from Ski Vermont Press Releases by Jen Butson

At Smugglers’ Notch Resort, professional instructors with the resort’s Snow Sport University take skiers and riders to the next level with expertise and enthusiasm. Instruction includes children’s all-day ski or ride camps for ages 3-15, two-hour group lessons for ages 6 to adult, private lessons, and mom and me/dad and me lessons where a parent teaches their child to ski by working in tandem with an instructor. New this season is a Burton Riglet Park with Treehouse, an on-snow terrain park designed specially for 3-5 year olds in Smugglers’ all-day snowboarding camp.

For National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, Smugglers’ is offering a week-long special package from January 6 – 12, 2012 for first time skiers or riders. Level 1 and 2 skiers and riders on the Club Smugglers’ Base Package will receive free daily beginner ski or snowboard two-hour group lessons, as well as rental equipment for their entire length of stay. This offer starts at $109 per adult/per night and $79 per youth/per night for a five to seven night stay.

The fun extends to all levels of expertise. With the daily Mountain Experience for skiers, intermediate-level adults can have a taste of the camaraderie that the kids enjoy in ski camp. This four-hour mountain tour includes a maximum of five students, who each benefit from the accompanying instructor’s close attention, tips, and terrain knowledge.

Smugglers’ Night Schools offer an evening format under the lights on Sir Henry’s Learning Hill, five acres of gentle terrain. Held twice weekly, Night School for Snowboarding focuses on basic snowboarding skills and Night School for Jibbing teaches participants how to negotiate the features found in terrain parks. Both sessions start with a lesson, followed by an open session devoted to practice with the assistance of the instructors stationed in the area.

Throughout the winter season, Smugglers’ Classic Vacation Package includes all-day ski or snowboard camp for ages 3-5 and group instruction for children ages 6-17. Smugglers’ Summit Vacation Packages includes instruction for children and adults, making it the best value for families seeking instruction opportunities for all ages. Smugglers’ offers a guarantee: each family member will learn to ski or snowboard or improve their ability level, or the lesson portion of that person’s package will be refunded. (www.smuggs.com, 1-800-451-8752)