Learn to Ski or Snowboard
$70 - 1 Day Pkg.

LEARN TO SKI or SNOWBOARD
$70 1st Timer Package

LEARNING TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD IS EASY WITH THIS MONEY SAVING PACKAGE

Learn to SKI package
This one-day package includes a beginner area only lift pass, special 1st-Timers group ski lesson, and rental skis designed to make turning and learning to ski easier.
1st-Timer lift ticket provides access to the Paddy Wagon beginner lift and all 4 of our Learning Carpets.
On weekends and holidays, two additional lifts may be available, these would include the Scooter double and Cruiser quad chairlifts.

SkiWEEs Having a Blast!
The First Time Lesson
Learning is Fun!

View FULL SIZE Videos Here

At Ski Butternut, Learning Is Fun! Whether just learning to ski or aspiring to race, no matter your age or ability level, Butternut's learning programs are fun and informative.

$70 Learn to Ski 1st Timers 1-Day Pkg. is for skiers ages 7 years and older. Special first timers lesson lasts 1.5 hours (3+ students) or 1 hour (if only 1 or 2 students are in the class).
On Weekends & over all Holidays 1st Timers Ski Lessons Start at any of the following times:
9:30 a.m. / 10:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m. / 11:00 a.m. / 12:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. (as needed)

Midweek first timers package start at
10:30 a.m. / 12:30 or 2:00 p.m.
Get ready to have FUN and enjoy your 1st day learning to ski!

Learn to SNOWBOARD package
This one day package includes a beginner area only lift pass, 1st timers group snowboard lesson, and rental skis. 1st-Timer lift ticket provides access only to Paddy Wagon lift & the Learning Carpets. On weekends and holidays, additional lifts may be available, such as the Scooter double and Cruiser quad chairlifts.

$70 Learn to Snowboard 1st Timers 1-Day Pkg. is for snowboarders ages 7 years and older. Special first timers lesson lasts 1.5 hours (3 + students) or 1 hour (if only 1 or 2 students are in the class).
On Weekends & over all Holidays 1st Timers Snowboard Lessons Start at any of the following times:
9:30 a.m. / 10:00 a.m. / 10:30 a.m. / 11:00 a.m. / 12:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.

Midweek first timers package start at
10:30 a.m. / 12:30 or 2:00 p.m.
Get ready to have FUN and enjoy your 1st day learning to ski!

It takes 3 to 4 days on snow to really get the feel for skiing or snowboarding. These FUN winter sports are certainly worth the investment. After mastering the sports you can plan to enjoy a liftime of fun on the slopes.

$$ MONEY SAVING TIP $$

$70 - 1st Timers RETURN TO LEARN package.
This package keep you skiing/riding for the same low price all winter long.!
The next time you as a 1st timer come back to Ski Butternut - Show the rental cashier your 1st Timers Lift Ticket (lift ticket will be marked 1st Timer - it must still be attached to your jacket - so don't remove it).
Each time the cashier sees that ticket they'll recognize you as a returning first time skier. Your a VIP to us. You'll then qualify for our special
$70 - 1st Timers Return to Learn package rate. This extremely affordable package includes everything you need to keep progressing with your skiing or snowboarding (Package includes an all-mountain lift ticket, rental equipment and another group lesson at level 1, 2 or 3. So you continue to learn quickly.)
The $70 1st Timers Return to Learn Rate is only available when you show your 1st-Timer lift ticket. Ticket must be from a visit made earlier this winter. RETURN-TO-LEARN lessons are available at 10:30 & 2:00 every day.

SKI & RIDE TIPS

The first time you go skiing or snowboarding, the experience can go one of two ways: It's possible you're going to get hooked and crave more. Your thoughts of skiing will consume your every waking thought, and you'll soon be making excuses to get up to the mountains, every chance you get! Or learning to ski could be a grueling and negative experience if you are not prepared or have unrealistic expectations. Fortunately, for beginners, we have compiled this helpful web page to get you started on the right track, so you can get the most out of your first skiing or snowboarding experience!

Scroll below to review: 1st Timer Tips, What to Bring, Beginner Terrain, Your Responsibility Code & Parking info.

