From Lois Friedland,
Your Guide to Adventure Travel.
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During one day every January approximately 100 ski areas across the country offer free learn to downhill-, cross country skiing- and snowshoe lessons. The rest of the month you can get great deals on learn-to-ski or ride lessons at many resorts. Some of these deals include a season pass.

During the 13th annual Winter Trail Day, January 12, 2008, you can learn to cross country ski or snowshoe free on trails at dozens of resorts. Choices range from Kirkwood XC Area and Snowshoe Center in Kirkwood, CA, to Estes Park, CO to Catamount Outdoor Center, VT. Some of the areas also offer guided nature hikes on Winter Trail Day.

During the rest of the month, the learn-to deals for first-time and novice downhill ski and snowboard lessons range from Guaranteed to Green (a novice lesson and lift ticket, plus the guarantee that you'll ski competently on a green -- beginner-- runs or the lesson is on the ski resort, to three-day packages with lessons, lift tickets and rental equipment.

Get Outdoors Now!

The Winter Feels Good website is an excellent starting point for getting outdoors more in the wintertime. Here, you can find the Learn-a-Sport Tool Kit, which tells parents how to clothe, prep to enjoy, and take elementary-school kids snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The Winter Feel Good site also links you to the Snowmonsters, a popular website for kids who enjoy snowsports, and gives you access to purchasing such CDs as “Learn to Freeride” or the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association CDs with training method used for national teams.

Where to Find More Info

Visit Winter Feels Good for all sorts of information about getting yourself into various outdoor winter sports. The site lists the annual Winter Trail Day dates, and has links to the many resorts and ski areas offering free ski lessons in January. Events are updated regularly.