Dear Readers, I have always wanted to be an advice columnist (who doesn’t?). So you can only imagine how happy I was when this showed up on my Facebook page in late October. I am always happy to help (hint, hint!). — BSM
Dear Brave Ski Mom,
My boys are 13 and 10 and NEVER have been skiing – Yikes! Of course, I learned to ski during junior high when we missed school and went up to Powderhorn on a bus.
Now, what do you recommend as far as basic lessons or are there programs to teach kids to ski that won’t break our tiny piggybank?
Signed,
Confessions of a Colorado Mom
Dear Colorado Mom,
Welcome to my confessional. The first step toward redemption is recognizing your shortcomings. Well done! The second step is recognizing that you are not alone. If you were alone why would so many ski resorts offer great learn-to-ski packages?
There are a couple of ways to find the right deal for your family and your piggybank.
First, google the ski area nearest you and look for their ski school information. More than likely, there will be info on multi-day learn-to-ski packages and programs. For example, Powderhorn Resort (the ski area where you learned to ski) offers a very affordable “first-timers” program for wanna-be skiers and snowboarders alike. It runs three consecutive Sundays in January. Everything (lift tickets, rentals, instruction) is included and at the end of the program, all participants get a season pass. But it starts really soon, so get out the hammer and smash up the piggy bank!
Second, January is National Learn a Snow Sport Month. And like any good honorary month, National Learn a Snow Sport Month has a super-informative website. This link will take you to a page that lists the participating resorts and skiing/snowboarding organizations. Click on the logo which best fits your location and you’ll go immediately to the best learn-to-ski offerings for your state or resort (plus you get to see a cool picture of Glenn Plake and his enormous Mohawk. Don’t know Glen Plake? Click here.
Colorado Mom, I think this should help you. Enjoy! And here’s to a lifetime of Winter fun for your boys!
Sincerely,
The Brave Ski Mom
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Great info. There is definitely a huge pressure to ski and have your kids ski when you live in Colorado. And why not it’s fun and good for kids to learn at any age. Have you ever told someone you are from Colorado and they have not asked if you are a skier?