Time to register for ski, snowboard school

It may not seem the right time, not with no snow on the ground, but it won't be too long before the slopes are white and ski lifts will be running daily.

Which means, of course, registration has begun for the 63rd session for skiers and the 12th session for snowboarders in the Deseret News/KSL News Radio Ski and Snowboard School.

As in the past, there will be three classes. The first will be Nov. 20, followed by a break for Thanksgiving and the final two classes will be Dec. 4 and 11.

And as in the past, skiers will go to Alta and snowboarders to Snowbird.

The school is intended for first-time beginners in skiing and snowboarding.

Lessons begin with the basics, such as learning to carry and walk, and cover such topics as balance, stance, straight-line runs and turning.

Over the decades, the school has proven to be one of the most inexpensive and painless ways for beginners to learn a winter sport.

It is the oldest learn-to-ski programs in the United States.

There will be two sessions for the ski school each day. The ski school will be limited to 400 skiers — 200 for the morning session and 200 for the afternoon classes.

The snowboard program will be limited to 200 students — 100 in the morning and 100 in the afternoon.

The cost will be $40 for the three classes. Each class will run for about two hours.

The morning session for both skiing and snowboarding will start at 9:30 a.m.

The afternoon session for both skiing and snowboarding will start at 1 p.m.

Both Alta and Snowbird will provide professional instructors for all students. The University of Utah, through its winter recreation program, will provide student instructors for skiing.

Once again, Canyon Sports will partner with the Deseret News and KSL News Radio to offer special rental packages for those students needing equipment.

Students will be able to pick up their equipment prior to the first class, Nov. 20, and hold onto it until after the last class on Dec. 11.

Canyon Sports stores are located at 1844 E. Fort Union Blvd. (7000 South), 517 S. 200 West and 45 W. 10600 South.