Honestly,as a deals blogger (and proud to use the word cheap when describing myself), I found it a bit odd that I took up what I always believed to be an expensive hobby. I could just as easily bought a $5 toboggan and gone sledding nearly every weekend. But then several years ago, my son got his free 5th Grade Passport. It had been years since I had been on skis when as a kid–I grew up in Steamboat–and skiing was part of our school’s P.E. classes.
But after getting up there, I discovered a couple things. 1) It makes a fun excursion and 2) there are deals to be had (and it doesn’t really have to be all that expensive). So I invite you friends, to try it too. Did you know that January is Learn To Ski And Snowboard Month? There are tons of great deals just to get you started. For most of the best deals on season passes, those ended on Thanksgiving weekend. However, if you are new to the sport – there are still some great deals out there to get you started!
Newcomers who take lessons during January have a couple of ways to make skiing and snowboarding more affordable. Online retailer skis.com/snowboards.com is giving a $50 gift voucher to anyone who takes a beginner lesson and sends in the receipt. The skis.com web site has information. Plus, grab a free subscription through learntoskiandsnowboard.org to the Mountain Sports Club which paves the way for discounts and savings. Numerous “Passport” programs for kids offers parents substantial savings on lessons and lift tickets for elementary level school children. Discounted lift ticket/learning programs are available during January and beyond from specialized web sites Liftopia.com and GetSkiTickets.com.
Arapahoe Basin. Every Sunday in January and February, Arapahoe Basin will have special lesson and rental packages for first-time skiers and riders. All packages include lift ticket, rental and lesson. Lessons are half-day, morning only (10:00am-12:30pm). For information on A-Basin’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month deals, visit http://www.arapahoebasin.com/ABasin/lessons/lssm.aspx. Or even if you are an experienced skier or snowboarder…try the One Run Lessons. With One Run Lessons guests of any age and ability are matched with an instructor for one run from the Black Mountain Express lift to the base area between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. The purpose of this lesson is to suggest minor changes or improvements your technique, and to introduce you to their Snowsports instructors. Sign-up is first come, first served, same-day. Dates include: January 4, January 25, February 8, and March 8, 2015.
Aspen/Snowmass. Learn to Ski and Snowboard special for just $379, participating guests will receive a full-day private lesson and can bring up to four of their friends/family. The package includes: One set of equipment rental from Four-Mountain Sports Buttermilk to be used with lesson (one person only); One lift ticket to be used with lesson on Buttermilk (one person only); One discount coupon for lunch at either The Cliffhouse or Bumps restaurants; One discount coupon for selected products at Four-Mountain Sports Buttermilk; and full-day private lesson for up to 5 family or friends. This special offer is only available January 10 through February 1, 2015. Reservations and pre-payment are required. For more information, visit http://www.aspensnowmass.com.
Beaver Creek provides the opportunity to learn on a World Cup mountain at their “Ivy League” Ski and Snowboard School. Beaver Creek’s Adult First Time Ski Series offers first-time adult packages for skiers and snowboarders which include three full-day lessons and three days of lift tickets starting at $360. Group, semi-private and private lesson options are available for children 3-and-older. For further information for all lesson options, or to book lessons, visit beavercreek.com.
First-time guests at Breckenridge can purchase the Adult Discovery Series package, which includes three days of full-day group lessons, limited access lift tickets and rental equipment starting at $320. For guests seeking a full mountain lift ticket, adult first-time skiers and riders can purchase a three-day lesson and lift package for $353. Additional adult and child lesson information, as well as advanced purchases, are available online at breckenridge.com. Guests staying at One Ski Hill Place, DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge or the Village Hotel have the added convenience of children’s ski school pick-up on-site at their hotels.
Copper Mountain. For kids 16 & up (yes, I’m a kid) for just $199 you get three lessons (ski or snowboard); lift tickets, equipment rental, close-in parking, and lunch on the second and third day. Plus, after you graduate (from the three lessons) you get a FREE season pass! For more info visit www.CopperColorado.com
Crested Butte. Crested Butte has partnered with Liftopia to offer an adult deal for just $59. The package includes lesson and lift ticket. (Liftopia also has other great deals – not just in Colorado!)
Eldora. Eldora has two packages – one for children and one for adults. The Mountain Explorer 6PAK is the children’s learn to ski and snowboard package. It is priced at $540. The 6PAK includes six days of all mountain lift tickets, all day rentals, and all day lessons, with snacks and lunch. Reservations are recommended. For adults, try the EASY 1-2-3 3PAK for $199. The 3PAK includes three days of lower mountain lift access, all day equipment rentals and 2-hour lessons. Visit http://www.eldora.com/lessons.daily.html for more information.
