Every year New Hampshire ski areas make their best effort to make learning to ski or ride fun and affordable.  These programs put an emphasis on making the learning experience enjoyable and helping the new skier or rider get used to the basics of hitting the slopes.  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.

If you need some help planning your first day on snow, here's some great tips from Winter Feels Good to make for a more enjoyable day!

ALPINE AREAS
 
Attitash, Bartlett

-First Experience Ski or Ride package is $85 and includes rental equipment, a novice lift ticket, and lesson.  The package is intended for first time skiers and riders.

-Three Perfect Turn Clinics consist of a three day novice lift ticket and a three day equipment rental for $155.

The Balsams Wilderness, Dixville Notch

-Group Workshops consist of a 90 minute lesson for $43. Lift ticket & rentals are available at an additional cost.

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.

-Family Private Lessons - This package offers an opportunity for a first-time family to be introduced to skiing together. It includes a 1 hour private lesson with two instructors for a family of 2-5 people. The cost is $125; rentals & lift tickets are additional. 

 

Cannon Mountain, Franconia Notch

-First Time Skiers and Snowboarders - First time skiers and snowboarders ages 13+ can buy a Brookside lift ticket, equipment rental and lesson for $57.

 

Cranmore, North Conway

-Getting Started Package - Package includes all you need for your first experience on the snow: lift ticket, lesson & rentals for $79.

-Three Then Free - Take three beginner or intermediate group lesson packages 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

-Intro to Snowsports - This first-timer package is available midweek, non-holiday for $55.

-Group Lesson - On weekends & holidays, first-timers can get a one hour lesson, all day lift ticket & all day rental equipment for $85 adult, $70 child.

 

Granite Gorge, Keene

-Friday night special - Package includes a lesson & night lift ticket for $50; rentals are $15 additional.

-Weekend learn to ski - On weekends & holidays, first-timers can get a one hour lesson, half day lift ticket & half day rental equipment for $35.

 

Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford

-Mountain Magic - Get three days of lift tickets, equipment rentals and lessons for $150.  Or, start with your first day for $75, and you'll have the option to add Days 2 & 3 for $75 more. Upon completion of all three lessons, choose from 50% off lift tickets or a $149 season pass for the rest of the season.

 

King Pine, East Madison

-First Timer Package - Package includes an all day Powder Bear lift ticket, equipment rental and one group lesson.  Cost is $61 for adults, $48 for ages 6-12, and $32 for ages 4-5.

-Master the Mountain is a flexible 3-session learning package, including 3 all-day lift tickets (beginner lifts only on day one, and all lifts ticket days 2 & 3), 3 lessons and 3 days of rentals.  Cost is $143 for adults and $113 for ages 6-12.

 

Loon Mountain, Lincoln

-Peak Seekers Program - This new program begins with an online "I-Slide Guide" found at loonmtn.com, providing tips for guest's first day on snow.  The program costs $109 and includes a beginner lift ticket, lesson and rental equipment.  Add an afternoon lesson for an extra $20. 

-Take 3, Ski/Ride Free - Take 2 more Peak Seekers sessions, for a total of 3, and you'll receive a Loon Mountain season pass.

 

McIntyre Ski Area, Manchester

-Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package - Package includes a beginner lift ticket, rental equipment and lesson for $45; available on Saturdays & Sundays only.

 
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 $75. Second and third days can be added for $37.50 per day. Upon completion of the second day, guests are entered in a drawing to win a complete equipment package from Bob Skinner's Ski & Sport Shop. After the third day, participants receive a Mount Sunapee Flex Card, entitling the holder to discounts on lift tickets and rentals 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. The first day consists of a two-hour lesson, rental equipment and a South Peak Learning Area lift ticket for $75. Second and third days can be added for $37.50 per day. Upon completion of the second day, guests are entered in a drawing to win a complete equipment package from Bob Skinner's Ski & Sport Shop. After the third day, participants receive a Mount Sunapee Flex Card, entitling the holder to discounts on lift tickets and rentals at the resort for the rest of the winter.

 

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.

Ragged Mountain Resort, Danbury

-To the Top Learn to Ski/Ride Program - The instructors are determined to get you "to the top" by your third lesson or sooner! Purchase one session for $69 or a package of three sessions for $179; session includes lift ticket, rentals & a two hour lesson. At the end of the third lesson, receive a discount on the purchase of a season pass, or a free one day lift ticket.

Tenney Mountain, Plymouth

-Learn to Ski/Ride Package - Package includes a beginner lift ticket, rental equipment and lesson for $50.

-Learn to Ski/Ride Weekend Deal - Package is available on Saturdays & Sundays only, and includes two lessons (one each day), a two day novice lift ticket & two days of rentals for $90.

Waterville Valley, Waterville Valley

-Learn to Ski/Ride Passport Program - Participants receive a lesson, equipment rentals and beginner lift ticket on the first day for $75.  The second day they receive the same package for $70, along with a $10 food voucher.  On their third visit they receive the same package for $70, along with a pair of goggles from Sport Thoma.  On their fourth visit, they buy an all mountain lift ticket, and receive a season pass, valid for one calendar year.

-FamilyFirst 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 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.

 

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 season pass for the rest of the season free.




CROSS COUNTRY AREAS

Jackson XC, Jackson

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

-Super Saver Package - Package includes everything you need to get started in cross country skiing: a one day equipment rental package, one hour beginner's lesson and a one day membership which provides use of all trails all day for $39.

-Get 4 and GO - New skiers can get 4 days of rentals, lessons and trails passes; upon completion, skiers can purchase a club season pass membership for $174.95.