticket, equipment and 90-minute lesson.
Burke Mountain
Burke will be offering the $29 Learn to Ski/Ride Packages valid Monday – Friday, throughout January (excluding MLK Monday). For World Snowboard Day on January 19, 2014, Burke offers a Bring a Friend discount where two people can take advantage of the Learn to Ski/Ride package for just $29.
Killington Resort
Killington’s four-day adult Learn To Ski package is just $249 throughout the season and includes a two-hour lesson, rental equipment and a lift ticket each day. Plus, upon completion of the program, participants will receive a new pair of Killington Resort-branded Elan eRise skis and bindings (MSRP $499) along with a discount voucher for new boots and poles.
Advance reservations are recommended and there are a limited number of free Killington Resort-branded Elan eRise skis and bindings. Lessons do not need to be taken in consecutive days; however, all four days of the lesson package must be completed by the end of the 2013-14 season.
Magic Mountain
Magic has an all-inclusive learn to ski package at the most affordable prices and always participates in the SkiVermont Learn to Ski Month January promotion. It’s Magic is a program for the first time adult skier or rider looking to learn the sport under the guidance and instruction of a dedicated Learning Center Instructor, and features a full mountain lift ticket, rentals and a morning and afternoon two-hour beginner lesson for $129 on the first day. Reservations are required and may be made online at www.magicmtn.com/
Okemo Mountain Resort
With its reputation for great grooming and snow quality, Okemo Mountain Resort is an ideal place to learn to ski or snowboard. And beginner skiers and riders visiting Okemo early this winter can participate in a special Learn-to-Ski-or-Snowboard program for just $39. Through next Friday, Dec. 20, new skiers and riders receive one two-hour session with a professional instructor, rental equipment, and a lower mountain lift ticket. Reservations are recommended. For reservations or for more information, call (802) 228-1600.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is celebrating national Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month with a week-long special package from January 5 – 12, 2014 for first time skiers or riders. Level 1 & 2 skiers and riders on the Club Smugglers’ Base Package will receive free beginner ski or snowboard group lessons, plus, rental equipment for the entire length of stay. Smugglers’ National Learn to Ski Week special rates are $119 per adult per night, and $89 per youth per night. This package also includes use of the pool and hot tubs, the indoor FunZone with games and climbing inflatables, snow tubing, daily lift tickets and family and adult entertainment.
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain makes it easy to be a skier or rider with learning park terrain, the latest in rental gear and top teaching professionals. Now there’s a package available early/late season and select midweek periods, starting at just $99 per person. This two-night and two-day package includes lodging in select properties, learning park lift ticket, rentals and two novice lessons. After those first few lessons skiers and riders may be ready to soar to the summit, where EZ Street offers great views and gentle green terrain running from summit to base.
Sugarbush Resort
At Sugarbush, participants in the resort’s $29 learn to ski and ride lesson have the option to upgrade their lesson to the First Timer to Life Timer Program. A three-day program, the $29 lesson will count as the first day, with the next two days coming at a discounted price of $156. The total price of $185 is a savings of over 25% from the normal program. Upon completion of the third lesson, participants will receive a season pass good for the rest of the winter.
Topnotch Resort and Spa
Topnotch Resort and Spa offers a lodging-and-learning package for the month of January called Start in Stowe, valid for stays from January 1 – 31, 2014. The package includes nightly accommodations for two, daily 90-minute Stowe Mountain Resort ski or board clinic for two offered twice daily, two Stowe Mountain Resort lift tickets, equipment rental package for two from the Nordic Barn at Topnotch, Topnotch Ski Concierge services including advance lesson/lift ticket purchase, and complimentary Topnotch shuttle transportation to and from the mountain. Include Thursday in your stay and add a $10 Roost credit to jump-start your après ski enjoyment. Rates start from $278 per person (ages 13 and over) based on double occupancy.
Trapp Family Lodge
Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont offers introductory Learn to Cross Country Ski Classic or Skate group lessons daily throughout the ski season. The Lodge offers private lessons and in-house packages for those Nordic skiers looking to either improve their race performance or take their classic and skate technique to higher performance levels. All ages and abilities are welcome. The Outdoor Center also offers backcountry ski lessons and tours; introductory, intermediate, and advanced. Whether you are new to backcountry skiing or are looking for secret stashes of powder to carve tele turns, Trapp Family Lodge has lessons, tours, equipment and some of the greatest access the Northeast offers.