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 Shopping spree at the
mall 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
(especially in this down turned economy) and a couple of aggressive areas
are combating the cost phobia with free learn to ski and snowboard specials.
These particular early season deals are for first timers, families with kids
8 and older.
The month of January is Learn to Ski or Ride Free Month
sponsored by the national Ski Area Association and Snowsports of America. Resorts nationwide offer a Get into Skiing or
Snowboarding package for anyone 8-years of age or older. Each package
includes a two-hour lesson, rental equipment for the day and an all-day Learning Area lift ticket.
That’s what I call a ski stimulus plan.
Come early January, one of the best vacation values in New England is
Children’s Fest week at Sugarloaf
and Sunday River. During the post-holiday week in January, the slopes empty out, the price drops, and Sugarloaf gives free learn
to ski and snowboard programs along with free lift tickets and rental gear
for kids ages 4-12. The real deal: parents must purchase a ski & stay
package for 3 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? Sunday River's
Children's fest has similar deals, activities and appearances by their
mascot Eddy the Yeti.
So no more excuses about expenses, make this the year 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.
