Alpine Skiing dates back to prehistoric times. A simple design, the first skis were just two wooden planks of some kind, enough to get the wearer across a frozen wet marsh in the Norwegian hinterlands. Over the years, alpine skiing served as a popular form of transportation and was utilized for military training in the 18th century, before becoming the popular recreational winter sport that it is today. If you’re looking ahead for a new way to combat cabin fever this winter season, try out these slopes in the area! 

 

Okemo Mountain

77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow, VT 05149

Okemo Mountain Resort is a great place to learn how to ski (or snowboard), with lessons tailored to fit any age and ability level. You can book a lesson for a child, adult, or even a private group lesson for up to six people. If you’re looking to try something new but not quite ready to commit to buying all the gear, Okemo offers equipment rental, so you don’t have to venture into the world of sizing and fitting alone! Once you’re on your feet (and can stay there!), there are 121 trails to explore, and a summit with an elevation of 3,344 feet. Make sure you book your lesson, purchase your lift ticket, and rent any gear online and in advance for best pricing and availability. To prepare for your lesson, bring a face covering, proof of vaccination, a helmet (rentals are available if needed), warm clothes in layers, goggles or sunglasses, and sunscreen!

 

Bretton Woods

99 Ski Area Road Bretton Woods, NH 03575

Bretton Woods at Mount Washington Resort is New Hampshire’s largest ski area. Recognized for their excellent snow, grooming, and scenery, Bretton Woods is home to 464 acres of alpine trails. They welcome beginners to the Learning Center Quad, where you can practice till your heart’s content or sign up for a private lesson for up to four people. Lesson duration is 90 minutes and prices vary depending on the number of people. Reservations are required in advance and can be made on the Bretton Woods Online Store or by calling 603-278-3303. 

 

Dartmouth Skiway

39 Grafton Turnpike Rd., Lyme Center, NH 03769

Countless people have learned to ski and snowboard at  Dartmouth Skiway. With a mission to offer a quintessential, down-to-earth ski experience to college students, Upper Valley residents, and visitors, the Skiway boasts over 100 acres of beautiful terrain. Through the Snowsports School, first-timers can book a 90-minute private lesson with an experienced instructor, a 3-day long winter break kids camp session, an 8-week adult learn to ski program or an 8-week all-female program to improve skills.

 

Waterville Valley 

1 Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley, NH 03215

Waterville Valley Resort has 265 acres of skiable Mount Tecumseh terrain. With glades and mogul fields designed for all ability levels and 14% of their trails designed for novices, Waterville Valley is very accommodating to beginner skiers and snowboarders. Private lessons, group lessons, terrain-focused learning, and a kids camp daily programs are available. Lessons must be reserved in advance online. 

Waterville Valley also offers an Adaptive Snowsports Program that helps physically and mentally challenged children learn to ski. Trained professionals are dedicated to providing students of all ability levels with the opportunity to experience the freedom found on the slopes. 

 

Loon Mountain

60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln, NH 03251

Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire offers Learn to Ski or Ride Packages for ages 4 and up. The package includes a novice lift ticket, a full-day or morning lesson, and rental equipment if you choose. Lessons begin at $185 and need to be booked in advance, and should be reserved online 48 hours or more in advance. Other options geared towards learners are group lessons for ages 4-7, group lessons for ages 8-14, 45 minute “quick starts” for ages 2-3, group lessons for ages 15 and up, private lessons, as well as an adaptive program (New England Disabled Sports non-profit organization). 

For progressional learning, Loon Mountain offers a season-long Scouts program for 4 and 5 year olds. With a 5:1 coach-to-kid ratio and team-building après-ski activities, young learners are given an unforgettable experience. Progression20 is a 20-day progressional learning package designed for ages 4-14 where you are granted the flexibility to pick the dates you drop your kid off, anytime between December 18 and March 27. Lunch is included, but lift tickets and a season pass need to be purchased separately online. 

 

Killington Ski Resort & Pico Mountain 

Both located in Killington, Vermont, Killington Resort and Pico Mountain Ski Resort are local family favorites. The two ski areas are owned by the same company, POWDR, and pride themselves in catering to the needs of their visitors, whether they are first-timers or longtime winter sports enthusiasts. 

The Killington Snow Sports School focuses on progression through setting small, achievable goals. They offer lessons for all ages and ability levels as well as seasonal programs. From youth group lessons, adult group lessons, and private lessons for ages 2 and up to a two-day snowboarding program and a mogul camp with personalized coaching from Olympic gold medalist skier Donna Weinbrecht, there is sure to be something to catch your interest. The Woodward Killington Program teaches progression in action sports, catering to beginners and athletes, for those who are interested in trying their hand at a series of jumps and obstacles. With a choose-your-own-adventure philosophy, Woodward fosters enjoyable and safe personal growth. 

A few miles away is Pico Mountain, which has been around since 1937 and houses the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum at Pico, that can be enjoyed by guests in between runs on their 57 groomed trails. For beginners-level skiers and snowboarders, Pico offers private lessons for ages 2 and up (either group or one-on-one), first time ski & ride for ages 7 and up, and youth seasonal programs. First-timers who book a lesson even get to skip the lift line and use the Snow Sports school lift, and if you introduce a friend to skiing or snowboarding for the first time on any day during the 2021/22 season, you are eligible to receive a free lift ticket for the same day! To make a reservation for a lesson, call 866-233-1195.