Colorado Ski Country USA

Press Room

 

Denver, CO, Winter 2009-10 - Colorado ski resorts are known to be an influence on children - in a positive way. Like learning a second language or other skill, resorts encourage learning to ski and snowboard at a young age and offer numerous ski school programs that make learning fun for kids and painless for parents. In a safe and friendly environment, professional instructors allow kids to hone skills at their own pace, ensuring that they'll have a good time and learn valuable safety skills in the process. From first-timers to black-diamond riders, there is a place for every young adventurer to learn the basics of skiing or riding and improve their mountain skills.

Lessons also teach kids the foundation of on-mountain safety, Your Responsibility Code. The Responsibility Code is a series of seven rules that help skiers stay safe while enjoying their time on the hill. Ski school instructors teach the Code to their powder pupils and model safe on-mountain behavior for them to emulate. Ski school students, in turn, are expected to know and follow the Code every time they ski.

Private and group lessons are available daily at most resorts along with unique programs that meet regularly during the season. Something for every type of sliding enthusiast is offered, whether they prefer skiing, snowboarding, or telemarking. Taught by highly-qualified instructors, lessons come with all the necessities for a great day on the slopes, including equipment, helmet, top-notch instruction and plenty of smiles. Additionally, for those children who are not quite ready to strap on the skis, many resorts offer daycare options.

Below are some of the children's programs offered by Colorado Ski Country USA's 22 member resorts.

Arapahoe Basin
A-Basin Snowsports School has ski and snowboard programs for children that offer age-specific learning experiences. Snowboard instruction is available for children ages seven through 12, while ski lessons are available to children ages three through12. A-Basin also offers specialized programs, including Kids Club Arapahoe, a four-to-twelve-week program for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Through this program, children learn in a progressive environment and keep the same instructor throughout the session.

Likewise, Tele Kids is a specialized program that teaches the younger generation the art of telemark skiing. This program creates an enjoyable learning environment for children to discover a whole new world on snow.
 
Aspen/Snowmass
Aspen's ski and snowboard school has a variety of programs for kids, whether they're ready to hit the slopes or not. The new $17 million Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center keeps young children entertained indoors with interactive, nature-themed rooms, an Aspen Leaf Climber, and more. For kids ages two-and-a-half to four who are ready to strap on skis, the Cubs, Bears, and Pandas programs make learning fun. The Grizzlies program is available for children of all abilities ages five and six, skiers and snowboarders alike.

Elk Camp Meadows learning area, located mid-mountain at Snowmass, is dedicated to beginner skiers and snowboarders, both adults and children. The area has a new quad chair, two new surface lifts and a new ski school building for beginners. The Meadows is at the top of the Elk Camp gondola, giving beginners better snow conditions and a complete alpine experience with sweeping views of the valley. Trail alignments ensure that there is no cross-traffic in this area, making for an ideal learning environment.

Additionally, Aspen keeps kids excited about snow sports with the resort's unique Snowmonsters program. This program is designed to teach children more about skiing and snowboarding while emphasizing the importance of safety. Aspen's Snowmonsters interactive website, http://AspenSnowmass.SnowMonsters.com, is an entertaining way for kids to stay active in the mountain community while learning about the environment and on-mountain etiquette.

Copper Mountain
Copper's children's ski school offers a variety of lessons for all ages and abilities. A few season-long programs include: Trailblazers, Choppers and Scooters. Trailblazers is designed for kids ages three through kindergarten-age. Trailblazers learn to ski in an entertaining environment while enhancing skills, mountain awareness and skiing enjoyment.

For children between kindergarten and eighth grade, Scooters focuses on skill development and mountain etiquette and uses techniques to promote better balance and body awareness. Choppers is available for kids ages eight through 18 to teach everything from the basics of skiing to terrain park riding and safety.

For the 2009-10 season, Copper's Ski and Ride School (SRS) will introduce new programs based on guest feedback.  To respond to guests who have indicated that they want youth lessons to end a bit earlier so that the family can take a few runs together at the end of the day, Copper will be ending its ski and ride school youth lessons at 3:00 p.m. instead of 3:30pm. 

As for adult lessons, guests have asked for shorter lesson experiences, so Copper will offer adult lessons during the prime time of the day, from 10:00am to 1:00pm. The resort has found that guests who visit for only a few days prefer a half-day lesson rather than to spend an entire day in a lesson. 

The Copper Ski and Ride School will also be introducing a shorter 'Tune-up' private lesson option that will be easier on the wallet and take place in the afternoon for a couple hours. 

Additionally, Copper's ski and ride school is on the forefront of new technology. The school will be using more data provided by Flaik, a real-time GPS system, to help track children's location and progress on the slopes. The Flaik GPS not only provides a high level of piece-of-mind through tracking to improve safety standards, but it also allows families to relive their day by accessing data. The Flaik GPS is included in the price of all youth lessons. In addition, the Copper SRS will use these GPS systems to institute fun competitions, challenges and giveaways during seasonal programs. 

