Beginners Save On Learning To Ski Or Ride In New Hampshire This Month

This month, alpine and cross-country ski areas across the country are celebrating Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month with deals on lessons for first timers, and New Hampshire is no exception. Many of Ski New Hampshire’s member ski areas are encouraging an introduction to snowsports with a $39 alpine beginner special, which includes a group lesson, rental equipment, and a lift ticket, while those interested in learning to cross-country ski can reap those benefits for just $19 at select Nordic ski areas.

“Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month aims to break down the cost barrier by introducing those to the sport who have never stepped foot in a ski or snowboard boot towards the beginning of the winter. This allows first-timers to develop of a love of snowsports through a proper lesson, and to continue to take advantage of New Hampshire’s many resorts and incredible conditions for the rest of the ski season,” says Shannon Dunfey-Ball, Marketing & Communications Manager for Ski New Hampshire.

Though offers vary by ski area, this month-long promotion is heightened by specialty events, including the Bring A Friend Challange (January 1-31) and World Snow Day (January 20). "According to snow sports industry research, most people want to learn the sports because they want to spend more time with friends or family members. Trying to learn from a friend, family member or one’s self are probably not the best options. Taking beginner lessons from professional instructors, regardless of age, is the most effective and quickest way to learn Alpine skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing," said Mary Jo Tarallo, Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month/Bring a Friend Executive Director. 

Organizers of the national Learn to Ski and Snowboard/Bring a Friend effort are offering additional incentives for those who help newcomers take beginner lessons from pros and also for the beginners themselves. The “Bring a Friend” Challenge offers prizes like skis, snowboards, goggles, gloves, and other accessories plus a free one-year subscription to Mountain Sports Club to anyone who registers for the Challenge and helps a beginner sign up for lessons.

The following is a list of special learn-to programs taking place this month; additional information on ski and snowboard lessons can be found at SkiNH.com. 

• Black Mountain - Black Mountain offers a Learn to Ski and Snowboard package for $39 that includes a 1.5-hour group lesson, equipment rentals (excluding helmets which can be rented for an additional $5), and a Rope Tow Lift Ticket, which is good for their Rope Tow Beginner area.  Participants can upgrade to an All Day ticket good for all lifts for an additional $20.  The lessons are available at 10 AM or 1 PM on Friday, January 11^th. Black Mountain also offers free skiing for children 5 and under every day, and a “Tot Lesson” package for $60 that includes a 1-hour private lesson, equipment rentals (excluding helmets which can be rented for an additional $5), and a lift ticket.
• Bretton Woods - For the entire month of January Bretton Woods is offering $89 Learn to Ski & Ride Lessons which include a beginner ticket, lesson & rentals Sundays through Fridays; except Learn to Ski & Ride Free Week (Jan. 6-11, see below). Participants will receive an "Explore the Woods" card loaded with a $50 credit for a return beginner or intermediate lesson. Bretton Woods Learn to Ski & Ride Free Week  - Sunday through Friday, January 6-11, Bretton Woods will offer complimentary first-timer Learn to Ski or Snowboard lessons. The Learn to Ski or Snowboard Lesson includes equipment rental, Learning Center lift ticket valid for the day of the lesson and participants will receive an "Explore the Woods" discount card that includes a $50 credit toward a return beginner or intermediate lesson package. This offer is for First-Time Skiers or Snowboarders.  Visit brettonwoods.com for details, terms, and conditions.
• Bretton Woods XC - Sunday, January 6th through Friday, January 11th is Learn to Nordic Ski Free Week. Reservations are required and must be made 24 hours in advance as space is limited. Nordic lessons are offered daily. Please call the Bretton Woods Nordic Center at (603) 278-3322 to make your reservations; all packages are based on availability. 
• Cannon Mountain - $39 lift, lesson and rentals beginner package for downhill skiing and riding. This offer is for First-Time Skiers or Snowboarders Ages 13+. Lessons available Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30pm, advanced reservations are required. Call the Snowsports School at (603) 823-7722 x787.
• Great Glen Trails XC - Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in January Great Glen Trails is offering a Learn-to-Ski lesson package for first-time skiers for $29. This package includes ski, boot & pole rentals and a beginner lesson lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes (Except January 21, 2019).
• Gunstock Mountain Resort - Gunstock Mountain Resort is offering a $39 lift, lesson and rentals beginner package for downhill skiing and riding. This offer is for First-Time Skiers or Snowboarders only.
• King Pine Ski Area - King Pine Ski Area will be offering a limited amount of $39 beginner lessons during the month of January, excluding holiday periods and weekends. Please call Guest Services at (603) 367-8896 to book your lesson.
• Loon Mountain - For $39, you get an Afternoon Group lesson, full rental combo (includes boots, bindings, skis/snowboard, and helmet) and a Beginner Area lift ticket January 6–10, 2019. Reservations are required and this offer is subject to availability. Call 1-800-229-LOON to reserve.
• Pats Peak - $39 Starter Special Package: "First Timers" Ages 6+ can purchase a $39 Starter Special Package, which includes a Beginner Group Lesson, Rental Equipment, and Full Day Lower Mountain Lift Ticket (8:30am-4pm). Offer is only available on Mondays (not available on 1/21/19) and Tuesdays during the month of January 2019.
• Waterville Valley - Learn to ski & ride at Waterville Valley for $39. This first-timers package includes a lift ticket, a lesson, and beginner rentals. Limited lessons available on January 11, 28 & 29, 2019 as well as February 2 & 3, 2019. 

For more information on Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and its accompanying promotions, visit SkiNH.com or SkiSnowboardMonth.org.

Ski New Hampshire is the statewide association representing 32 alpine and cross-country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, trail conditions, vacation planning, and updated winter events at Ski New Hampshire resorts, visit SkiNH.com. For statewide travel info, visit visitNH.gov.