Get ready to hit slopes with News ski school

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Nov 18, 2004

Looking at the snow-capped mountains no doubt triggers a yearning to ski among skiers here along the Wasatch Front.

The problem is, only about 10 percent of the locals living in the valley actually ski. Which is surprising in as much as skiing is so accessible -- eight resorts are within 30 minutes of more than 80 percent of Utah's population -- and Utah's 13 resorts are listed among the best in the world. Also, skiing is a great way to break up winter boredom.

For those who are interested in trying the sport, there is no better opportunity than with the Deseret Morning News Ski and Snowboard School.

For a mere $25 students get three lessons taught by certified instructors at Alta. They will start at the very beginning, learning to put on and take off skis, and progress to where most will be able to negotiate left and right turns on beginner slopes.

The snowboard school at Snowbird is full. There are, however, some openings remaining for the ski school.

Both ski and snowboard classes will begin Saturday at the respective resorts -- skiers at Alta and snowboarders at Snowbird. Classes will begin at 9 a.m. and run for about two hours.

"People in Utah really don't realize how nice they have it," said Kip Pitou, president of Ski Utah. "It's surprising how few Utahns actually ski. In Boston, where the closest resort is two hours away, 20 percent of the people ski. And, even in Denver, where the nearest resort is at least two hours away, I think the number of skiers is close to 20 percent."

This will be the 57th year for the newspaper's ski program.

The $25 fee includes registration, a two-hour lesson each week, instruction from a certified instructor and, "when they're ready, access to a chairlift," said Sharon Johnson, marketing director at the Deseret Morning News.

"I don't know of a less expensive way of learning to ski or snowboard. Over the 56 years, a lot of people have learned. A lot of those people who do ski and snowboard now got their start in the Deseret Morning News' ski school."

The two remaining classes will be Dec. 4 and 11. There is no class over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Since this is a school for entry-level or beginning students, instruction is intended to get would-be skiers and snowboarders past the fears of not knowing what to do and to a point where they will be able to negotiate beginner slopes with confidence.

Since not everyone who wants to learn to ski and snowboard has the proper equipment, the Deseret Morning News -- in cooperation with Canyon Sports -- is offering special rental prices.

Students will be able to pick up equipment before the first class and return it after the final class. The package includes up-to-date skis, boots, bindings and ski poles for skiers, and boards, boots and bindings for snowboarders.

New skiers can pick up tags and entry forms at one of the Canyon Sports stores -- 517 S. 200 West; 1844 E. Fort Union Blvd.; or 45 W. 10600 South -- or they can register one half-hour prior to class on Saturday at Alta.

For information on rentals and registration, call 942-3100.

Vital information

What: Deseret Morning News Ski and Snowboard School

Where: Alta and Snowbird ski resorts

When: Saturday, Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and 11

Cost: $25 for three lessons

Registration: Ski registration at any Canyon Sports store -- 517 S. 200 West; 1844 E. Fort Union Blvd.; or 45 W. 10600 South -- or at Alta one half-hour prior to the first class. Snowboard classes are full.

More information: 1-888-DESNEWS or 942-3100.