Crested Butte
Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has developed an entire winter program geared toward kids of all ages. The resort's "Camp CB" experience includes a Nursery program for kids ages two months to three years old, as well as a toddler "introduction to skiing program," and full lesson options for kids ages three through 14 years. Camp CB also boasts a teen-specific lesson program offered during peak holiday time periods.

Toddlers (under three years old) get their first experience on snow via the Camp CB Cuddly Bear introduction to skiing program, which familiarizes kids with equipment and the sensation of sliding. The Cubs program gradually introduces three-year-olds to the on-mountain experience through a "taste of skiing" program combining one-to-two hours of skiing with organized activities, games, and quiet time.

For kids ages four through six, the Explorers program allows all abilities to explore the mountain in group lessons and participate in indoor and outdoor ski exercises.

For older kids ages seven through 14, Crested Butte offers its Challenger program. Challengers learn the basics of skiing at their own speed, allowing for individual progression.

CBMR's Camp CB program also includes options for budding snowboarders. Mini Riders is designed for kids ages five and six and features a low student-to-instructor ratio, which is essential for meeting the individual needs of this age group. Younger children learn basic snowboard skills, including indoor and outdoor exercise, preparing them for riding at a higher level. Challenger Riders, for kids ages seven to 14, teaches kids how to snowboard while incorporating indoor and outdoor exercise.

In addition, during peak holiday time periods CBMR offers a unique opportunity for teens ages 13 through 17 to engage in a ski or snowboard lesson designed with their needs in mind. Teen lessons allow for socialization and exploration, with a focus on guiding and quick tips versus heavy-handed instruction.

Loveland
The Loveland Ski and Ride School helps children from ages four through 14 learn the basics and improve their skills. Levels 1-7, generally for children ages four and five, introduce children to skiing in a positive and encouraging environment by providing just the right amount of skiing mixed with age-appropriate fun.

Levels 1-9 are available for skiers and snowboarders ages six through 14, to improve skiing skills in a positive environment with other children of similar ability.

Polar Explorers is a specially designed program to improve skill and ability of intermediate skiers and riders ages seven through14. In this program, children learn and explore with the same coach each week of this five-week program.

Like receiving a degree, Loveland offers the Loveland 3 Class Pass, which provides a free season pass to children who complete three lesson packages anytime during the season. Program includes full-day lessons, lunch, and a season pass.

For those non-skiing youngsters, the Loveland Child Care Center provides child care services for children ages 12 months to 12 years old. This fully licensed facility offers age-appropriate arts and crafts as well as indoor and outdoor play in a caring and child-friendly environment.  The LCCC offers affordable full and half day rates. 

Monarch Mountain
Monarch offers a variety of day lessons and weekly programs for children. Caterpillars is a weekly skiing adventure that exposes three- and four-year-olds to the joy of playing in the mountains while focusing on basic skill development, both indoors and outdoors.

Junior Butterflies is designed for young skiers or snowboarders ages five and six, to develop all around skiing or riding skills in a fun environment.

For ages seven through12, Monarch Explorers exposes skiers, snowboarders, and telemarkers to a variety of styles including freeriding, racing and all-mountain adventure.

For young teens, ages 13 through 15, Monarch's Snow Sports Academy integrates skill development, interaction with other teens and exploration of ski and snowboard options. This program teaches students the necessary skills to become part of Monarch's instructional team or to pursue competitive snow sports competitions.

Powderhorn
The Children's Learning Center (CLC) at Powderhorn is a hassle-free, one-stop center for kids ages three through seven. The CLC offers group or private lessons, ski equipment rentals, lift tickets, snacks and play all in one place. 

The resort also offers the Powdercats program, which is an eight-week series for kids ages four through eight and focuses on fun, safety, and exploring the mountain.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort
Durango Mountain Resort Ski/Ride School provides ski school programs for children from two months to 12 years old. Blizzard Babies caters to the smallest adventurers between two months old to three years old, providing indoor activities and outdoor snow play.

Powder Pigs is designed for three-year-olds, offering daycare with an introduction to skiing. The program supplies a special Nordic ski, which allows the heel to lift and makes it easier for children to learn the concept of skiing.

The Snowmonsters Ski Camp teaches skiers of all abilities, from beginners to black diamond experts, ages four through12. The program groups children by ability, age, and level of interest.

Next X Snowboard Camp is designed for ages eight through12 to help children take their snowboarding to the next level. Next X welcomes all abilities of snowboarders from first-time riders to halfpipe rippers.

Ski Cooper
The Panda program at Ski Cooper teaches children how to ski in a safe, fun and exciting environment. Designed for four-year-olds, Panda Cubs is a wonderful way to introduce children to skiing in a two-hour lesson. This lesson package includes two hours of instruction, equipment rental and lift ticket.

Panda Patrol is one of Ski Cooper's most popular programs for children ages five through 11. With several levels of instruction available, children are placed in the right lesson, making their skiing experience appropriate for their skill level.

