Most of us are already die-hard skiers, but in case there are some lurkers that aren't sure where to start or for those of us that want to introduce a friend to the sport (instant ski buddy, just add snow) the best place to start is with lessons. Most hills will offer lessons for all levels of skiers, but some have special deals for newbies. Also, at many hills you can get a discounted or even free ticket for yourself if you bring a newbie, so don't forget to check the website before your friends book their lessons. January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard month, and hills that have a usual "first timers" lesson might have better specials at that time. I'll start the list off with some packages in the New England area that run the entire season (or in case of the ones with freebies, while supplies last.)
Wachusett has a 3 day beginner package- 3 lessons with rentals, lift ticket for all but the Polar Express, and after the 3rd lesson you can buy a 3-pack of lift passes for $79, and get 2 free days of rentals and half off a day of demos. Oh, and you get a free cider donut at the Bullock lodge after the 3rd day too. Yum. The price isn't posted for this year yet, but I think it runs around $199. They also have the BFF- bring a friend for free- you get a free lift ticket to have fun while your friend is learning.
Ragged Mountain has the Bebe Wood program- first 3 lessons and rentals are free (7 and up), $20 for a lower lift ticket for the rest of the day, $29 lessons the rest of the season, and the next season, and $69 rest of season lift pass.
Pats Peak has the Passport PLUS program- $349 gets you 4 lessons, after the 4th lesson a free pair of Elan beginner skis with bindings, a season pass, and half off lessons for the rest of the season, and ski shop discounts. (18 and over only.) Pats also has a Saturday night POP (pay one price) from - $49 gets you lift ticket from 3pm- 10pm, rentals, "lesson tips" in the beginner area, and snow tubing from 5-10.
Killington has the 4 day Discovery program- $399 gets you 4 days of lessons and rentals (day 1 and 2 learning area only, 3 and 4 full mountain lift tickets), and a free pair of Elan skis on the 4th day. (ages 16+)
Loon has a First Class Beginners Weekend- not all the details are up yet, but for $399 it includes lessons, lift tickets, morning coffee, lunch, apres and a free ski set up from Head- skis, bindings, and boots.
And for a multi-resort approach, there is the Peak Discovery Program. For $139 you get a package of 3 lessons, rentals, and lift tickets that can be used at any of the Peaks resorts. You can do all three lessons at one hill, or a combo of hills. Peak resorts are Attitash, Wildcat, Crotched, Mount Snow, Hunter, Jack Frost, and Big Boulder.
The first two days are lower mountain lift tickets, the third day is full mountain access. And it might not sound like a big deal, but the rentals includes the helmet. Oddly, not all rental packages include the helmet, you have to pay separately for one or bring your own. I would think for beginners especially the helmet should be included.
Wachusett has a 3 day beginner package- 3 lessons with rentals, lift ticket for all but the Polar Express, and after the 3rd lesson you can buy a 3-pack of lift passes for $79, and get 2 free days of rentals and half off a day of demos. Oh, and you get a free cider donut at the Bullock lodge after the 3rd day too. Yum. The price isn't posted for this year yet, but I think it runs around $199. They also have the BFF- bring a friend for free- you get a free lift ticket to have fun while your friend is learning.
Ragged Mountain has the Bebe Wood program- first 3 lessons and rentals are free (7 and up), $20 for a lower lift ticket for the rest of the day, $29 lessons the rest of the season, and the next season, and $69 rest of season lift pass.
Pats Peak has the Passport PLUS program- $349 gets you 4 lessons, after the 4th lesson a free pair of Elan beginner skis with bindings, a season pass, and half off lessons for the rest of the season, and ski shop discounts. (18 and over only.) Pats also has a Saturday night POP (pay one price) from - $49 gets you lift ticket from 3pm- 10pm, rentals, "lesson tips" in the beginner area, and snow tubing from 5-10.
Killington has the 4 day Discovery program- $399 gets you 4 days of lessons and rentals (day 1 and 2 learning area only, 3 and 4 full mountain lift tickets), and a free pair of Elan skis on the 4th day. (ages 16+)
Loon has a First Class Beginners Weekend- not all the details are up yet, but for $399 it includes lessons, lift tickets, morning coffee, lunch, apres and a free ski set up from Head- skis, bindings, and boots.
And for a multi-resort approach, there is the Peak Discovery Program. For $139 you get a package of 3 lessons, rentals, and lift tickets that can be used at any of the Peaks resorts. You can do all three lessons at one hill, or a combo of hills. Peak resorts are Attitash, Wildcat, Crotched, Mount Snow, Hunter, Jack Frost, and Big Boulder.
The first two days are lower mountain lift tickets, the third day is full mountain access. And it might not sound like a big deal, but the rentals includes the helmet. Oddly, not all rental packages include the helmet, you have to pay separately for one or bring your own. I would think for beginners especially the helmet should be included.
