WATERVILLE VALLEY, New Hampshire — Waterville Valley’s award-winning Learn to Ski and Ride Passport Program gets a re-charge this season thanks to new partnerships with Anon Goggles, R.E.D. Helmets and Sport Thoma, the resort’s new on-mountain retail shop. Waterville Valley has also upped the ante on the season pass earned on the 4th visit of the Passport. The Passport season pass will now be good for a full calendar year from the date issued so guests finishing the 3-day program in March will be able to use their pass until March of the next season.

“The Passport is about welcoming brand new skiers and riders to our world of winter with excellent values and in retaining them, a goal that benefits everyone in the snow business”, explains Pete Weber, Waterville Valley Snowsports Director. Here’s how the new updated program works. On the first day, a new skier or rider purchases a package that includes equipment, a two hour lesson and a learning area lift ticket for $75 and they receive a Passport. A second day on the Passport includes all of the above for $70 with a bonus – a $10 lunch voucher good at any on mountain restaurant at Waterville Valley. Day three of the Passport ends with a reward of complimentary Anon Helix goggles, a $50 retail value, which can be picked up that day at Sport Thoma. Sport Thoma also sells and offers special fittings of R.E.D. helmets for the new skier. As part of the partnership, R.E.D. and Anon are sponsoring a line up of instructors at Waterville Valley who specifically teach learn to ski and ride lessons.

On Day 4, the new skier or rider goes to the Seasons Pass office, presents their completed Passport, and purchases a lift ticket. At the end of the day, they will receive a Waterville Valley Season Pass now good for one whole calendar year. The Waterville Valley web site offers a variety of pages designed to help new skiers and riders including a first timers guide , Burton learn to ride mini site, and an opportunity to meet the instructors before heading to the slopes.

Also new this season is Waterville Valley’s Family “First Trails” giving families a chance to share their first experience on snow together. Designed for parents and children ages 7-12 who have never skied or snowboarded before, First Trails includes a 2-hour lesson, rental equipment for the day and a learning area lift ticket. The cost is $380 for up 4 family members and $75 per additional person after that.