TIPS for guests learning to Ski or Snowboard for the 1st TIME!

Take a lesson. Like everything else, you'll improve the most when you receive some expert guidance. The best way to acquire superior downhill skiing or snowboarding skills, is to take a lesson, or a series of lessons, from one of our qualified instructors. In an hour and a half group lesson, you'll learn more than you could on your own! In addition, our ski and snowboarding pros will show you around the mountain and direct you to terrain best suited to your ability. Click the links on the left of this page to learn more about our Private skiing or snowboarding lessons, Adult Racing classes or our Children's programs; SKIwee, miniRIDERS & Day Care.

Use the right equipment. You can get high quality, properly tuned ski or snowboard rentals from our on-mountain rental shop. Don't borrow equipment from a friend, the slight savings isn't worth taking the chance, you could get hurt because the bindings were not adjusted correctly! But, if you do borrow equipment, make sure the ski or snowboard bindings are correctly adjusted by a certified ski shop. Click the word Rentals on the left to view all the details about our rental operation and to access an informative video.

Dress in layers. Layering your clothing allows you to compensate for changing weather conditions and temperatures. For example, dress in highly comfortable polypropylene long underwear (top and bottoms) - this material dries quickly, absorbs moisture and keeps you warm! Also, wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket. Do NOT wear cotton socks or a cotton base layer, or you will likely end up cold and wet because cotton retains moisture!

Bring a hat, helmet or headband with you to the slopes; 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands). Be prepared! Mother Nature has a mind of her own!

Drink plenty of water. In the mountains, it is easy to dehydrate. Keep your body functioning at its peak by drinking lots of water over the course of your skiing day!

Know your limits. Learn to stay in control while skiing and snowboarding. Make plenty of turns to check your speed so you can navigate safely down the mountain. This is true both for beginner slopes and on more advanced trails!

If you're tired, STOP. Stop before you become to tired; accidents and injuries often occur as a result of fatigue. Don't risk it! If you tire while skiing or snowboarding take a break. You can comfortably relax on one of our outdoor decks or in one of our two lodges while your friends make another run. Take it easy and enjoy the beautiful mountain air, the pristine environment and the wonderful scenery. It's all part of the package and best enjoyed at the end of a beautiful winter's day! Have FUN - Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing and snowboarding more if you're physically fit. But even if you're not the most fit person, don't miss out on the experience! Stay within your limits and you'll have fun!

What to Bring:

Here is our list of recommended items for you to bring skiing and snowboarding, in order to ensure that you have fun on your first day on the slopes. If you are in need of anything on this list when you get here, it's available in the Butternut Ski & Snowboard Shop, which offers a complete selection of gear and clothing at very affordable prices.

Hat - Essential if you're to keep your head and body warm, a significant amount of your body's heat escapes through the top of the head! Cover up and be comfortable!

Gloves/Mittens - Choose those which are preferably waterproof On particularly cold days, wearing mittens will keep your hands and fingers even warmer!

Goggles/Sunglasses - On the mountain, you'll definitely need UV protection from the sun, its strength amplified by snow-clad slopes. Goggles are strongly recommended on cold or snowy days for warmth and increased visibility.

Backpack - These are great for storing and carrying extra clothes & supplies, when you are riding the chairlift or skiing on our trails. If you have gear you don't need right away, you can store it in one of our convenient lockers. (Coin operated lockers are available in the Upper Lodge, Lower Lodge and in the Rental Building.)

Jacket/Parka - Ideally your jacket should be water resistant!

Synthetic or wool-base layers for the top & bottom portions of your body. Remember, you can always remove excess clothing layers if you're warm and add them back on if you're cold! Synthetic materials, like polypropylene, will help to wick moisture away from your skin and keep you warm and dry. Once again, DO NOT WEAR CLOTHING MADE FROM COTTON! This material soaks up moisture from your body, eventually you'll get chilled all over on a cold day.

Snow pants or Water resistant pants - Keep your bottom half warm and dry.

