Beginning skiers and snowboarders can quickly lose their desire to take up the sport if others on the hill go speeding by them at what feels like very close quarters.

Brian Head Resort has taken a strong step to assuage these first-time fears and, hopefully, turn more beginners into accomplished skiers and riders: They gave them their own mountain.

The southern Utah resort spans two mountains and, now, one of them serves primarily novice skiers and ‘boarders. Navajo Mountain's all-green terrain comforts newbies, General Manager Henry Hornberger told OnTheSnow, as does the lack of crowds in the separate base area.

"We cater to kids, and adult beginners and low intermediates from our market in Las Vegas and Southern California," Hornberger said. "(Navajo Mountain) becomes a feeder area to introduce people to the sport."

Anyone can ski at Navajo Mountain area, but Hornberger said the vast majority there are beginners, low intermediates and older folks who have lost their need for speed.

More advanced skiers and riders can drop off beginners at the Navajo Learning Center and easily get back to the blues and blacks on Brian Head Peak/Giant Steps Mountain, either by taking the Navajo lift. or public shuttle, or by crossing a skier bridge over the highway that separates the mountains.

Ski school instruction begins with three-year-olds at Brian Head, with progressive programs at youngsters get older. Full- and half-day lesson packages are available for beginners.

More information.