Thirteen industry resort associations representing 22 states are teaming with five national associations to promote January 2009 as Learn-A-Snow Sport month with resorts offering special packages for prospective snow sports participants.


Organizers include: Ski Utah, Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association, Midwest Ski Areas Association, Colorado Ski Country, USA, Ski Areas of New York, Ski Maine, Ski New Hampshire, Michigan Ski Industries Association, Inland Ski Areas Association, Ski Oregon, Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association, Ski Vermont, Mountain Creek (NJ) and Ski New Mexico.

SnowSports Industries America (SIA), Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), and Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) are collaborating on a national level. The effort is in response to the Model for Growth initiative spearheaded by NSAA.


Industry media supporting the program thus far includes SKI, SKIING, Ski Press, Powder, Snowboarder, Freeskier, Ski Area Management and Liftopia.com. These media have agreed to place information on their websites and, in most cases, to provide a full page ad gratis in their December and/or January issues. Messaging will promote “Bring a Friend” since readers and viewers already are snow sports enthusiasts. PSIA-AASI’s agency Cultivator Advertising and Design developed the ads as an industry service.


Resorts and other venues participating in the outreach initiative will offer special free or discounted packages for children and adults who want to learn an outdoor winter activity from bona fide instructors.  Retailers can work with resorts in their local community to promote offerings or collaborate on a learning package.


Most Learn-A-Snow Sport packages for alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing will include rentals, lifts and lessons provided by professionally-trained instructors at resorts and Nordic centers. On Jan. 10, 2009, the 14th annual Winter Trails, an event organized by SIA, offers free snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing for those new to snow sports. Venues and information on Winter Trails can be found at WinterTrails.org.


Learning programs will be posted by state on WinterFeelsGood.com and will include links for details about each program. Offers and fees, where they apply, will vary according to the location.


Learn-A-Snow Sport Month organizers want to convey the message that participating in snow sports is a great way for children and adults to stay active outdoors in the winter and to make learning more affordable. The goals for this national effort are to break down the barriers to participation, enable people to learn best practices from professionals at a reasonable cost or for free, showcase the health and wellness benefits of snow sports and convey how much fun snow sports are for children and adults of all ages.