National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month makes learning to ski and snowboard more affordable for Utah Locals

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH- Utah ski and snowboard resorts are once again offering incredibly affordable ‘learn to ski and snowboard’ deals for Utah locals throughout the month of January.  Many resort offers include a lesson, lift tickets and equipment for under $40. The initiative is in conjunction with National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month, which takes place across the country in 32 states at over 200 resorts. Now in its fourth season, January Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month encourages children and adults to adopt healthy pastimes, which enable people to remain active through the winter. Last year’s initiative surpassed expectations by providing over 75,000 lessons to beginners across the country.
 
Utah has served as a leader in the creation of this campaign as Ski Utah Marketing Director Raelene Davis currently serves as the chairman of the Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month board of directors. “Utah resorts have really made huge strides to better accommodate beginner skiers,” said Davis. “These programs in conjunction with slope and infrastructure improvements at many resorts have made it easier and more comfortable to learn to ski or snowboard in Utah.”
 
Ski Utah urges all Utah locals to take advantage of the state’s most famous resource, The Greatest Snow on Earth®, by taking advantage of one of these wonderful offers:
 
ALTA SKI AREA
First Time Skiers - Learn To Ski - $179
Package includes:
            - 4 two-hour lessons
            - 4 beginner lift tickets
            - 4 days rental equipment
Choose any four days of the season (excluding holiday periods). Enrollment is limited and reservations are required: (801) 799-2271.
 
BRIAN HEAD RESORT
Beginner lesson for only $39 on the weekends of January 7 & 8, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 for everyone age 13 and older who has never skied or snowboarded before. The offer includes equipment rentals, a beginner lesson and a day lift pass for Navajo Mountain.
 
BRIGHTON RESORT
Ski and snowboard intro packages for $45 this January: packages include a 2-hour morning or afternoon lesson, an all-day ski or snowboard rental and a full-day learner lift ticket. Available dates for this offer are January 9, 10, 11, *12, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 30 and 31. To take advantage of this offer go to brightonresort.com and print out the "THIS IS THE MONTH TO LEARN" voucher and redeem it at any ticket window on the dates listed. Lesson times are at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. *On January 12 there is also a night lesson option at 6 p.m. Utah residents only.
 
CANYONS RESORT
Canyons is offering a $39 package ($13 lift ticket, $13 beginner ski or snowboard lesson (5 hours) and $13 equipment rental). Valid January 2-31, 2012.  Advance reservations highly recommended.  Ages 4 and up - Utah residents only.  Proof of Utah residency required.  Contact Canyons Ski School at (877) 472-6306.
 
DEER VALLEY RESORT
Deer Valley will offer a Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program on January 28, 2012. Never-ever skiers and locals only (anyone with a current Utah driver's license). Without a Utah driver's license, a photo ID accompanied by a current Utah property tax form, Utah utility bill or Utah business paycheck stub).
Lesson Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Limited to the first 55 registrants.
Participants: First-time skiers (never-ever skied before).
What is included: Ski lesson, lift ticket, ski rentals (helmet not included) and locker token.
- Age: Participants must be 13 years or older. Anyone under 18 years, Parent or Guardian must sign Ski Rental and Acknowledge of Risk Agreement on the day of clinic.
- Cost: $39 for the package, per participant ($13 for a lift ticket, $13 for ski rental equipment and $13 for the lesson)
- Reservations: Must be made prior to January 26, 2012.  Reservations can be made by calling (888) 754-8477 or (435) 645-6648 and mention “Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program.” One lesson per participant.
- Check-in Time: 7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
- Check-in Location: Snow Park Lodge, Lower Level Locker area. There will be a Skier Services Representative and a Deer Valley Marketing Department Representative to meet the group and make sure participants know where to go for lesson and lift ticket.
- No-show and Cancellation Policy: Must cancel before 5 P.M. two days prior to start of the program; otherwise a No-show/Cancellation fee of $39 per reservation will be charged to the credit card provided.  (Anyone checking in after 8:45 a.m. is not guaranteed a lesson and will not be able to get a discounted lift ticket or ski rentals).

EAGLE POINT RESORT
Adult or child afternoon group beginner lesson, half-day lift ticket and rental - $39  
Adult or child morning group beginner lesson, half-day lift ticket and rental - $44
Adult all day lift ticket, group beginner lesson and rental- $59
Child all day lift ticket, group beginner lesson, rental and lunch - $64
 
Pre-registration required for the Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month.  Lift ticket for this program is a Skyline Lift only ticket.  Blackout days are Jan 1, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
 
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT
STARTNOW Instruction Program for Utah Residents:
Registration is now open for Park City Mountain Resort’s StartNOW program. Launched in the 2009-10 season, StartNOW is a unique program aimed at teaching Utah residents (ages 6 and up) how to ski or snowboard.  StartNOW provides five sessions of instruction for first-time ski and snowboard students and includes lift access, equipment rentals and lessons for just $199 – or less than $40 per session.
 
