Contrary to popular belief, ski and snowboard schools are for more than just kids and beginners. Whether you’re a “never-ever”, a seasoned skier or rider, or you have kiddos who want to shred like Mom and Dad, January’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month is the ideal time to take advantage of legendary Ikon Pass destinations’ ski and snowboard schools. So, make it your mission to tackle a new alpine adventure and amp your skills — Ikon Pass destinations have you covered.
June Mountain
Known as “California’s Family Mountain,” June Mountain’s Ski and Snowboard School offers free skiing and riding for kids 12 and under. Adult Ikon Pass holders: drop the kiddos at the June Mountain Chalet for lessons while you rip through your runs. Adults can hire a personal pro for a private lesson, and bring up to four friends at no additional cost. When the lesson’s over, put your skills to work on June Mountain’s wide-open runs—perfect for beginners.
Winter Park
With its proximity to Denver and excellent lesson offerings, Winter Park is a popular spot for Coloradoans to get their skiing and snowboarding bearings. Multi-week kids’ programs have progressive group instruction from the same coach, which make for nothing less than stellar mini shredders. Winter Park’s Ski & Ride School also offers specialty clinics—such as *Bump Jamboree*, *Bob’s Mogul Camp*, and *Platinum Tracks*—many of which take place on Mary Jane’s legendary mogul territory. If you’re looking for a challenge, free your heels with a unique offering: private telemark skiing lessons.
Deer Valley Resort
Get personalized attention at Deer Valley Ski School’s specialty programs that offer stance, balance, and alignment analysis—all a part of Deer Valley’s Gold Standard of Instruction. Deer Valley’s three-day Steeps & Stashes program pushes intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers on off-trail terrain, while it’s Exclusively for Men and Exclusively for Women programs are designed to stoke skiing camaraderie among men and women with similar abilities. Adults can also ski with former Olympians at the exclusive three- or five-day Mahre Training Center Ski Camps.
Big Bear Mountain Resort
Home to the largest learning area in SoCal, Big Bear Mountain Resort offers not only segmented downhill ski and snowboard lessons, but also terrain park–style skiing and riding instruction. The terrain-based Skill Builder Park is perfect for beginners. It has low rails, boxes, rollers, hips, and table tops—all miniature versions of the features that make Big Bear famous. Big Bear is also a proud sponsor of the United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC), which uses private one-on-one instruction to make skiing and snowboarding accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Blue Mountain
No matter your skill level, there is always room for improvement. Blue Mountain’s Snow School and Race Programs offer beginner and advanced skiers and riders the perfect classroom to refine their abilities. Blue’s daily programs include one-on-one instruction or group lessons designed to fit the needs of every kind of student. While the multi-week programs allow skiers and riders to build a solid foundation and develop skills over time. Seasoned athletes can participate in the Race Program or the Freestyle Program, both offering instruction on different techniques to improve performance on the race track and the terrain park.
Take advantage of special offers during Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Ikon Pass destinations let you refresh your skills at reduced rates during the entire month of January. Visit your favorite destination’s website to learn more about program offerings and specials. And remember, you’re never too seasoned to learn something new.
