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.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.Black Mountain, Jackson: Learn to Ski or Ride package includes a lesson, all-day lift ticket, and rentals for $59.Bretton Woods, Bretton Woods: Red Carpet Learn to Ski or Ride 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 ages 13-plus can buy a Brookside area lift ticket, equipment rental and lesson for $57.Cranmore, North Conway: 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-plus).Crotched Mountain, Bennington: Ski & Ride 101 program includes a beginner area lift ticket, rental equipment, and a lesson with a pro for $69 anytime.Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford: Mountain Magic; receive three days of lift tickets, equipment rentals and lessons for $150. Upon completion, choose from 50 percent off lift tickets or a $149 season pass for the rest of the season.Loon Mountain, Lincoln: The new Peak Seekers Program begins with an online “I-Slide Guide” found at loonmtn.com, providing tips for the guest’s day on snow. The program costs $99 and includes a beginner lift ticket, lesson and rental equipment. Once confident enough to go to the summit, guests can sign up for Loon’s Peak Achievers, which is similarly structured.Pats Peak, Henniker: Starter Special program for ages 6-plus includes a beginner group lesson, rental equipment and lift ticket to the Valley Area for $68. Under the 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. The seven-week Weekend Learn to Ski and Snowboard Program is held on Saturday or Sunday with lessons and skiing.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 goggles from Sport Thoma. On their fourth visit, they buy a lift ticket, and receive a season pass for the rest of the 2007-08 season. Under FamilyFirst Trails, families can enjoy learning a new sport and sharing their first experience on snow together. 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 four family members and $75 per additional family member. Under Trail Along Family Private, a 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 a.m.-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
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