As amazing as it sounds, there are people who have lived in Utah their whole lives, yet have never been skiing, not even once. Despite having some of the most famous, world-class resorts on earth in their back yards, these Utahns, for some reason, have been deprived of the exquisite feeling of sliding down a mountain on snow. Hell, I’m ashamed to say I’m friends with some of these poor souls, who always make excuses about the cost. Well right now, there is no excuse as January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Utah resorts are participating, offering huge discounts and incentives to first-time skiers and snowboarders to get into the high country, learn a new sport, and maybe even fall in love enough to become life-long skiers.
No more excuses. Check out the list below, compiled by SkiUtah.com, choose the deal at the resort that’s best for you, and discover the nirvana that thousands of us skiers already know…
Alta: First Time Skiers – Learn To Ski – $179 Package includes 4 two-hour lessons, 4 beginner lift tickets, and 4 days of rental equipment.
The Learn To Ski package is a great way for Utah children and adults to get started in the sport of skiing. Choose any four days of the season (excluding holiday periods). Enrollment is limited and reservations are required. Call 801 799-2271.
Brian Head: Beginner lessons for only $39 the weekends of January 7 & 8, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 for everyone age 13 and older who has never skied or snowboarded before. The offer includes equipment rentals, a beginner lesson and a day lift pass for Navajo Mountain.
Brighton: Brighton Ski Resort is offering ski and snowboard intro packages for $45 this January! Packages include a 2-hour morning or afternoon lesson, an all-day ski or snowboard rental and a full-day learner lift ticket. Available dates for this offer are January 9, 10, 11, *12, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 30 and 31. To take advantage of this offer go to brightonresort.com and print out the “THIS IS THE MONTH TO LEARN” voucher and redeem it at any ticket window on the dates listed. Lesson times are at 10:15 AM and 1:15 PM. *On Jan 12th there is also a night lesson option at 6:00 PM. Utah residents only. For more info go to brightonresort.com.
Canyons: Lucky 13 Offer…$13 Lift ticket, $13 beginner ski or snowboard lesson (5 hours) and $13 equipment rental. Total package price: $39. Valid January 2-31, 2012. Advance reservations highly recommended. Ages 4 and up – Utah residents only. Proof of Utah residency required. Contact Canyons Ski School at 877-472-6306.
Deer Valley: Date: January 28, 2012
Program: Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program – Never-ever skiers and locals only (local is anyone with a current Utah driver’s license. Without a Utah driver’s license, a photo ID accompanied by a current Utah property tax form, Utah utility bill or Utah business paycheck stub).
Lesson Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Maximum: Limited to the first 55 registrants.
Participants: First-time skiers (never-ever skied before).
What is included: Ski lesson, lift ticket, ski rentals (helmet not included) and locker token.
Age: Participants must be 13 years or older. Anyone under 18 years, Parent or Guardian must sign Ski Rental and Acknowledge of Risk Agreement on the day of clinic.
Cost: $39 for the package, per participant ($13 for a lift ticket, $13 for ski rental equipment and $13 for the lesson)
What to bring: Appropriate ski attire (pants and a jacket), gloves, goggles/sunglasses and sunscreen.
Reservations: Must be made prior to January 26, 2012. Reservations can be made by calling 888-754-8477 or 435-645-6648 and mention “Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program.” One lesson per participant.
Check-in Time: 7:45 A.M. – 8:45 A.M.
Check-in Location: Snow Park Lodge, Lower Level Locker area. There will be a Skier Services Representative and a Deer Valley Marketing Department Representative to meet the group and make sure participants know where to go for lesson and lift ticket.
No-show and Cancellation Policy: Must cancel before 5 P.M. two days prior to start of the program; otherwise a No-show/Cancellation fee of $39 per reservation will be charged to the credit card provided. (Anyone checking in after 8:45 is not guaranteed a lesson and will not be able to get a discounted lift ticket or ski rentals)
Eagle Point: Adult or child afternoon group beginner lesson, half-day lift ticket and rental – $39
Adult or child morning group beginner lesson, half-day lift ticket and rental – $44
Adult all day lift ticket, group beginner lesson and rental- $59
Child all day lift ticket, group beginner lesson, rental and lunch – $64
Pre-registration required for the Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month. Lift ticket for this program is a Skyline Lift only ticket. Blackout days are Jan 1, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
Park City Mountain Resort: STARTNOW INSTRUCTION PROGRAM FOR UTAH RESIDENTS
Registration is now open for Park City Mountain Resort’s StartNOW program. Launched in the 2009-10 season, StartNOW is a unique program aimed at teaching Utah residents (ages 6 and up) how to ski or snowboard. StartNOW provides five sessions of instruction for first-time ski and snowboard students and includes lift access, equipment rentals and lessons for just $199 – or less than $40 per session.
