There's always a first time: Ski resorts are luring newbies with instructional packages. (Focus on: Ski).

Travel Agent, December, 2002 by Weiss, Elizabeth

Even with the promising early-season snowfall, the ski resorts in the western U.S.--and the ski industry as a whole--are struggling to regain the soaring visitor numbers that peaked over the 2000-01 ski season. According to the National Ski Area Association (NSAA), the number of U.S. skier/snowboarder visits that year was close to 57.3 million, while last season checked in at only 54.4 million. As the skiing population ages, it has become increasingly important for the industry to draw younger enthusiasts to the sport.

Resorts are selling beginner ski packages to virgin skiers and snowboarders in the hopes that they will make snow sports a habit. Here's a sampling of programs that offer free or discounted lift tickets, equipment rentals and/or lodging, to...

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