This will be the 61st session of the Deseret News/KSL NewsRadio Ski and Snowboard School.

Thousands of skiers and snowboarders have been introduced to their respective sports over the years.

This year's school could graduate 600 more — 400 skiers and 200 snowboarders.

The objective of the school, as the late Alf Engen, the program's founder, often said, is to teach the basics.

And that's exactly what the Deseret News/KSL NewsRadio Ski and Snowboard School intends to do — teach the basics.

Strange as it may seem to those who haven't skied or snowboarded, once the basics have been taught and once a pair of turns have been linked, in an upright position, skiing and snowboarding won't seem all that difficult.

There will be three lessons offered — Nov. 22, Dec. 6 and 13. Cost of the lessons and lift access for the three classes is $40.

Ski classes will be at Alta and snowboard classes at Snowbird. This year there will be a split session in both skiing and snowboarding. The first session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m.

There will be a limit of 200 skiers in each session for skiing and 100 snowboarders in each session for snowboarding.

Those planning to take the snowboard school must register at Canyon Sports — 1844 E. Fort Union Blvd. (7000 South), 801-942-3100; 517 S. 200 West, 801-322-4220; or 45 W. 10600 South, 801-501-9713. Entry forms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students need to make sure to register for either the morning or afternoon class.

Those registering early for skiing can do so at Canyon Sports or by mail. Deseret News/KSL NewsRadio Ski and Snowboard School coupons will periodically be printed in the newspaper; one appears today.

Each class will run for about two hours. After the first class on Nov. 22, skiers and snowboarders will have a break over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Realizing it's not always easy for beginning students to get the right equipment, Canyon Sports will be offering special rental programs to Deseret News/KSL NewsRadio students.

Students will be able to pick up their equipment prior to the first class on Nov. 22 and return it after the last class Dec. 13.

Cost of the four-week rental for skis, boots, bindings and poles will be $34 for juniors and $39 for adults. Cost of the four-week rental for snowboard, bindings and boots will also be $34 for juniors and $39 for adults. Those renting equipment will be able to apply those fees toward a full-season rental — $79.99 for juniors and $84.99 for adults for skis, and $84.99 for juniors and $89.99 for adults for snowboards.

The school is intended for first-time skiers and snowboarders ages 8 and older. This means skiers and snowboarders who have yet to feel the crunch of snow underfoot or the feeling of exhilaration that comes from moving while standing perfectly still.

Students will start with the simple basics, like walking on snow, and finish up on the third lesson by riding a ski lift and making linked turns on a beginner slope. At this point, they fall into the category of skiers and snowboarders.