SolVista Basin
SolVista prides itself with some of the most beginner-friendly conditions and terrain available, making learning how to ski quick and painless. Daily lessons for children are provided by experienced youth instructors.

Young skiers ages three and four, are invited to join the Little Rustlers to learn the basics of skiing. Buckaroos is for young children, ages five and six, to help improve their understanding of skiing and develop skiing skills. Ski and snowboard instruction is available with the Cowpokes, for ages seven through nine and the Wranglers, for ages ten through 12. These group programs are divided by ability to ensure every child's skiing and snowboarding experience is a great one.

Steamboat
Steamboat has been recognized as the #1 Family Ski Resort in the West for six consecutive years. The resort has earned a reputation in the industry as a leader in family programs with the original Kids Ski Free and Kids Fly Free programs; dedicated children's center, innovative GPS tracking in Ski & Snowboard School and kids' specific terrain, lifts and specialty store.

For the 2009-10 season, Steamboat will introduce a significantly enhanced Kids Vacation Center, featuring a new slopeside entrance and registration area. In addition, the Ski & Snowboard School ticket office will move into One Steamboat Place, adjacent to the main ticket office in the heart of Gondola Square.

Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School provides daily all-day children ski lessons for kids ages two-and-a-half through 15. The Buckaroos ages two-and-a-half through four, and the Mavericks ages three-and-a-half to four, introduce children to skiing in a relaxed atmosphere at a gradual pace. Sundance Kids is designed for children ages four through kindergarten-age, to teach the basics of skiing with a focus on mountain fun. The Rough Riders welcomes skiers and snowboarders alike, from first grade to 15 years old, to learn more about skiing and snowboarding in groups of similar age and ability.

Steamboat also offers week-long lesson programs for kids of all ages and abilities. Jackalopes Ski Weeks is for younger kids, ages five and six. This package includes five all-day lessons, a treasure hunt, a race (and race ribbon), and a Steamboat T-shirt. Participants remain with the same instructor and group for the entire week.

The Desperados Ski Week program allows kids and teens from first grade to 15 years old to enjoy a week of skiing with the same instructor and group and the unique opportunity to take part in one of Steamboat's famous torchlight parades down the mountain. Finally, Steamboat has America's top Teen Program, Teen Challenge, for ages 13-17. These programs each foster both the development of excellent skills and lifelong friends.

Sunlight
The Sunlight Ski and Snowboard Education Center offers a variety of single-day lessons and four-week sessions. Threemosabes is a program for three-year-olds that gradually introduces children to skiing over a four-week session. Skimosabes is another four-week session for children ages four to six, to develop and improve skiing skills.

Saturday Snow Riders and Saturday Freestyle Club are both single-day lessons open to skiers or snowboarders ages seven through 14, and are available every Saturday of the winter season. Likewise, Sunday Ridge Runners is a Sunday ski or snowboard lesson for children ages seven through 14.

Telluride
Telluride Ski and Snowboard School offers daily children's lessons providing age-specific learning experiences. Gold Miners is designed for three-year-olds to gradually introduce children to a world of snow and skiing.

The Ute Indians ages four through six, and the Explorers ages seven through 12, are daily lessons providing children with the instruction and encouragement necessary to develop good skiing habits. Groups are divided by ability level.

Winter Park
Winter Park Ski & Ride School offers various weekly classes for children ages three through 14 that are perfect for all levels of skiers and riders.

The Guppies program is geared towards Winter Park's littlest rippers. For ages three through five, this half day program offers a specialized progression that will have tiny skiers confidently making turns and tackling new terrain in a safe, fun environment.

Minnows is the best way to get four-and-five year-olds out on the hill to ski and ride like the big kids. This full-day program focuses on skill development and having a great time.

Barracudas is a three-week program for skiers and riders ages six through fourteen who are looking to ski and ride all over the Winter Park mountain. This program is for all levels who are looking to improve their skills while enjoying the sport with new friends.
 
Last, Piranhas is an extensive eight-week program for beginning to intermediate skiers and riders who are looking to take their skill to the next level. For ages six through 14, Piranhas teaches carving on groomers and ripping through trees and bumps.

Barracuda and Piranha participants receive a Winter Park/Copper Mountain season pass and lunch during their lesson.

New this season, Winter Park Ski & Ride School offers GPS technology so parents can track their children on all of the runs and vertical feet that they conquer during the day.

All of Winter Park's programs pair each student with the same coach every week.

Wolf Creek
The Wolf Pup program at Wolf Creek allows children to progress their skiing abilities at their own pace. The Wolf Pups is an on-the-snow program designed for ages five through eight that teaches children the fun of skiing.

Hot Shots Ski and Snowboard Adventures, for children ages nine through 12, teaches a variety of techniques to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The Hot Shots venture and trek over the entire mountain according to ability, building friendship and a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing Colorado's 22 ski & snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. The Association's primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColoradoSkiCountryUSA. This release and other press information can be found in the online press room at http://media-ColoradoSki.com.