Keystone Resort’s beginner, intermediate or adult lessons are all available in a buy two get one free package starting from $262. First-time adult skiers and riders can purchase a $15 limited access lift ticket with any beginner lesson. For Children, Camp Keystone’s ski and ride school facility offers themed days, a 24-foot long slide that provides access to the snow from inside the building, and guarantees children the same instructor with three or more days of ski school booked in the Mountain House location. Additional adult and child lesson options can be purchased in advance online at keystoneresort.com.
Loveland. One of the things I love about the Loveland package is that they have remembered that even those of us who have been at it a while could still learn a thing or two!
- 3-Class Pass For Kids: All children (ages 4-14) regardless of ability, who pre-purchase or complete 3 full day lesson packages, receive a free, unrestricted season pass to keep practicing their skiing or snowboarding skills for the rest of the season. Children’s full day lesson packages include lesson, lift access, rentals (ski or snowboard) and lunch. Full day lessons are from 10am through 3:30pm daily. Pre-Purchase Price: $321 for ages 6-14 skiers & snowboarders (Includes Season Pass); $345 for ages 4-5 skiers (Includes Season Pass)
- 3-Class Pass for Newcomer Adults: The 3-Class Pass for adult first-time skiers or snowboarders is now available for pre-purchase. The pre-purchased package includes one All Day Newcomer and two half day Master the Mountain lesson packages. Upon completion of the third lesson, you will receive a full, unrestricted Loveland Season Pass. Lesson packages include lesson, all-day lift access and equipment rental. Pre-Purchase Price: $316 (Includes Season Pass)
- Adult Novice/Intermediate 3-Class Pass: The Pre-Purchase program includes three 1/2-day Master the Mountain, full lesson packages, and an unrestricted Season Pass valid all season upon pre-purchase. Lesson packages include lift access and rental equipment, (ski or snowboard). Pre-Purchase Price: $456 (Includes Season Pass)
Powderhorn. For just $149 you get three lessons (skiers age 5 and up and snowboarders age 7 and up) and get rental equipment. After you complete the three lessons you get a graduate card which entitles you to half price lessons, lift tickets and rentals for the remainder of the season.
Purgatory. Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is offering a guarantee for new skiers and snowboarders to learn the sport! For $75 from Jan. 5- 31, 2015, beginners receive a full-day lesson, lift ticket, gear rental, lunch voucher, and discounts for future lessons, rentals, etc. That’s 50 percent off the regular price. Plus they guarantee that beginner snowboarders or skiers (ages 7 and older) will learn to turn, stop and ride the beginner lift after completing a second day of lessons, and if not, they get another full-day lesson for free. After you complete your lesson you get a card which entitles you to discounts.
Ski Cooper. When you complete three lessons, you get a free pass for the remainder of the season.
Ski Granby Ranch. For just $199 you get two lessons at Ski Granby Ranch. After you complete the second lesson you receive a free pass to use for the remainder of the season.
Steamboat. Steamboat ski and ride package is just $199 for lessons, lift tickets and equipment rental. Valid January 5-31 only. For more information, visit www.steamboat.com or call 800.299.5017.
Vail Mountain offers adults the First Time Ski Series or the Learn Turn Ride package with each starting at $340 and includes three full-day group lessons and three days of lift tickets. Children’s skiing and snowboarding lessons are available in group, semi-private and private options. For these and all Vail adult and child lesson options, advanced purchase and further information can be found online at vail.com.
Colorado Fifth/Sixth Graders: Did you take advantage of Vail Resort’s School Of Shred or the Colorado Ski Country USA’s Passport Program? Don’t forget that you get a FREE beginner lesson with your pass (both passes offer same deal – which includes equipment rental on the day of the lesson). All you have to do for either program is call the ski area that you want to take the lessons at and tell them that you have the School of Shred/Passport. Simple. (I recommend having your kiddos bring a friend – mine liked it better when they were not alone).
I’d love to hear how your first day on the slopes went. Also, Ski Utah is hosting a contest where you can win a trip there by posting your photos on social media using the tag . #firstdayfaces.
Photo credit: Dustin Schaefer, Loveland
Email me if you know of any great Denver deals!
Don’t want to miss any of Mile High Mamas’ contests and events? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you can forward these great deals to your friends.
If you’re on Twitter follow me on Twitter (GeeWhy93). If I find a great deal during the week, I’ll tweet it out.
Author: Gretchen
Gretchen loves to be outdoors! She is addicted to coupons and finding the best deals or entering sweepstakes (one day she will win something really great!)
