Specific Examples:

Stepping Stones Teaching Program: This new instructional method, developed by the Professional Ski Instructors of America, is based on a concept of "stepping stones" to enable instructors to customize instruction for individuals. Each "stone" represents a technical skiing objective or milestone, but with no set path for moving from one stone to another.

Most first-time skiers will start out on 120-centimeter-long skis, which are 50 to 70 centimeters shorter than more experienced skiers use. These are not the same “short” skis that were popular a generation ago. Instead, the skis are carefully designed to make turning and gliding maneuvers easier to do during the skier's first couple of days on snow. The ski has a broad "shovel" (the tip of the ski), then tapers to a fairly narrow waist and tail. This unusual shape allows for very easy steering and braking maneuvers.

By the third or fourth day of lessons, new skiers move up to 140- or 160-centimeter skis with a slightly more aggressive shape that encourages more complete turns but allows for the ability to skid the ski tails for braking. By the end of the first week, the goal is for the skier to ski all of the mountain’s beginner and easier intermediate runs on normal-length intermediate-level skis.

Separate Beginner Areas: Most ski and snowboard resorts have learning areas separated from the rest of the terrain. These areas, with their gentle slope, help first-timers feel more comfortable. Often, these areas are accessed by a lift that moves at a slower speed beginners can manage. Some resorts have an additional separate area where small children learn, served by a "Magic Carpet" lift, a moving belt that the child steps on for a ride up the small learning hill.

Learning Packages: Most resorts have package programs that include a beginner lift ticket, lessons and equipment rental at a discounted price.

Learning Programs: Nearly every ski and snowboard resort has programs specifically designed for kids. Kids' teaching programs often incorporate nature lessons and building specific skills. With the advent of technologically advanced equipment specifically designed for young children, it is now easier than ever to encourage younger members of the family to become involved. Most resorts start children skiing at age 4, when their motor skills have developed to a point that skiing will not frustrate them. Snowboard teaching programs usually begin at age 6 or 7, though some will teach younger children who are particularly motivated.

Several larger resorts also have programs especially for teens, which concentrate on mountain exploration and adventure. Many resorts have programs for women or older adults as well.

Web sites that have a great deal of information on learn-to-ski or -snowboard programs and packages include:

• ResortSpace.com (www.resortspace.com), an online guide to North America's major snow sports resorts
• SkiLikeAWoman.com (www.skilikeawoman.com), which lists women's programs at more than 200 resorts around the world
• Over The Hill Gang International (www.skiersover50.com), which lists benefits and programs for snow sports enthusiasts 50 and older
• Professional Ski Instructors of America (www.psia.org)
• American Association of Snowboard Instructors (www.aasi.org)

Kids' Educational Programs

The following programs are designed to educate children about aspects of snow sports safety, or to get them started in snow sports at a reduced cost. Many of them incorporate an educational curriculum into their programs so that a day of snowshoeing, snowboarding, or skiing becomes both a fun activity and a learning experience.

Alpino (www.alpino.org): A Colorado-based non-profit organization dedicated to increasing diversity in snow sports and mountain recreation in America. Alpino has created snow and mountain sports experiences for thousands of underserved multicultural youth primarily by financially enabling existing youth program infrastructure in communities with significant multicultural populations to expose kids to snow sports and mountain recreation. Nationally, Alpino works with the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Ski Area Management (SAM) Magazine, diverse corporations and several Colorado and New Mexico snow riding areas to support minority inclusion in mountain sports.

Passport Program: Snow sport resort associations or resorts in nine states offer variations of a program designed to introduce alpine skiing, cross country skiing and snowboarding to older elementary-school children. Each state's "passport program" is different, but usually includes free or deeply discounted lift tickets and trail passes. Some are designed to be used directly with a school's physical education curriculum. Some of the programs require good grades from the child that is participating, and most require that the child be a state resident. Check out the states and Web sites where you can get specific information on local programs.

The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: The President’s Challenge encourages all youths, adults and seniors to make being active part of their everyday lives and gives them awards and incentives to do it. Participants can now make skiing, snowboarding, and snow shoeing part of this active lifestyle and participate in the President’s Challenge Physical Activity & Fitness Awards program by earning points for these activities. Web site: www.presidentschallenge.org

Midwest Ski Areas Association: Has over 90 member resorts in the Midwest that offer a variety of school and beginner programs for children and adults. Refer to their Web site www.snowplaces.com for individual resorts sites and programs.

Snowboard Outreach Society (SOS): Based in Colorado, SOS, partners with ski resorts, youth agencies, foundations, private corporations and snowboards to create an effective and efficient mountain adventure-based program for underserved youth. Since 1993, SOS has introduced more than 8,000 kids to snowboarding while focusing on five core values: courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom and compassion. Web site: www.sosoutreach.org

Snow Monsters: This national children's program includes: an interactive and educational Web site, www.snowmonsters.com; movies featuring well-known celebrities such as ski racer Picabo Street and singer Aretha Franklin; and a whole series of fun characters such as Snowball the Tiger, the Powder Pigs, the Mogul Gophers and the Snow Snakes. They are the official mascots of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Teams, and they make appearances at more than 70 resorts throughout the country, helping children have fun in the snow.

SnowSchool: A program of the Winter Wildlands Alliance, SnowSchool (www.snowschool.org) is the nation’s largest on-snow winter ecology education program. SnowSchool is conducted across diverse non-profit sites including national forests, regional parks, nature centers, preserves, colleges and universities, and national parks. Each site works with local schools to offer field trips focused on winter ecology. Atlas Snow-Shoe Company provides free snowshoes for children, teachers and chaperones. The program reaches thousands of children each year through 27 sites across the U.S.

Additional programs include:

• Lids on Kids: An informational program from the National Ski Areas Association that educates kids and parents on helmet use. The Web site address is www.lidsonkids.org.
• Redfeather: The Redfeather snow shoe company (www.redfeather.com) works with schools to provide snow shoes for classrooms to introduce the activity to children.