First-Time Skiers and Riders Cash in on Deals around Utah

Few other states than Utah have as many introductory specials for up-and-coming snow riders during January’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Hop on board (pun intended) and join the snowy fun at these participating resorts:

Alta – First-time skiers have a reason to keep coming back to Alta with a $199 learn to ski package. The package includes four two-hour lessons, four beginner lift tickets and four days of rental equipment per person and can be redeemed any day throughout the ski season. The intro package is available to Utah residents only. Call the Alf Engen Ski School at 801-799-2271 to reserve your lessons.

Beaver – Take advantage of super cheap skiing or riding in Northern Utah with Beaver Mountain’s beginner package, which includes a lift ticket, lesson and equipment rental for $39. Package valid through Jan. 18. Call 435-946-3610 and mention the Ski Utah Learn to Ski package.

Brian Head – Book a beginner package on Jan. 26 or 27 for $45, which includes a two-hour lesson, rentals and a lift ticket, and receive a “bounce back” coupon, valid for two $45 ski or snowboard lessons to help you improve your technique. Complete both follow-up lessons and you’ll be eligible for a 50-percent discount on a season pass, 50 percent off rentals and a free lift ticket for a friend for the remainder of the 2012-2013 season. Participants must be 13+, and online reservations are required. Click here to visit Brian Head’s website.

Brighton – From now through Jan. 31, learn to rip some turns on skis or snowboard for $45. This introductory package includes a two-hour lesson, all-day ski/snowboard rentals and a full-day learner lift ticket. Pre-registration isn’t required, but participants need to print out a voucher from their website and bring it to the ticket window. The beginner package is available for ages 13+.

Canyons – Learn to ski or ride for $39 at Canyons Resort. Available to anyone ages 4+, the package includes a beginner lift ticket, equipment rentals and two 2.25-hour lessons. The beginner package is valid through Jan. 31 (excluding Jan. 19-21) and offered for Utah residents only. Call 877-472-6306 to reserve a spot.

Deer Valley – Utah locals who want to learn to ski can head to Deer Valley on Sat., Jan. 26 and learn the fundamentals of carving for $39. The program is limited to the first 55 registrants ages 13 years or older. Skiers will receive a three-hour group lesson, lift ticket, ski rentals and access to a ski locker. Call 888-754-8477 to reserve a spot and mention the Ski Utah Learn to Ski Program. Proof of Utah residency required.

Eagle Point – Eagle Point in Southern Utah has slashed the rates for beginner skiers and riders throughout January. All intro packages include a group lesson, rentals and a beginner lift ticket. Prices are $59 for an adult all-day; $64 for a child all-day; and $39 for an adult or child half-day. Call 855-324-5378 for more info.

Park City Mountain – First-time skiers and riders from Utah ages 6+ can sign up for the StartNOW program, which includes five days of lift tickets, beginner ski/snowboard lessons and ski/snowboard equipment rentals for $200. Pre-registration is required for all five StartNOW lessons. Call 800-545-8112 to book the package.

Snowbasin – Learn your way to a free season pass with five introductory lessons from Snowbasin for $295. Upon completeion of the five lessons, which includes 10 hours of instruction and five days of rentals, you'll receive a free season pass, valid for the remainder of the 2012-2013 season. Participants must be first-time skiers or riders and be 7 years or older. For more info or to reserve lessons, call 801-620-1015.

Snowbird – Adults and children can learn to shred the gnar at Snowbird for $45. These intro packages are available for first -time skiers and snowboarders and include a 2.5-hour lesson, a lift ticket and rentals. Adults (ages 13+) who catch on to the sport will receive five additional days of lift tickets and lessons at half price. Mention the Learn to Ski or Ride Package when calling to book at 801-947-8222.

Sundance – Learn to ski or ride or hone in your existing skills at Sundance Resort for $75. This package includes half-day instruction for ALL ski/snowboard ability levels, a full-day lift ticket and full-day rentals. Offer is valid throughout the 2012-2013 season on Sun. – Thurs. (excluding Jan. 14-16 and Feb. 18-20). Package must be booked online here.

Wolf Mountain – Learn to ski or ride during January for $39 at this small, mom-and-pop mountain. Wolf Mountain’s beginner package includes a lift ticket, lesson and rentals any day throughout the month, excluding Jan. 21. For more ambitious beginners, purchase three ski or snowboard lessons and lift tickets for $250 with the Get On Board package and receive a free season pass for the remainder of the season. Participants must be ages 8+ and be a Utah resident. For more info, call 801-745-3511.