FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact Information:
Karl Stone: 800-887-5464 x202
Alice Pearce: 800-887-5464 x203
Email: media@SkiNH.com
Download Release:  www.SkiNH.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE SKI RESORTS OFFER AFFORDABLE WAYS FOR NEW SKIERS AND RIDERS TO HIT THE SLOPES

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH, OCTOBER 2008 - Every year New Hampshire ski areas put their best effort into making learning to ski or ride fun and affordable.  These programs put an emphasis on an enjoyable learning experience and helping the new skier or rider get used to the basics of the sport.  Sessions include everything a first-timer needs to hit the slopes, and as an added incentive, many programs include a reward upon completion to help skiers and snowboarders enjoy their new sport as often as possible.

The following programs are offered all season long.  In addition to these, there will be special programs and offers throughout January when Ski NH resorts celebrate "Learn a Snowsports Month" - Check back at SkiNH.com for details in December.

Attitash, Bartlett

·         Learn to Ski or Ride - The package includes a lesson, all-day lift ticket, and rentals for $85.

The Balsams, Dixville Notch

·         Learn to Ski or Ride - The package includes a lesson, novice lift ticket, and rentals for $80.

Black Mountain, Jackson

·         Learn to Ski or Ride - The package includes a lesson, all-day lift ticket, and rentals for $59.

Bretton Woods, Bretton Woods

·         Red Carpet Learn to Ski or Ride - This package includes ski or board rental, a group lesson and unlimited access to the Learning Center Quad chairlift for $75.

Cannon Mountain, Franconia Notch

·         First Time Skiers and Snowboarders - New skiers and riders, age 13+, can buy a Brookside area lift ticket, equipment rental and lesson for $60.

Cranmore Mountain, North Conway

·         Three Then Free - Take three beginner or intermediate group lessons and receive a free season pass for the rest of the winter (ages 13+).

Crotched Mountain, Bennington

·         Ski & Ride 101 - Program includes a beginner area lift ticket, rental equipment, and a lesson with a pro for $69 anytime.

Dartmouth Skiway, Lyme Center

·         Learn to Ski/Snowboard - The package includes a lesson, novice lift ticket, and rentals midweek, non-holiday for $60.

Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford

·         Mountain Magic Learn to Ski/Snowboard - Package includes a lesson, novice lift ticket, and rentals for $90 for one day and $180 for a three-day program.

Jackson XC, Jackson

·         Easy Sliders - This gentle introduction to XC skiing and fitness is held on Tuesdays and Fridays.  Instruction begins at 10:30am for one hour, followed by refreshments by the fire.  Rate is $10 for the session including rentals.

·         Get 4 and GO - New skiers can get 4 days of rentals, lessons, trails passes and upon completion, a club season pass membership for $189.

King Pine, East Madison

·         First Timer Package - Package includes an all-day Powder Bear lift ticket, equipment rental and one group lesson.  The cost is $66 for adults, $53 for ages 6-12, and $37 for ages 4-5.

·         Master the Mountain is a flexible three-session learning package, including three all-day lift tickets (beginner lifts only on day one, and all lifts ticket days two & three), three lessons and three days of rentals.  Cost is $158 for adults and $134 for ages 6-12.

Loon Mountain, Lincoln

·         Learn to Ski/Snowboard - Package includes a lesson, novice lift ticket, and rentals for $135.

McIntyre Ski Area, Manchester

·         Learn to Ski or Ride - The package includes a lesson, novice lift ticket, and rentals for $49.

Mount Sunapee, Newbury

·         Get Into Skiing or Snowboarding - The first day consists of a two-hour lesson, rental equipment and a South Peak Learning Area lift ticket for $80.  Second and third days can be added for $40 per day; upon completion of the second day, guests are entered in a giveaway for ten complete ski packages.  After the third day, participants receive a Mount Sunapee Flex Card, entitling the holder to discounts at the resort for the rest of the winter.

·         Families First - This program allows families to learn to ski or ride together.  Family members, age 8 and up, are placed in the same lesson group.

·         Tag-A-Long Program allows a parent to join a private lesson for his/her 3-4 year old and learn the methods of teaching that instructors use in order to be able to reinforce the methods during future ski days.

·         Free Introduction to Skiing/Riding - From opening day at the South Peak Learning Area until December 24, 2008, beginner skiers and riders ages 8 and older will receive a free learn to ski/ride package.

Pats Peak, Henniker

·         Starter Special - Program for ages 6+ includes a beginner group lesson, rental equipment and lift ticket to the Valley Area for $68.

·         Passport Program - Beginner skiers or snowboarders take lessons for four days and receive a season pass for the rest of the season to Pats Peak and Waterville Valley.

·         Weekend Learn to Ski and Snowboard Program - This seven-week program is held on Saturday or Sunday with one hour of instruction and skiing the rest of the day.

Ragged Mountain Resort, Danbury

·         Learn to Ski or Ride - New skiers and riders, age 13+, can get a lesson, novice lift ticket, and rentals for $55.

Waterville Valley, Waterville Valley

·         Learn to Ski/Ride Passport Program - Participants receive a lesson, equipment rentals and beginner lift ticket on the first day.  The second day they receive the same package along with a $10 food voucher.  On their third visit they receive the same package along with a pair of Anon goggles from Sport Thoma.  On their fourth visit, they buy a lift ticket, and receive a season pass for the rest of the 2008-09 season.

·         Family First Trails - Families can enjoy learning a new sport and sharing their first experience on snow together with Family First Trails.  It's designed for parents and children ages 7-12 who have never skied or snowboarded before.  The package includes rental equipment and a learning area lift ticket for the day and a 2-hour beginner lesson served up family style.  The cost is $380 for up to 4 family members and $75 per additional family member.

·         Trail Along Family Private - This family private lesson is designed for parents who want to take part in their child's learning and snow time. The one-hour private lesson allows parents to trail along with a child and instructor and receive valuable information.  The program is most appropriate for families with children ages 4-8.  The cost is $125 for lessons during peak times (10 am - noon) and $99 if taken during off peak times.

Wildcat Mountain, Pinkham Notch

·         Learn to Ski/Ride/Tele Package - Program includes a lesson, equipment rentals and Snowcat beginner lift ticket for $69.

·         First Tracks Program - Participants take four learn-to lessons for $199 and receive a complimentary season pass for the rest of the season.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 37 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, lift ticket deals, and updated winter events at Ski NH mountain resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at www.SkiNH.com. For statewide media relations assistance, visit the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism's media room at www.visitnh.gov under Media.

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