2 pair of Warm, dry socks - NO COTTON socks on the slopes. Wear only one pair of wool or other warm socks. DO NOT wear multiple pairs, or you may experience pain and foot problems (your foot size changes from a Size 6 C to a Size 8 DDDD, when you put on 2-3 pairs of socks!!). Many instructors change their socks at lunch to keep their feet warm. Why did we suggest two pairs? The 2nd pair can be used to change into at lunch or you might want a clean dry pair of socks for the drive home.

Sunscreen - Use SPF 15 or higher to protect yourself and your family from harmul UV rays. Lip balm, snack, fruit and energy bars are available, if needed, at our lodges' food service facilities

Facilities (FREE Trail Maps are available in many areas across the mountain). Remember to keep with you your ID, wallet and cash. It's also a good idea to bring extra clothes as well; water to keep yourself hydrated; proper ski or snowboard equipment, including skis, poles and boots or snowboard and snowboard specific boots. If you need equipment, we're ready to assist you. If you need skis, ski boots, ski poles or snowboard and snowboard-specific boots when you first arrive, go directly to the RENTAL BUILDING. Everything you need is available inside. Rentals offers: skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, poles, lockers and bathrooms. IMPORTANT HINT - Arrive early! Avoid the rush that usually hits between 8:40 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on most weekends and especially on holidays. Our certified rental technicians will be happy to help you obtain the right-size equipment and then correctly adjust your gear for best performance. If you have questions regarding the rental process, or on renting equipment, Click the Rental link on the left of the Rates page to get all the details. There you can also watch our Rental Video. Double Click the Ski Butternut TV icon to view our Rental Video it's on the right side of the Rentals web page.

Beginner Ski or Snowboard Terrain

Ski Butternut offers terrain ideal for beginner skiers and snowboarders, just like you, who want to learn to ski or snowboard in a safe, comfortable environment. Our beginner teaching terrain is naturally isolated from more advanced trails; you won't have to worry about expert skiers zooming by as you practice your turns. Our beginner terrain is conveniently located adjacent to our rental building's exit. The terrain, itself, consists of short, gentle slopes which allow you to comfortably learn, refine and practice your turning and stopping skills. Our Beginner slopes are serviced by two chairlifts (Paddy's & Scooter) and 4 Learning Carpets, operated by attentive and knowledgeable attendants who understand a first-timer's worries and challenges. The "Learning Carpet" lifts are ideal for beginners and especially children. In addition, beginners enjoy easy access to our rustic and spacious Upper Lodge, which is conveniently located at the top of the beginners' slope. It also features a large, outdoor patio with comfortable sunbenches on which to rest, relax and take in outstanding scenic views! The Upper Lodge offers a complete food service facility, clean restrooms and coin operated lockers. These conveniences combine to make Ski Butternut's beginner terrain the perfect place for learning to ski or snowboard, while enjoying a fun-filled, family-oriented snowsport experience!

Responsible Skiing or Snowboarding

Your Responsibility Code - It's important - Learn it!
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas, you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by special needs or other snowsport enthusiasts. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others. Be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below, and share it with other skiers. Please take your responsibility for a great skiing and snowboarding experience seriously. It will help to prevent injuries and increase your enjoyment on the slopes.

Always stay in control.
People ahead of you have the right of way.
Stop in a safe place for you and others.
Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
Know how to use the lifts safely.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

PARKING

When you first arrive, you'll discover that all of our spacious parking lots are free! The main lot is always a good choice, first thing in the morning. At the front of Ski Butternut's main lot, is a convenient 3-minute unloading and drop-off area that accommodates about 10 vehicles. This is a popular (read "busy") place on weekends, so many folks park in the main lot and walk directly to the RENTAL Building, This Large GREY building is located in the upper right-hand corner of the lot. If you arrive later in the morning (10 to 11 a.m) on a busy day, you may be directed to park closer to the Tubing area, or just above the beginner slopes. In those instances, simply ask the parking attendants for the quickest way to reach the RENTAL Building, located at the bottom of the ski and snowboard learning area. You'll soon find everything is just a short walk away, at Ski Butternut!

We Can't Wait to See YOU having FUN right here on the slopes at Ski Butternut
Get out, get hooked and you'll love it. Just don't blame us, if you quit your job and move to the mountains! Just in case the bug bites you bad, visit our JOBS/Employment page. We're always looking for quality employees.