Affordable ways to hit the slopes and trails

By no byline-tom

Every year Mount Washington Valley 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 - 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.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+).Jackson Ski Touring Center, Jackson - Easy Sliders - This gentle introduction to cross country skiing and fitness is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Instruction begins at 10:30 a.m. for one hour, followed by refreshments by the fire. Rate is $10 for the session including rentals. Get 4 and GO - New skiers can get 4 days of rentals, lessons, trail passes and upon completion, a club season pass membership for $174.95.King Pine, East Madison - First Timer Package - Package includes an all day Powder Bear lift ticket, equipment rental and one group lesson. The 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 1, 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.Shawnee Peeak, Bridgton, Maine - Different specials are offered every day of the week. In addition, on a daily basis, members of the military who show their military ID (active, retired, dependent) will receive $10 off the price of a lift ticket. Also receive $15 rentals! College students who purchase their Shawnee Peak College Card ($7 One-time fee) will get $10 off every ticket they purchase this season. Kids 5 and under ski free with paying adult. 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 complimentary season pass for the rest of the season.For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, lift ticket deals, and updated winter events at Ski NH mountain resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at www.SkiNH.com.