There are some really great things happening in the mountain towns and with ski areas in Colorado.  Whether you have been skiing or snowboarding before or not, there are affordable ways to learn or further hone your skills. Most ski areas will be open by Thanksgiving with just a few opening shortly thereafter. You can find a lot to do in ski towns with the family through then entire season.

Ultimate Four Lessons at Vail Resorts

Echo Mountain

Echo Mountain opens on November 30. Echo is the most Echonomical ski area in Colorado! The season pass (only $189) offers three free days at Sunlight and three free days at Ski Cooper. The fully transferrable Four-packs are only $199 (meaning you can use all four tickets yourself or share with friends/family).

A-Basin

Arapahoe Basin season pass includes an opportunity for the pass holder to have one lesson at just $40 plus get a discount off food and beverage as well as a the retail store.

Crested Butte

Do you have a winter birthday? Crested Butte is celebrating their birthday by letting you ski for free on yours! Receive a free beginner lesson, lift ticket and rental for each person on the reservation when booking a lodging stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort for two or more days. Valid for both the adults and kids (avail Jan 3 – March 9, 2012).

Loveland

Loveland will offer a 3 Class Pass this season, for both children and first time adults. Take three lesson packages and upon completion will receive a free season pass (Some say it takes three times before  you actually get the hang of snowboarding). Intermediate packages are also available, and include a discounted season pass.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge will start their 50th Anniversary with the ski area opening on November 11, 2011. The celebration begins with great giveaways on their facebook page as well as cupcakes on opening day! In town, you can celebrate with fun events all season long. Events like Running of the Santas (Dec 3), Snow Sculptures (Dec 9-16), 50th Birthday (Dec 16), Winter Dew Tour (Dec 15). Find great stay and play deals at GoBreck.com.

Town of Frisco

Have fun in Frisco at the Frisco Wassail Days! Wassail Days starts with the Santa Dash 1K Fun Run – to participate you have to wear Santa gear (good news is when you register you will get T-shirt, hat and stocking when you are done). December 7 is Wassail Night at the Historic Park and FREE Nordic Ski, Tubing and Sleigh Rides on December 8.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Devil’s Thumb Ranch 65 miles west of Denver and 15 minutes west of Winter Park Ski Resort and come recreate on more than 100km of groomed and tracked cross country ski and snowshoe trails.  Join in on one of the Ranch’s events that range from a season kick-off Tommelfest party (Dec 10) to full moon ski and snowshoe tours, FREE kids day (Jan 7-8), skijoring clinics (you and Fido skiing together!) or for the ultimate Mom’s experience, the Women’s Ski, Sip & Spa (Jan 29).

SolVista

SolVista’s “Get on The Snow” Program is perfect for those that have yet to try Colorado’s signature sports of skiing and snowboarding. Those who want to learn to ski or snowboard can learn with professional instructors, and after completion, receive a season pass for the remainder of the season (practice makes perfect right?). Get on the Snow includes a 20% discount on retail.

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