January’s the time to learn to ski
Annual Learn to Ski and Snowboard month deals are a good reason to try a new sport
January’s here, which means two things: There’s more snow in the mountains, and that extra Christmas cash is burning a hole in the pocket of your winter jacket.
OK, you might not have that extra cash on hand. But that’s what makes January a good time to learn the ropes on the slopes.
January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard month, and for the annual promotion, Colorado’s ski resorts offer up some of their best deals of the season to those who want to learn to ski or ride. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a full-fledged grown-up who has finally decided to learn to ride or one of those tiny tykes pizza-ing down the hill. There’s a deal for all.
Here’s a roundup of deals across the state this January and, in some cases, beyond. In addition to discounts on lessons and lift tickets, some resorts are offering season tickets after you complete your first-timer lessons. Pick your poison, bundle up and enjoy — you’re only a beginner once.
Arapahoe Basin: For adult beginners, A-basin offers a lesson package that includes a halfday lesson, ski or snowboard rental and a full-day lift ticket for $126. This deal is available through April 29. arapahoebasin.com
Aspen Snowmass: The Adult Beginner’s Magic program at Snowmass and Buttermilk includes a full-day lesson, rental and a beginner-area lift ticket. Rates vary based on the date of purchase and the number of lessons but start at at $234 for the first lesson — if booked at least seven days in advance. Buttermilk is offering a special full-day private lesson, which as many as four people can sign up for, starting at $420 from Jan. 13Feb. 2. aspensnowmass.com
Beaver Creek: First timers can buy two lessons plus lift tickets and get the third day at a reduced rate. Graduates who attend all three days may then take three additional days of intermediate lessons at a discounted multi-day rate. beavercreek.com
Breckenridge: With Breck’s first-time lessons, learners get specific first-timer instruction paired with a first-timer lift ticket that will allow access to the resort’s purposefully designed beginner terrain. breckenridge.com
Cooper: In January, Cooper will offer a beginner lesson for first-timers with rentals and a magic carpet lift ticket for two hours for $89 or four hours for $179. skicooper.com
Copper Mountain: Copper will offer a discount on first-time adult lessons in January: after- noon lessons for first-time adults will be $79. coppercolorado.com
Crested Butte: During January, first-time skiers and riders ages 15 and older can sign up for a First Time Beginner Adventure lesson that includes a full-day ski or snowboard lesson, full-day adult lift ticket and 50 percent off a single-day equipment rental. Advance reservations are required. skicb.com
Eldora: Eldora is offering separate packages for kids and adults. The Mountain Explorers Built by Woodward Learn to Ski and Snowboard Package includes an all-mountain lift ticket, full-day rental and lesson and snacks and lunch for kids for $169 on nonpeak days, $189 on peak days. For adults, the Discover 1-2-3 group lesson is also $169 on nonpeak days and $189 on peak days. The Discover package includes full-day lift access, full-day equipment rental and a three-and-a-half-hour lesson. For a list of peak days and more information, visit eldora.com.
Granby Ranch: Granby Ranch’s deal could get you a season pass. Buy two beginner lessons — the package includes a full-day lesson, a half-day lesson, rentals and lift tickets — for $199 and complete the two lessons by March 4 to earn a season pass. granbyranch.com
Hesperus: This tiny but delightful mountain in southwest Colorado offers first-timers ages 7 and older up to three free ski or snowboard lessons with the pur- of one full-day, full-price lift ticket ($39). This offer is available every day for the rest of the season. ski-hesperus.com
Keystone: Adult beginner lessons are available in a buy-two-get-one-free package for $290 for lessons only, or $356 for three lessons and a three-day lift ticket. keystoneresort.com
Loveland: Like Granby Ranch, Loveland’s 3-Class Pass program rewards skiers and snowboarders who complete three full lessons with a season pass. The 3-Class Pass program is available for beginner and intermediate adults, and children ages 4-14. skiloveland.com
Monarch: Monarch’s January deal is a juniors Learn to Ski lesson package for $73 for skiers and snowboarders age 7-12. The package includes a lift ticket, rentals and a three-hour lesson with a snack. Reservations recommended. skimonarch.com
Powderhorn: With Powderhorn’s Daily Sentinel Learn to Ski or Snowboard Lesson, beginners get three days of lessons, rentals and beginner-area lift tickets, all for $169. The offer, which is designed for firsttime skiers and snowboarders, is good Friday through Sunday and during holidays. Ages: 5 and up for skiers, 7 and up for snowboarders. Another package, the Fast Track Program, also includes three days of lessons, rentals and lift tickets for $290 for returning skiers and snowboarders (the same age restrictions apply). After completing three lessons, participants get a Graduate Card, which gives them 20 percent off additional lessons, rentals and lift tickets through the season. powderhorn.com
Purgatory: This Learn to Ski and Snowboard package extends into the next ski season. The package starts at $74 and includes two days of lift tickets, rentals and full-day beginner lessons. Complete the program and return for a free lift ticket for a third day, plus 50 percent off rentals and a half-day lesson. That 50 percent off deal is good on lift tickets, rentals and lessons for the rest of the season, and Purgatory will offer 20 percent off your season pass for 2018-19 season. purgatoryresort.com
Steamboat: The ’Boat’s twochase day, $250 Learn to Ski and Ride package includes all-day lessons, two days of beginner lift access and rentals; kids also get lunch. The deal is available Jan. 6-31 for adults and kids in first grade and older. Book at least seven days ahead to get a discount. steamboat.com
Sunlight: Sunlight’s deal, the Learn-to-shine three-pack, includes three half-day lessons in the Pump Haus Progression Park, a step-by-step introduction to the terrain park. The package comes with an extra five-day pass to be used after the lessons. sunlightmtn.com
Telluride: Never Ever lessons, which are for first-time adult skiers and snowboarders and include lessons, lift tickets and rentals, are 25 percent off through Jan. 7. telluride.com
Winter Park: The Headway Easy Start Lesson, which is for first-time adult skiers 14 years and older, includes a full-day lesson, rentals, lift tickets and lunch and starts at $269. winterparkresort.com
Wolf Creek: The new Guarantee Learn to Ski or Board initiative at Wolf Creek might be a good idea for those who are extra nervous about that first time out on skis. The Guarantee offers those who have completed a First Day Beginner Ski or Snowboard Package some oneon-one time — up to an hour — with an instructor if the student still doesn’t feel confident. wolfcreekski.com