This was my first year back skiing in maybe 8-10 years, it has been a while. Not only has it been a long time, I was never a confident skier. I would stick to one trail (green) and most likely be the first one done for the day. Well, here I am in my 40's, an empty nester with a husband who’s favorite activity is skiing. I knew I was missing out on some fun and thought maybe if I got an Indy Pass and just practiced more I could be more confident and we could be out there enjoying winter together. Because being inside all winter is just no fun

When I purchased the pass the first thing Mike said to me was, you need a lesson, and it wasn’t going to be from him. In comes Learn to Turn. This was the first year they introduced this lesson package (for all ages) and I am glad I went for it. I wanted to share my experience, give you the pros and cons, and maybe a little advice, if you choose to accept.

The Indy Learn to Turn is for skiers or snowboarders. With the $189 price tag you get three lessons and rentals. We had a coupon and paid $149. Honestly this is the best deal out there to learn to ski. I took my lessons at three different spots. The price for each one would have been more than I paid for all three. Before you run out and purchase the Learn to Turn (which I think you should) read on for somethings to know and consider.

It is not every Indy mountain, just select resorts. For me being in New England there are enough that it made it worth it. I might do it again next year with a different mindset. What I wish I had paid attention to earlier on is some of the resorts only offer learn to turn on select dates. Like Waterville Valley I was excited to see them offer this, but I could only find Friday availability. Pats Peak another great mountain to learn, had all of January and February and some of December blacked out. By the time I realized Pat’s Peak was blacked out in December it was to late for me to start my season there.

My first lesson was at Tenney Mountain in Plymouth, NH. I was excited to be back. This spot was open when we were in college and I took a snowboarding class here my senior year, lets just say I am glad there were no cell phones back then and no evidence of that! With Tenney they recommend you have some knowledge of skiing before you come here to take a lesson. The other thing to know about Tenney is the top of the mountain has a nice gradual slope, while the closer you get to the bottom the steeper it gets. Lets just say this was something a little challenging for me as I might have face planted! But besides my face colliding with the mountain it was one of the best lessons I have ever had. Morgan was my instructor and I was glad she was my first ski instructor of the year. I took what she taught me to each ski day. Honestly this lesson, face plant and all, gave me more confidence to get out there again. The lesson was 2.5 hour and would have cost $175.

Tenney Mountain, first lesson in many years.

My second lesson was at Bolton Valley in Bolton Valley, VT. I was kind of nervous for this lesson. I didn’t know what to expect becuase I sat in the lodge last year when Mike skied and it just seemed like a hard mountain. Let me reassure anyone who is a newbie like me, there are challenging spots but this is a great spot to learn. On this day it was a small group lesson. With some people only have ever skied once or twice before. So we started at the basic level. I kind of always think it is nice to learn from the ground up. We spent some time on the magic carpet before hitting the chair lift. The thing about group lessons is you have to go at the pace of the newest skier, which as someone who wants to be safe all the time I appreciate. But wanting to get out of snowplow it can be hard to wait. I think Bolton Valley is one my personal favorite mountains, at least in the top three spots I visited this year. I loved how there is a beautiful green trail from the peak, yet they offer a variety of harder trails for those with more experience. They really do offer a great mix! Lesson was 2 hours and would have cost $199

Beautiful day at Bolton Valley Ski Resort. I am gearing up for my lesson.

My third and final lesson of the season almost didn’t happen. I took my last lesson March 14th which is kind of late in the ski season and a bit of risk, but it paid off. My last Learn to Turn was at Mt Abrams in Greenwood, ME. Each mountain has their own reservation system for Mt Abrams they ask you to email them at least 48 hours in advance, and when I did they asked if I had skied before and what my level was. When I arrived to check in the instructor asked the other two people what their level was and where they were comfortable. They were new skiers. For one person, this was their 2nd time ever. So they split us up. I went with Mario straight to the chair lift. With what I had learned earlier, and been practicing since Tenney, Mario brought that to a new level I left that day wanting to take more runs and was just feeling more confident than before. I was even making some parallel moves by the end of the day. I would highly recommend coming here for lessons! Mt Abrams, like Bolton Valley has a good mix of terrain for a smaller mountain. I stayed on the learning side while Mike enjoyed the side of the mountain for the more experienced skier.

Lesson was 1.5 hours and would have cost $109.

If you’re new or it has been a few years since you have skied/ snowboarded, check out the Indy Learn to Turn. My tips are-

Book your lessons earlier in the season
Go to a variety of spots becuase each instructor brings a different style and can offer so much.
Pay attention to the dates each mountain can offer the lesson as there can be blackout dates or only offered on select days
Take a private lesson if they offer it. This worked for me early and late in the season.
Take advantage of the rentals
Always wear a helmet
Some mountains give you an all day lift ticket to the entire mountain, while others give you a lift ticket to just the learning area.

If you’re looking to get back into skiing (or snowboarding) or try it for the first time, check out Indy Pass - Learn to Turn. It is a great opportunity to get out there and enjoy our winters! Happy Skiing! -G