Become a Ski Master
Our Beginner’s Guide with special thanks to Colorado Ski Country USA
Outdoor activities are simply awesome. Nothing beats connecting with Mother Nature like taking a day-long hiking trip, going for a chilled dip in the nearest lake (or pool) – skinny or not, or going on a road trip or camping out with the boys. It’s true, during the hotter months there’s so much to do, both in and outdoors, but what about when the mercury drops and when we’re less inclined to leave the living room, let alone go biking in short-shorts? Well, in this month’s issue we feature some awesome winter-themed activities and places to visit in colorful Colorado, so why not get yourself geared-up for snow country with a few useful tips to get you started!
For new Colorado residents who’ve never been skiing and snowboarding or those that are returning to the state and sport after a long hiatus, getting started can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts make it easy and convenient for new and returning skiers and riders to get back into the snow.
Check out this simple newcomer’s guide to get you started on your journey to becoming an avid skier or snowboarder!
Book early for the best price
With several Colorado ski areas already open for the season and many more scheduled to open before the end of the month, it’s the perfect time for Colorado skiers and riders to make arrangements for the ski season. Many ski areas are still offering early-season deals on season passes, lessons, lodging and more. It’s not too late to score big savings, and the following tips will give new skiers and riders a checklist to their first Colorado ski season.
Lockdown on the lift tickets
There are more options than ever before to get on the slopes this ski season and purchasing lift tickets calls for some thoughtful planning. New skiers and riders should consider how many days they plan to ski, how many ski areas and which ones they plan to visit, and what their ski season budget will be.
For guests planning to spend more than a couple days skiing or riding this season, Colorado ski areas offer season passes, with discounts for younger participants, college students, seniors and members of the military. For those who aren’t ready to commit to a season pass, ski areas also offer products like 4-Packs, single day and multi-day lift tickets. The best deals often appear on ski area’s email newsletters and social media accounts first, so guests can get a head start on savings by signing up and following along.
Invest in the experience with a beginner lesson
For beginner skiers and riders, or those who’ve taken a few years off from the sport, a lesson from a highly-trained professional instructor is the best introduction to the sport. Most beginner lessons at Colorado ski areas include a certified instructor, gear rentals and a lift ticket, giving first-time skiers and riders everything they need to improve their skills and progress safely from the “magic carpet” to more challenging terrain.
Colorado ski resorts offer great lesson packages and programs for “never-evers” including free lessons for first-timers, complimentary instruction in beginner areas, options for unlimited beginner lessons and three-class passes that come with a season pass. Use coloradoski.com as a resource for more information on lesson packages across the state.
Try a day-long or season-long rental
There is no need to worry about buying a full ski or snowboard set up. All ski areas have easy to navigate rental shops where guests can find what they’ll need for a successful day. Many ski shops offer affordable season-long rental packages in addition to single-day packages. Check out Christy Sports with locations throughout the high-country and along the Front Range at christysports.com.
Attend the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo
Hosted at the Colorado Convention Center over the weekend of Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18, the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo is a one-stop-shop to kick off a life-long love of skiing and riding.
Guests will have access to deals and discounts on ski gear, season passes, lift tickets, lesson packages and more.
For beginners, the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Expo will be an opportunity to learn about skiing and snowboarding, explore lift ticket options at various Colorado ski resorts and save up to 70 percent on skis, boards, boots, bindings, clothing, and accessories. There will also be family-friendly attractions including a KidSlope Learning Center, free gear giveaways, live entertainment and holiday shopping deals.
Learn to ski next snowboard month
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM) across America, making it the perfect time to hit the slopes for the first time or to introduce a friend or family member to Colorado Ski Country. Colorado ski areas offer special promotions and programs to make it easier than ever for people to learn to ski or snowboard. In the month of January, guests visiting Colorado ski areas will find package deals on rentals, lift tickets and professional instruction. Many ski areas will reward successful first-time participants with a complimentary season pass or discounted lift tickets. As January approaches visit coloradoski.com for an overview of Colorado offerings during Learn to Ski and Ride Month.
Bonus tip; have a backup plan if skiing doesn’t work out
Colorado’s world-class ski resorts offer more than just skiing. For guests who aren’t ready to strap into skis or a snowboard, families with non-skiing members, or those who just want to enjoy a day in the mountains, Colorado ski areas offer dozens of family-friendly activities off the slopes.
Some activities available at Colorado ski resorts include winter sight-seeing, guided and non-guided snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, unique dining experiences and mountain coasters.