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

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH, OCTOBER 2009 - Every year New Hampshire ski areas put their best effort into making learning to ski or ride more fun and affordable.  These programs put an emphasis on helping the new skier or rider enjoy 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".

The Balsams Wilderness Ski Area, 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 Ski Area, 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.

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+).
•    Kids Rule - Take four kids' camps and receive a free season pass (ages 6-14).

Crotched Mountain, Bennington
•    Ski & Ride 101 - Program includes a beginner area lift ticket, rental equipment, and a lesson with a pro for $79 anytime.

Great Glen Trails, Pinkham Notch
•    Family Lesson Package - This package was designed for families to learn XC skiing together.  The program begins with separate instruction; after the initial lesson the entire family gets together and then can go out as a family.  The package includes a learn to ski lesson, rental equipment, trail pass and hot chocolate for $45 for adults and $25 for children.

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 and trails passes and, upon completion, a club season pass membership for $189.

King Pine and Purity Spring Resort, East Madison
•    First Timer Package - Package includes an all-day Powder Bear (beginner) lift ticket, equipment rental and one group lesson.  The cost is $66.
•    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.

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 Giro helmets.  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.
•    Midweek Get Into Skiing or Snowboarding - A specially priced one-day, midweek, non-holiday program consists of a two-hour lesson, rental equipment and a South Peak Learning Area lift ticket for only $49.
•    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 20, 2009, beginner skiers and riders ages 8 and older will receive a free learn to ski/ride package; advance reservations are required.

Pats Peak, Henniker
•    Starter Special - Program for ages 6+ includes a beginner group lesson, rental equipment and lift ticket to the Valley Area.  The cost is $70.
•    Passport Program - Beginner skiers or snowboarders take lessons for four days and receive a season pass for the rest of the season.
•    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.

Waterville Valley, Waterville Valley
•    Learn to Ski/Ride Passport Program - Participants (ages 7 and older) receive a lesson, equipment rentals and beginner lift ticket on the first day for $80, along with a WV Pocket Guide with incentives for second and third visits.  On their third visit they receive the same package (lesson, rentals and lift ticket) along with a pair of Anon goggles.  After three days, participants receive a WV Love to Ski and Ride Pass which is good for 50% off lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and more for the rest of the 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, 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 four family members and $75 per additional family member.
•    Olympic Deal - In celebration of the 21st Winter Olympic Games, three "WV Learn to Ski and Ride Weekends" are on the calendar for December 12-13, January 9-10, and March 20-21.  Each will feature $21 learn to ski or ride packages that include lesson, rental equipment, and a beginner area lift ticket for ages 7 and older.  On January 9-10, those who want to learn XC skiing can take advantage of a $21 package that includes rental equipment, beginner lesson and trail fee.
•    Nordic Starter Kit - Enjoy learning the basics of cross country skiing with a lesson, equipment rental and trail pass for $42 ($34 youth/senior) for classic skiing and $46 ($37 youth/senior) for skate skiing.

Wildcat Mountain, Pinkham Notch
•    Learn to Ski/Ride/Tele Package - Program includes a lesson, equipment rentals and Snowcat beginner lift ticket for $65.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 36 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging and guest service properties in New Hampshire.  For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH 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 http://visitnh.gov/media/ or contact Mr. Tai Freligh at 603-271-2343, option #2.