January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and many of North Lake Tahoe’s resorts are offering steep discounts on lessons, lift tickets, rentals, lodging and more, making it easier than ever to try a new sport.
While North Lake Tahoe is known for its distinct downhill skiing options at the 12 downhill ski resorts that call the region home, the area also offers the nation’s most diverse cross country terrain. The Learn to Ski Program is a great way for children and adults who are first-time skiers to get started.
Below are ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe that are participating in Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.
Alpine Meadows: Learn to ski and snowboard for just $59 Monday-Friday for ages 13 and up from January 4-29. The first time lesson package includes everything you need to make the most of your learning experience.
The package includes a beginner lift ticket, equipment rental (skis, boots, poles -or- snowboard, boots), a 2 ½ hour long lesson, and priority lift access. A professional instructor will foster fun and improvement through individual feedback & teambuilding.
Diamond Peak: Offering special packages January 11- 15. The Ski and Snowboard School (ages 7 and up) will have Learn to Ski and Burton Learn to Ride packages for just $39. The package includes a beginner lift ticket, rental equipment and 1 hour 45 minute lesson beginning at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Diamond Peak Child Ski Center will also offer a 2 hour $39 Learn to Ski package for ages 4-7 at 10 a.m. These lessons will help first timers start off with a good foundation and gain confidence.
Granlibakken: Set back amongst the trees in Tahoe City, Granlibakken is an ideal place to learn to ski. Beginner’s packages stat at only $70 per person, and includes an all-day lift ticket and equipment rental, as well as a one-hour ski or snowboard lesson.
All lodging guests at Granlibakken get half-off day passes to the resorts ski and sled hill.
Northstar California: The resort is home to the Burton Snowboard Academy, located within the Adventure, Guiding and Learning Center, in addition to its ski and snowboard School. For Learn to Ski and Ride Month the resort offers half-day morning beginner ski and snowboard group lessons starting at $155 and includes all-day equipment rentals and limited-access lift tickets.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: With the highest base elevation of any resort in North Lake Tahoe, Mt. Rose is a great place to learn to ski and snowboard. At a cost of $107, Mt. Rose’s First Timer Package includes lift ticket to their dedicated beginner lifts: Flying Jenny, Wizard & Galena, beginner rental equipment and a 2-hour group lesson.
Squaw Valley: Home to the 1960 winter Olympics, Squaw Valley offers a host of programs for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Teaching Tykes benefits parents with 3-6-year-old children, and allows parents to learn skills to teach their child so both can enjoy skiing and snowboarding together. Parents will learn tricks to motivate their child, how to ride a chairlift safely – load and unloading techniques, and how to identify terrain that is best suited for the child’s development.
Squaw Valley also has partnered with Burton Snowboards to offer an exclusive learning program for women snowboarders of all abilities. The program offers groups of two to six a beginner rental setup, a two-hour lesson and an afternoon mini-spa treatment with wine at Trilogy Spa. The cost of the program, which includes a lift ticket, is $249.
Sugar Bowl Resort: The Guests Learn to Ski and Ride program is designed to entice new participants to the sport. For $99 ($109 on holiday weekends), guests will receive a 2-hour lesson, all day rentals, a lift ticket valid on beginner lifts.
Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area: Take in some of the most picturesque views Lake Tahoe has to offer while investing in a lesson and get started on the right track at Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area . Learn the basics of safely gliding, turning, and stopping in a supportive group atmosphere. Lesson packages include a group lesson, ski rental, and trail pass. Adult full day packages start at just $50.
Tahoe Donner Downhill and Cross Country: During January 11-15, Tahoe Donner Downhill ski area will offer Learn to Ski or Snowboard packages for just $39. These packages are only for first timers, which include an all-day lift ticket, rental equipment, and a 1.75-hour group lesson for ages 7 and up.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country will be offering two-for-one private lessons and private lesson packages any midweek day until January 15.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffweidel and visit his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com.
