Ski Tips

Dec. 7, 2005

So, your girlfriend already snowboards and says you’re going to learn. Lucky you. Or, you’ve always wanted to ski and just didn’t know where to start. Here are just a few of the deals for learning winter fun.

Crystal Mountain snowboard instructor Anna Cavender recommends their Learn to Ski or Learn to Ride lesson packages. Both include a 2-hour group lesson and rental skis or snowboard. Offered daily, it’s just $50. After your lesson, if your instructor says you’re good enough to go up the chairlift and get down safely, you can buy an all area lift ticket for an additional $10. Crystal also has great deals on multi-day packages. To save your spot call 800-YOUR-MTN.

Wolfgang Russold, Director of The Austrian-American Snowsports Academy at Boyne Mountain, says their Guaranteed Learn-to-Ski/Snowboard program is the way to go. The $49 price tag includes a 2-hour lesson, rentals and a beginner area lift ticket. Guaranteed? Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus. Wolfie guarantees if you’re not turning and stopping by the end of that first 2-hour lesson you’ll receive an additional lesson at no charge! Available 7 days a week, twice daily. 800-GO-BOYNE for reservations and details.

At the Winter Sport Schools at Nub’s Nob Julie Roth says to try their nightly Learn to Ski/Introduction to Snowboard package. It’s only $25 for a 1-hour beginner group lesson, all rental gear and free use of the Nub’s beginner area and chairlift. Those good enough can receive a $5 all area night lift ticket if their instructor says OK. Taught the 5 nights a week that Nub’s Nob is open including holiday and weekend nights. It’s a 5 p.m. start and you must be 3rd grade or older. Julie notes “You can save $5 off with a coupon from The Express!” Nice plug for the magazine. Reservations? 800-SKI-NUBS.

Scott Anderson, Shanty Creek Snow-sports Academy Director, says The Discover Michigan Skiing and Snowboarding lesson packages are his best deal. Running from January 3 through 31 it’s a mere $30 for adults age 15 and up. Including a lesson up to 2 hours in length, rentals and an all area lift ticket, Scott offers it on the Summit Slopes every day except Saturday during the dates listed. By the way, it’s $40 for snowboarding for the same package.

At non-profit Mt. Holiday in Traverse City you can learn skiing or snowboarding every weekend all winter long. Kim Peltier says a 1 hour beginner group lesson is just $12 per person if you bring 3 students. Lessons are offered on the hour. All day rental is $20 and the least expensive lift pass is their rope tow ticket for $15. Please call 24 hours in advance for reservations and available times. “You can just show up” Kim says “but to insure the time you want, please call.” Mt. Holidays phone? 231.938.2500.

Lynne Frye of The Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon has the best deal of all. Starting December 24 every Saturday through the winter you’ll get a free introductory cross country lesson at 4 o’clock. Yes, that’s free. Free free. Any Saturday arrive around 3 in the afternoon and get a 3 hour cross country rental for just 10 bucks. Take your free cross country lesson at 4 and ski on their trails for free as an all facilities pass is included with your rental. You’ll learn how to glide along, get up after falling and gain some confidence before heading out. Lynne says “Come as many times as you want and we’ll teach you both skating and classic cross country skiing, free.”

Make this the winter you get outside and start sliding. You’ll love the unforgettable experience and your snowboarding girlfriend won’t make fun of you. If you’re lucky.

Express contributor Scott Stillings has taught skiing since 1972 and shows it.