Utah resorts offering learn-to-ski packages

January is National Learn a SnowSport Month at alpine resorts, Nordic centers and state and national parks across the United States. Twenty-three states are offering special packages for locals to learn to alpine ski, snowboard, cross-country ski and snowshoe.

Participating states include: California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

As America battles an obesity epidemic, the snows-ports industry hopes to motivate youth and adults to be active in winter months when exercise is most difficult.

Nearly one in 10 of the world's schoolchildren are overweight and the number of overweight adolescents in the U.S. has tripled in the past two decades.

Overweight conditions in children and adolescents are generally caused by lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns or a combination of the two.

For more information on the January National Learn a SnowSport initiative visit www.winterfeelsgood.com.

Utah has served as a leader in this initiative and will once again be offering deals for beginners with its "Lucky 13" promotion. Utah's 13 alpine resorts have put together special packages for Utah residents that are fun and affordable. Whether learning for the first time, or simply brushing up unpracticed skills, these offers are the jackpot for people looking to ski or snowboard this January.

Locals are also invited to win a "learn to ski or snowboard" package for their family (two adults and two children) by visiting www.skiutah.com/lucky13/. Simply log on, fill out the entry form and hope to be one of the 13 selected to win.

Utah resorts are offering the following packages this month:

ALTA SKI AREA

First-time skiers learn-to-ski package: Includes four separate days of two-hour class lessons, lift tickets and equipment rental for $179.

Offer valid Jan. 8-12 (no lessons Jan. 16-19). To take advantage of this offer, call the Alf Engen Ski School at 801-359-1078, ext. 271. Ask for the first-time skiers learn-to-ski package.

Ski Free After 3: Alta will continue with "Ski Free After 3" every day on Alta's Sunnyside detachable triple lift. To participate in this year's "Ski Free After 3," skiers just show up at the lift at 3 p.m.

BEAVER MOUNTAIN