Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports will sponsor 250 young Vermonters with discounted ski or ride lessons during Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month in January.

“Vermonters love to be physically active all year, and our state is known far beyond its borders as a destination for snow sports,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. “As a cross-country skier, I enthusiastically support the Council’s efforts to get Vermonters of all ages outdoors and active this winter.”

This is the second year that the Council has partnered on Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month with Ski Vermont, the statewide organizer of the national  initiative. Vermonters under 18 are eligible for a $10 ski or ride beginner lesson, equipment rentals and lift tickets while supplies last, and may apply for this offer at VermontFitness.org. Parents of eligible Vermont children will be notified by email and supplied a discount code for use when reserving a lesson at SkiVermont.com/Learn, while supplies last. Beginner packages are available one per person and holiday blackout dates apply during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Minimum age and occupancy of lessons vary by resort.

“Introducing young Vermonters to the state’s official winter sports, is not only an effort to encourage kids to be active in winter,” said Council member and Ski Vermont representative Sarah Wojcik. “It’s also a way to connect Vermont’s communities and pastimes and to encourage overall wellness within the state.”

Ski Vermont offers learn-to packages throughout the month of January for $29 for adults, kids and anyone in between.