StartNOW reservations are available through the Park City Mountain Resort call center at (800) 545-8112 seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. until November 18, and 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. through the remainder of the season. Blackout dates do apply. More information is available at www.startnow.parkcitymountain.com.
Powder Mountain: Powder Mountain Ski and Snowboarding Locals Program is a five-week lesson package. Lessons are for beginners, age 7 and up. All lessons will be given on Saturdays. This offer is for Utah residents only and is valid throughout the 2011-12 season. Powder Mountain is committed to providing the highest quality lessons from certified instructors in a safe and fun atmosphere at a price that everyone can afford!
5 Lessons – only $85
Does not include equipment rental or lift tickets.
Special lift ticket pricing for ski and snowboard school students.
For more details on Powder Mountain’s Ski and Snowboard Local’s Program, log on to www.powdermountain.com/en/lessons-rentals/locals-program/
Snowbasin: Designed for the never-ever skier/rider to develop their skills in a fun environment while getting a feel for the sport and the mountain. Snowbasin Snowsports Learn to Earn Program consists of 3 steps ending in a Season Pass for the participant. Step one consists of three, two hour Beginner Lessons with Lift Tickets and Rentals included. Upon completion of this step, the individual is enrolled in the Recreation Program which is four, two-hour sessions with an all-area lift ticket for each day. Participants who complete steps 1 and 2 will have received 14 hours of instruction, 3 days of rentals, and 7 ski passes for a maximum cost of $297 youth /$347 adult. Upon Completion, participants will receive a COMPLIMENTARY SEASON PASS to practice their new skills for the rest of the season. (Pass valid after January 28th, 2012 throughout the remainder of the 2011-12 season)
Snowbird: ADULTS: Ages 13 and up First Time Utah Resident Skiers and Riders ONLY
Includes 2.5 hour lesson, lift ticket, and rentals. Receive the Learner Permit Program for $40 (regular price $90). Learner will receive a “Learner’s Permit Pass” with a photo which entitles the learner to 5 additional discounted adult group lessons ($60 instead of $100) subject to availability. AND five additional days of skiing for half price! (choice of all lifts or chair pass). The Learner Permit is good for the rest of the current season only, and is not transferrable. One per guest. MUST pre-register a minimum of 24 hours in advance and subject to availability. Must request the SKI UTAH program when registering. January 2-31; afternoons only.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH AFTERNOON ADVENTURE: Ages 7-12 First Time Utah Resident Skiers and Riders ONLY – $40; (regular price $90) includes afternoon lesson (2.5 hrs), lift, and rentals. MUST pre-register a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Subject to availability. MUST request the SKI UTAH program when registering. January 2-31; afternoons only.
Solitude: For Utah residents only. Must bring proof of residency.
3 PM half day beginner lessons, including rentals & lift ticket for $165
For: First Time Skiers or Snowboarders
Ages: Skiers 5 to Adult (Snowboarders 8 to Adult)
Dates: Jan. 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29* and 30*
Time: PM only class (1pm to 3pm) Need to arrive by noon each day.
Cost: $165.00 -Students will get 3 half day lessons, rental and beginner lift ticket.
Guests MUST reserve by calling 801-536-5730 or emailing school@skisolitude.com.
Lessons only available on the days listed above.
*These dates are for finishing lessons started the previous weekend(s). No new lessons will be started.
After completing all 3 lessons and filling out brief survey, students will receive a voucher redeemable for one all day-all mountain lift pass.
Sundance: Sundance Snowsports is pleased to announce the Ski Utah Learn to Ski Package from January 1, 2012 to January 31, 2012. The package is $40 per person and includes a 2½ hour group lesson, ticket, and rental. This is offered to local first time skiers and snowboarders only. Skiers must be 6 years old or older, and snowboarders must be 7 years old or older.
(Morning lessons begin at 10:00 AM, and the afternoon lessons begin at 1:30 PM). Purchase your lesson at the Sundance Snowsports Office located at Creekside. (A valid Utah Drivers license must be presented at the time
of purchase). *No reservations are necessary* For further information contact the Sundance Snowsports Office. 801.223.4140
Wolf Mountain: January is the National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and the Wolf Mountain Learning Center is offering a great introductory special for only $39. Participate in Wolf Mountain’s Discovering Snow Package. Pacakge includes lift ticket, equipment rental and lesson. Valid Sunday-Thursday only during regular group lesson times. Must be first time beginner skier or snowboarder, eight years of age or older.