Affordable Learn to Ski & Snowboard Packages in the West

January marks the annual Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month at ski resorts across the country. For budget-conscious skiers, this is a great time to introduce a friend to the sport you love by taking advantage of the many affordable package deals offered for beginners. Here’s a quick list of some of the popular Learn to Turn programs offered at some of your favorite California and Colorado ski resorts.

CALIFORNIA

First-timers ages 13 and older can sign up for $59 beginner packages at Alpine Meadows that include a lift ticket, a half-day lesson and rentals. The program runs January 4-29 and excludes weekends (Saturday and Sunday).

Purchase one of Mountain High’s Beginner Packages at $75-$85, and receive a second lesson, free. The starter package covers two lessons, one day ski or snowboard equipment rental, and a lower mountain lift ticket.

Northstar’s First-Timer Ski Lesson costs $159 for a 2.5 hour group lesson package that includes all-day equipment rental and a limited lift ticket. The $215.00 package also includes lunch.

Snow Valley Mountain Resort’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard package is a buy one for $69 and get one free for new skiers and snowboarders age 13 and older. It includes a beginner area lift ticket, group lesson, and rentals. The offer is valid Monday through Friday, non-holiday, January 4-29, 2016. An MLK holiday lesson is available for $99 on January 18 .

Sugar Bowl’s Learn to Ski & Ride Package is offered for beginners age 6 and older This package includes a group lesson, rentals, and a beginner lift ticket for $90-$99 for morning and afternoon sessions.

COLORADO

Copper Mountain’s Ski and Ride School University’s $199 package seems pricey, but offers quite a lot. The comprehensive package will take you from newbie to novice with a series of three ski or snowboard lessons, lift tickets, equipment rentals; preferred parking; and two lunches included. To sweeten the deal, participants receive a free season pass after the third lesson.

First Time Adventure lesson at Crested Butte is only $79 in January. Participants ages 15 and older will receive a full-day lesson, limited lift ticket and 50% off a one-day equipment rental.

Not to be outdone, Loveland’s 3-Class Pass includes three lesson packages – with a free season pass upon completion of the final lesson. This package is perfect for families because the 3-Class Passes are available for all ages and abilities, some restrictions apply.

Granby Ranch’s Get on the Snow is offered to snow fans ages 13 and older who have never strapped on skis or a board. For only $249, participants are awarded a complimentary season pass after completing two days of lessons. Lessons don’t have to be on consecutive days, and the package covers lift tickets and rentals on lesson days, through Jan 31.

Sunlight Mountain’s Learn to Shine Package includes a whopping total of 8 days of skiing for $375. Included in the package are three lessons that with rental equipment and a lift ticket, along with a 5-day season pass that can be used at any time for the rest of the season.

Winter Park is offering a buy one, get one package that encourages beginners to bring a friend. With the purchase of one full-day package that includes a lesson, lift ticket, rentals and lunch, you’ll get one free. Cost is $199 – $219 and runs through Jan. 28 with some limitations.

Here you have 11 different ways to introduce your non-skiing friends and family to your world in January. Advanced registration is required, and packages often sell quickly. Before you register, check each of the resort’s websites for full details along with any restrictions and blackout dates that may apply.  Even with some limitations, you can’t beat the price on these comprehensive packages.