StartNOW reservations are available through the Park City Mountain Resort call center at (800) 545-8112 seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Blackout dates do apply. More information is available at www.startnow.parkcitymountain.com.
 
POWDER MOUNTAIN
Powder Mountain Ski and Snowboarding Locals Program is a five-week lesson package. Lessons are for beginners, age 7 and up.  All lessons will be given on Saturdays. This offer is for Utah residents only and is valid throughout the 2011-12 season.  Powder Mountain is committed to providing the highest quality lessons from certified instructors in a safe and fun atmosphere at a price that everyone can afford.
- 5 Lessons - only $85
- Does not include equipment rental or lift tickets.
- Special lift ticket pricing for ski and snowboard school students.
For more details on Powder Mountain’s Ski and Snowboard Local’s Program, log on to
www.powdermountain.com/en/lessons-rentals/locals-program/
 
SNOWBASIN SKI RESORT
Designed for the never-ever skier/rider to develop their skills in a fun environment while getting a feel for the sport and the mountain. Snowbasin Snowsports Learn to Earn Program consists of three steps ending in a Snowbasin season pass for the participant. Step one consists of three, two-hour beginner lessons with lift tickets and rentals included. Upon completion of this step, the individual is enrolled in the recreation program, which is four, two-hour sessions with an all-area lift ticket for each day.   Participants who complete steps 1 and 2 will have received 14 hours of instruction, three days of rentals, and seven ski passes for a maximum cost of $297 (youth) /$347 (adult).  Upon completion, participants will receive a COMPLIMENTARY SEASON PASS to practice their new skills for the rest of the season. (Pass valid after January 28, 2012 throughout the remainder of the 2011-12 season)
 
SNOWBIRD SKI AND SUMMER RESORT
ADULTS: Ages 13 and up First-time Utah Resident Skiers and Riders ONLY:
Includes 2.5-hour lesson, lift ticket, and rentals.  Receive the Learner Permit Program for $40 (regular price $90).  Learner will receive a “Learner’s Permit Pass” with a photo which entitles the learner to five additional discounted adult group lessons ($60 instead of $100) subject to availability, and five additional days of skiing for half price (choice of all lifts or chair pass).  The Learner Permit is good for the rest of the current season only, and is not transferrable. One per guest.  MUST pre-register a minimum of 24 hours in advance and subject to availability.  Must request the SKI UTAH program when registering.  Valid January 2-31; afternoons only.
 
CHILDREN AND YOUTH AFTERNOON ADVENTURE: Ages 7-12 First Time Utah Resident Skiers and Riders ONLY  -  $40; (regular price $90) includes afternoon lesson (2.5 hrs), lift, and rentals.  MUST pre-register a minimum of 24 hours in advance.  Subject to availability.  MUST request the SKI UTAH program when registering.  Valid January 2-31; afternoons only.
 
SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Utah residents can choose three days to learn to ski or snowboard this January:
January 6, 7, and 8
January 20, 21, and 22
January 27, 28, and 29
 
Must purchase package in advance. First time skiers or snowboarders only.  Includes three lift tickets and afternoon lessons and equipment rental for $165. Reserve by calling the ticket office or coming in person to the ticket window.  At the completion of the third lesson, the student receives a FREE all-mountain ticket to return to Solitude ($68 value).
 
SUNDANCE RESORT
Sundance Snowsports is pleased to announce the Ski Utah Learn to Ski
Package from January 1, 2012 to January 31, 2012.  The package is
$40 per person and includes a 2.5 hour group lesson, lift ticket, and rental.
This is offered to local first time skiers and snowboarders only.
Skiers must be 6 years old and up, and snowboarders must be 7 years old and up.   
 
(Morning lessons begin at 10 a.m., and the afternoon lessons begin at
1:30 p.m.).  Purchase your lesson at the Sundance Snowsports Office located at
Creekside.  (A valid Utah Drivers license must be presented at the time
of purchase).  *No reservations are necessary*  For further information contact the Sundance Snowsports Office (801) 223-4140
 
WOLF MOUNTAIN
The Wolf Mountain Learning Center is offering a great introductory special for only $39.   Participate in Wolf Mountain’s Discovering Snow Package.  Package includes lift ticket, equipment rental and lesson. Valid Sunday-Thursday only during regular group lesson times.  Must be first time beginner skier or snowboarder, eight years of age or older.

For more information on these packages or January Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month visit: http://www.skiutah.com/winter/locals/lssm/.

For media information, contact Ski Utah Director of Communications Jessica Kunzer at 801.433.2016 or by email at jessica@skiutah.com.
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Ski Utah is the marketing firm owned and operated by the 14 statewide ski resorts that make up the Utah Ski and Snowboard Association. The organization has been creating brand awareness of and demand for the Utah wintersports product since its inception in 1978.