WATERVILLE VALLEY, New Hampshire — Learning to ski or snowboard is truly a family affair at Waterville Valley this season. Two new ski lessons bring the family together for fun on the ski slopes while leaving the teaching to the pros. “A trend we saw last winter was the growing number of families asking to be in the same ski or snowboard lesson instead of separating into different age groups”, explains Lisa Dutto, Snowsports Supervisor. “They want to share the experience. So we came up with these two family concepts to offer at Waterville. Hey, families that play together have fun together, right?”

Family “First Trails”

Families can enjoy learning a new sport and sharing their first experience on snow together with Family “First Trails”. It’s designed for parents and children ages 7-12 who have never skied or snowboarded before. The package includes rental equipment and a learning area lift ticket for the day and a 2-hour beginner lesson served up family style. The cost is $380 for up to 4 family members and $75 per additional family member.

“Trail Along” Family Private

This family private lesson is designed for parents who want to take part in their kid’s learning and snow time. The one hour private lesson allows parents to trail along with a child and instructor and receive valuable information on how to safely navigate and learn on the mountain. The “Trail Along” Family Private is most appropriate for families with children ages 4-8. The cost is $125 for lessons during peak times ( 10 am ??“ Noon ) and $99 if taken during off peak times.

Family “First Trails” and “Trail Along” Private are offered on weekends and holidays. Sign up is at the Waterville Valley Snowsports Desk, open 7:30 am ??“ 4:30 pm on weekends , or call 1-800 GO VALLEY with questions or to plan ahead. Waterville Valley is also one of the first resorts to install a parent’s viewing station that allows parents to watch their littlest ones with their ski instructors without interrupting the lesson flow. The viewing station is located in Kinderpark, a kids-only learning area.