December 3, 2008 E-MAIL PRINT

Learn to ski free

by Heather Burke/

Sugarloaf's mascot Amos the Moose inspires kids while the ski school pros help them learn to turn. (photo: Greg Burke)

Sugarloaf's mascot Amos the Moose inspires kids while the ski school pros help them learn to turn. (photo: Greg Burke)

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Too many families steer away from skiing completely. "It’s too expensive!" is their reasoning. Skiing is an expensive pastime, no doubt, but so is a day at Disney ($94), a mall shopping spree or a new electronic video game. I could argue that skiing is far healthier than any of those equally pricey pursuits.

Resorts are recognizing that cost is a major deterrent to downhill, and a couple of aggressive areas are combating the cost phobia with free learn-to-ski/snowboard specials. These particular early season deals are for first-timers, families with kids 8 and older.

This month, Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire is offering an introduction to skiing and snowboarding package for anyone 8 or older. Each package includes a two-hour lesson, rental equipment for the day and an all-day South Peak Learning Area lift ticket. Sunapee’s South Peak Learning Area is perfectly pitched and tucked away from the intimidating rush of more schooled skiers and riders. These all-inclusive freebies are available daily at Mount Sunapee from Dec. 6 through Dec. 24. You need to call ahead (603-763-3500) to reserve a spot for these ski and snowboard lessons. Last winter, Sunapee provided 1,000 free lessons. That’s what I call a ski stimulus plan. Go to www.mountsunapee.com for more information.

Shawnee Peak in Maine is also giving away free skiing and snowboarding lesson programs for "never-evers" (that’s ski resort code for first-timers) Dec. 20-21 for anyone 8 or older. Shawnee Peak is an ideal learners mountain near the New Hampshire border, convenient to North Conway, with gorgeous White Mountain views. Shawnee is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, and for the most night skiing terrain in New England. Shawnee’s free program provides first time skiers and snowboarders with a full day of rental equipment, a 1½-hour lesson, and a full-day lift ticket accessing Shawnee’s Rabbit Run learning area. So, after your professional instruction, you can practice your pizza pies on the bunny hill. To take advantage of Shawnee’s free learn-to-ski/ride program, you must pre-register by e-mailing skifree@shawneepeak.com or calling 207-647-8444, ext. 26, with your name, address and number of registration packages you need.

Come early January, one of the best vacation values in New England is Children’s Festival week at Sugarloaf. During the post-holiday week of Jan. 11-16, the slopes empty out, the price drops and Sugarloaf gives free learn-to-ski/snowboard programs along with free lift tickets and rental gear for kids ages 4-12. The real deal: Parents must purchase a ski-and-stay package for three or more nights, then their kids ski and stay free — with instruction and equipment to boot.

When your kids are in elementary school, they can miss a few days for family holiday, and you save big-time over prime-time prices. Your youngsters will love seeing mascots Amos the Moose and Blueberry Bear while they learn to turn with The Loaf’s pros. As parents, you will love the savings, the snowy getaway, Sugarloaf’s slopeside lodging and the après ski atmosphere. It’s worth the trip, and did I mention it’s free for kids?

So, no more excuses about expenses. Make this the season you start the family sliding. After all, this is the year that resorts are wheeling and dealing to get you to take up the sport.

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