Try a New Sport with Friends and Family During Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM), and the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) teamed up with LSSM to promote the benefits of taking a ski or snowboard lesson from a professional instructor.

“Taking a lesson from a ski or snowboard instructor can help you discover a passion for having fun on snow,” says Eric Rolls, a snowboard instructor and a PSIA-AASI National Team member. “Safety, fun, and learning are at the core of what instructors do – and taking a lesson does more than teaching you a sport, it also shows you how to have fun on the slopes.”

During LSSM ski and snowboard resorts across the country offer up some of their best deals of the season to those who want to learn to ski or ride.

“Whether you’re an adult looking to try a new sport, or someone wanting to help get your friends or family started, you can check out your local mountain’s offerings to find a lesson deal that’s right for you,” says Nicholas Herrin, PSIA-AASI CEO. He says to visit the LSSM website which offers information on how to find a resort, where to find equipment, and what to wear to help new skiers and snowboarders get ready before their first day on the slopes.

New and returning skiers and snowboards can learn more about the benefits of taking a professional lesson at PSIA-AASI’s Take a Lesson page. They can also watch PSIA-AASI’s new Beginner’s Guide videos specific to skiing and snowboarding to learn more about what to expect and how to get started.

There are multiple ways that people can participate in LSSM this month, such as finding a resort that offers special deals on learn to programs, the Bring a Friend Challenge, #firstdayfaces, and Learn to Ski and Snowboard Day.

Find special offers like discounted rentals, lift-tickets, and lessons, from resorts around the country on the LSSM website.

  • Friday, January 11, 2019 is billed as the industry’s official Learn to Ski or Snowboard Day, where resorts across the country will offer specials on beginner lessons in attempt to set a record for the most beginner lessons taught in one day (the current record is 6,002).
  • Participate in the Bring a Friend Challenge, which starts January 1 and runs through January 31, 2019, for the chance to win various ski and snowboard prizes.  Qualify by helping a beginner sign-up for a lesson, and then register for the challenge on the LSSM website.
  • If you’re taking a lesson from a professional instructor for your first day skiing or riding, take a picture and share the experience over social media using #firstdayfaces to enter for a chance to win one of three $250 gift vouchers.

“Taking lessons will help you get better faster,” says Heidi Ettlinger, a professional ski instructor and PSIA-AASI National Team member. “Instructors will customize your learning experience to help you meet your personal goals, so you can have more fun.” She recommends checking with a resort to learn more about lesson options for adults and children.

If you are just starting out, or if want to take your skiing or riding to the next level, you can learn more about the benefits of taking a lesson from an instructor by visiting PSIA-AASI’s Take a Lesson page or watching the skiing and snowboarding Beginner’s Guide Videos.