Resorts are recognizing that cost is a major deterrent to downhill
(especially in this down turned economy) and a couple of aggressive areas
are combating the cost phobia with free learn to ski and snowboard specials.
These particular early season deals are for first timers, families with kids
8 and older.
This month, Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire is offering a Get into Skiing or
Snowboarding package for anyone 8-years of age or older. Each package
includes a two-hour lesson, rental equipment for the day and an all-day
South Peak Learning Area lift ticket. Sunapee’s South Peak Learning Area is
perfectly pitched and tucked away from the intimidating rush of more
schooled skiers and riders. These all-inclusive freebies are available daily
at Mount Sunapee Dec. 6 through Dec. 24. You need to call ahead,
603-763-3500, to reserve a spot for these ski and snowboard lessons. Last
winter Sunapee provided 1,000 free lessons. That’s what I call a ski
stimulus plan. Go on line www.mountsunapee.com to check out Sunapee’s deal.
Shawnee Peak in Maine is also giving away free skiing or snowboarding lesson
programs for “never-evers” (that’s ski resort code for first timers) Dec.
20-21 for anyone 8-years or older. Shawnee Peak is an ideal learners’
mountain near the New Hampshire border, convenient to North Conway, with
gorgeous views of The White Mountains. Shawnee is known for its family
friendly atmosphere, and for the most night skiing terrain in New England.
Shawnee’s free program provides first time skiers and snowboarders with a
full day of rental equipment, a 1 1/2 hour lesson, and a full-day lift
ticket accessing Shawnee’s Rabbit Run learning area. So after your
professional instruction, you can practice your pizza pies on the bunny
hill. To take advantage of Shawnee’s free learn to ski or ride program, you
must pre-register by e-mailing skifree@shawneepeak.com or calling
207-647-8444 ext. 26 with your name, address and number of registration
packages you need.
Come early January, one of the best vacation values in New England is
Children’s Fest week at Sugarloaf. During the post-holiday week of Jan.
11-16, the slopes empty out, the price drops, and Sugarloaf gives free learn
to ski and snowboard programs along with free lift tickets and rental gear
for kids ages 4-12. The real deal: parents must purchase a ski & stay
package for 3 or more nights, then their kids ski and stay free – with
instruction and equipment to boot.
When your kids are in elementary school, they can miss a few days for family
holiday, and you save big time over prime time prices. Your youngsters will
love seeing mascots Amos the Moose and Blueberry Bear while they learn to
turn with The Loaf’s pros. As parents, you will love the savings, the snowy
getaway, Sugarloaf’s slopeside lodging, and the après ski atmosphere. It’s
worth the trip, and did I mention it’s free for kids?
So no more excuses about expenses, make this the year you start the family
sliding. After all, this is the year that resorts are wheeling and dealing
to get you to take up the sport.
