January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. And as the tag line for the movement says, “Humans were never meant to hibernate.” All of the local resorts are open and the slopes are ready to greet you. That makes this a great time to take advantage of the deals to celebrate the occasion by learning to ski or snowboard.
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month is an effort to encourage adults and children to learn to ski (or snowboard) by taking lessons with professional instructors. It also encourages people who already do ski and snowboard to take lessons to improve their skills. The movement began in 2008 with a handful of ski resort associations and went nationwide in 2009. This year more than 300 resorts in 33 states are participating by offering special learning programs during the month of January.
One may ask why you should learn to ski or snowboard from a professional instructor. Professional instructors can aid you right from the beginning. They can help you find the appropriate gear for your ability and help you learn the proper way to use it. They provide you with knowledge and tips from years of experience and training. They will also teach you proper techniques that will make your learning and skiing or boarding experience more comfortable and in return more fun. Improper techniques can put extra stress on the body such as the knees. Lastly, they will help you learn the safe way to do things.
Whitetail Ski Resort near Mercersburg has a special package for the month of January. Their $39 Wednesday deal is available each Wednesday of the month. This package includes an all-day beginner area lift ticket, rental equipment and a ‘First Time’ Lesson. This package will also qualify you for the Mountain Passport which provides you with a free all mountain pass plus discounts on rentals and lift tickets for the rest of the season and free lessons for the rest of the season. The passport is also able to be used at Liberty Ski Area and Ski Roundtop. To sweeten this deal, free child care is available until 5: 00 p.m. when you purchase a ‘learn to ski package’. Reservations are not required for the lessons, but they are required for child care.
Seven Springs is offering a special Bring a Friend package for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Anyone who brings a friend to learn to ski between January 1 and January 31, 2013 will be eligible to win a 2013-2014 season pass for Seven Springs. They also have a special lodging package for you and your friend for the month. For $280 per person you will receive two nights of lodging, a level 1 Learn to Ski or Snowboard Lesson, a ski or board lift ticket valid until 7:00 p.m. with limited access to beginner areas only, rental equipment, breakfast each morning, one dinner, access to the indoor swimming pool and fitness facility and a game card to the Bear Trap Fun Zone. This offer is valid Sunday through Thursday. Call the resort for more information or to make reservations.
Although only Whitetail and Seven Springs are offering special deals for the month, some of the other local resorts are offering season long specials for learning to ski and board. Here is some information about some of these specials.
- Hidden Valley Resort offers a special for skiing and snowboarding on Monday and Tuesday all season long. From 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., you can get a lift ticket, rental equipment, and a free beginner’s group lesson all for $32. The resort also has a special Snowboarding Camp on Saturday, January 12. This camp is open to any intermediate or advanced boarder 10 years of age and older that would like to improve their skills. The camp runs from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and costs $79.
- Seven Springs is also offering four new package deals for learning to ski or snowboard for the season. They include an after-work first timers’ group lesson. They also have special kids’ packages. The Tiny Tots Ski Package and Riglet Park Snowboarding Lessons are a great way to introduce the kids to the sports. In addition, they have a special Ski with Me Package for a parent and child to learn. Check out the information online or in the preview article for Seven Springs.
- Tussey Mountain in Boalsburg has a good package for the “Young at Heart.” The Young at Heart Package is for skiers 50 years of age and older. The program is offered on Tuesday afternoons and includes a beginners group from noon until 1:30 p.m. and an intermediate group from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The cost is $12 plus a lift ticket which is available at half price.
So get out there this month and learn to ski or snowboard. Have some fun and learn a new sport. Check back here often for more suggestions on how to learn to ski or snowboard this year.
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