Learn to Turn: Vermont’s Ski and Snowboard Beginner Packages
Fledgling skiers and snowboarders in Vermont quickly learn that the state’s resorts have rewritten an age old adage: those who can do, teach. Many of the very best instructors in the business can be found on Green Mountain State slopes, helping transform raw aspirations of skiing and riding into ability, confidence and fun.
Innovative teaching programs and methods are further bolstered by a wealth of beginner packages, through which access, equipment and instruction are streamlined into the smoothest route to making those first successful turns. For individuals and families alike, there is simply no better place to learn to ski and ride than Vermont.
Bromley Mountain: All beginner programs use Terrain Based Learning to enhance the learn-to experience. Carefully crafted features in the Learning Zone will speed up your grasp of the sport, getting you sliding on snow and loving it. Bromley instructors are specially trained on these features, giving beginner enthusiasts an edge on more traditional teaching methods. This season, Bromley is expanding its Terrain Based Learning out of the Magic Carpet Area and up the mountain a bit to continue the enhanced experience for more advanced beginners. There’s never been a better time to learn to ski or snowboard.
Jay Peak Resort: Jay Peak is continuing its efforts to bring never-evers into the world of skiing and riding with the debut of its Guided Discovery program. Taking a page from the world of used-car salesmen, Guided Discovery adopts a try-before-you-buy approach to getting those who have never slid on snow (intentionally) to try skiing and riding. A prospective skier or rider can arrive at the resort’s Stateside rental center at 11 a.m., pick-up a half-day rental package, and then go out to the moving carpet. Ski and Ride guides will be positioned at the top of the carpet and throughout the learning area, on-hand to offer pointers and teaching tips should they be desired. If the potential skier doesn’t think the sport is for them, they can return their equipment by 1:00 PM for a complete refund. But if they do dig it and want to take a lesson, they’ll be offered one for only $20.
Killington Resort: Back by popular demand, Killington’s 4-Day Learn to Ski/Learn to Ride Discovery Program gets new skiers and riders free gear to ensure they become lifelong enthusiasts after lessons are complete. Skiers receive Elan E-Rise skis and snowboarders get a board and bindings from our Vermont neighbors at Burton Snowboards. Skiers and riders can also introduce a friend or family member to skiing and riding and earn a FREE lift ticket for themselves through the Bring-A-Friend promotion. https://www.killington.com/plan-your-trip/lessons-rentals/lessons-for-first-timers/special-offers-7?season=winter
Mad River Glen: Specifically designed for adult first-time skiers, this package includes a beginner lift ticket, equipment rental, and two 2-hour semi-private clinics (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). This package is available for Alpine or Telemark skiing. – $129
Mount Snow: Mount Snow realizes that when it comes to learning to ski and snowboard, or simply working on basic skills, one size certainly does not fit all. That’s why they offer a variety of packages designed specifically for the needs of everyone from beginners to experts and everyone in between. From toddlers just starting out, to ski and snowboard camps for kids and teens, to private and group lessons for adults, Mount Snow’s team of 400+ instructors are ready and waiting to help skiers and riders feel more confident and comfortable on the slopes.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort: At Smugglers’ Notch Resort, first turns start at age 2 ½ in the resort’s slope side nursery - the Resort’s Snow Sport University supports the entire family. Ski or snowboard instruction for kids are included in the FamilyFest package, while the Summit package supports comprehensive instruction for kids as well as adults. Smugglers’ offers unbeatable deals for beginners. With the First Timer package, get a full day Morse Mountain lift ticket, 2 hour beginner lesson, and ski or snowboard rental equipment with a helmet for just $109 per day. Vermonters get all that for only $69 per day. Plus, Vermonters can purchase a Learner’s Permit package, bundling everything above, good for 3 visits, for just $139. And those who complete all three lessons, get a FREE Bash Badge for the remainder of the season! www.smuggs.com/ssu
Stratton Mountain Resort: Skiers and riders can enhance and perfect their skills with a private or group lesson for an hour, a day or the whole season. Learn to Ski and Ride is available every day and includes freshly tuned equipment, “Learning Zone” lift access, and a 1 ¾ hour lesson for $99; for those ready to take on southern Vermont’s highest peak or see the view from the summit, an all-mountain access ticket can be purchased for an additional $20. Stratton’s Seasonal Programs have been building skills, sportsmanship and camaraderie for more than 50 years with Olympians and national team members tracing their roots back to Stratton.
Suicide Six Ski Area/Woodstock Inn: The Suicide Six FUNdamentals programing is the longest running snow sports school in the country. The dedicated staff has a passion for teaching which creates a genuinely fun, interactive learning environment for students. The instructors strive to make the classes accessible and personal to everyone and thrive in sharing the joys of skiing and riding.
Trapp Family Lodge: Take a lesson or two at the first Cross-Country resort in North America, Trapp Family Lodge. Our PSIA certified ski school offers lessons from the beginner through the advanced skier in both Classic and Skate techniques. The Classic ski beginner package includes skis, boots, poles and instruction starting at $55.00 for non-guests and $50 for guests. Private lessons are available for $70.00 per hour with additional skiers paying $20.00 (Price subject to change).
Okemo Mountain Resort: Okemo offers an ideal setting for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The resort is renowned for premium snow quality, surface conditions and learn-to-ski/snowboard programs. Okemo’s First Tracks beginner value package is for ages 7 and up, and includes rental equipment, professional instruction and unlimited use of lower-mountain surface lifts. First Tracks is offered twice a day, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The total cost is just $110. A same-day second lesson for First Tracks participants is just $57. Another option is Okemo’s Double Tracks value package for $200. It includes four hours of instruction spread over two days, including rental equipment and unlimited use of lower-mountain surface lifts.
Magic Mountain: Magic launched its new Nelson Family Learning Center Area last season in a beautifully manicured beginner slope set away from high traffic areas so beginners can relax and enjoy the personal instruction by our PSIA-certified school professionals. A new magic carpet style conveyor lift has been installed to create the easiest way to access the beginner and learning slope. Magic has special lesson deals for 1st-time skiers such as its “Never Ever” Kids Learn-to-Ski with 3 half day lessons for only $199 and “First-Timers” for adults at $199 which includes Learning Zone tickets, lessons and rentals for the 3 days. There are also 10 packs of lessons with big savings, so you get a consistent instruction throughout the season. The installation of the new Green Lift, which goes half-way up the mountain, is a great asset for novice and intermediate lessons as it accesses terrain designed to make the skier or rider feel comfortable as they gradually increase their ability level with each lesson. https://magicmtn.com/lessons-rentals/
Sugarbush Resort: Sugarbush knows that once a skier or rider gets the feel for sliding on snow, they’ll be hooked. Those looking to learn can try the First Timer Programs – multiple programs designed to introduce first-timers to skiing and riding. Graduates may receive a free season pass. Lessons focus on equipment fitting, getting comfortable with the gear, sliding on snow for the first time, making turns, and using lifts.
Bolton Valley: Bolton Valley’s 3-Day Learn To Love It Program includes three days of beginner lessons, giving guests a solid start on skiing or riding. Upon completion of the third lesson, skiers will receive the Learn To Love It card which entitles the cardholder to 50% off of full day lift tickets, lessons and full day rentals for the remainder of the 2018-2019 Season.