Sometimes there are ski area programs, deals and events that go under the radar.
On Dec. 6, Ski New Hampshire hosted a media event at Manchester’s McIntyre Ski Area. It was a chance to schmooze and also ask about some opportunities at areas that might go overlooked.
Marketing coordinator Kyle Matzke, of Danbury, N.H.’s Ragged Mountain, talked about the Bebe Wood Free Learn to Ski and Ride program. The program, which is named after a longtime ski instructor and onetime Dartmouth medical secretary, offers three days of tickets, lessons and equipment rentals. Complete it and take advantage of the option to buy the Rossignol rental gear package at a discounted rate and a season pass for the rest of the season.
Pats Peak marketing director Lori Rowell talked about a learn-to package at the Henniker mountain — Passport Program Plus. The $389 introductory package includes four special skier-starter packages with lessons for those at least 18 years of age. On the fourth day of the program, skiers receive a free Pats Peak season pass, Elan skis with bindings and ski shop discounts.
“This definitely is the program to get you skiing,” she said.
The Pay One Price program continues on Saturday nights this season, starting Dec. 28. For $52, go skiing, riding and tubing. The prices includes rentals and lesson tips as well.
New Mount Sunapee general manager Tracy Bartels likes to direct guests to the secluded South Peak Learning Area.
“It’s dedicated to beginners and lower levels,” she said. “So skiing as a family or with little kids, you can do laps on the chair lift. It’s got really good vertical and you’re not bothered by people racing by you really quick.”
She said South Peak flies under the radar because many people just want to go to the bigger mountain.
“The whole family can be there together,” she said. “That’s a really exciting area.”
Bretton Woods marketing director Craig Clemmer pointed skiers and riders to the Telegraph T-bar and Mount Stickney cabin.
“We are also trying to do something unique to Bretton Woods and try to make it fun,” Clemmer said. “The T-bar gets you to the sidecountry ski experience with those glades, especially when we get more natural snow.”
He also reminded people about the soaring Canopy Tour. Most people think of it as a summer and fall pastime, but it’s also running during the winter.
“It’s actually more thrilling to do it in the wintertime,” he said. “The zip and ski ticket allows you to do both over one or two days.”
Great Glen Trails ski school director Sue Wemyss — a resident Olympian — pointed out that the Pinkham Notch network is once again hosting the New England Bill Koch Youth Ski League Festival, the marquee event of the New England Nordic Ski Association Bill Koch Youth Ski League, on Feb. 29-March 1.
In Gilford, N.H., Gunstock now offers a glamp-packing overnight tree tent excursion with a pond view. Sleep in the trees year-round.
Marketing manager Rachel Templar said you can hike, cross country ski or snowshoe in the woods on their trails to tree tents, where everything is set up for you.
“You get to cook your dinner over a fire, have some fun s’mores, hang out in the peace and quiet and then go to sleep up in the air,” she said.
Waterville Valley communications manager Stacie Sullivan opined about the discount on nonholiday Sundays for junior (ages 6-12) skiers and riders. They pay $15.
“That’s a big program to make skiing accessible for local families,” she said.
Also, when you purchase an Adult Season Plus pass, you get a free junior season pass.
Look for RFID gates at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, N.H. Instead of a traditional ticket, you’ll put an RFID card in your jacket, according to marketing manager Alex Malloy. The gates will also read Ikon passes from sister resorts.
“For fans of South Peak, we’ve installed a heated patio at the Pemi base camp,” she said. “That will be perfect when spring rolls around.”
Loon also has the intensive First Class Beginner’s Weekends for $450, which include a private slopeside learning lounge, coaches and some meals.
State-owned Cannon in Franconia Notch State Park has its $29 Resident Wednesday tickets, even on holidays.
“We try to spread the word as much as possible because that’s a great deal,” said marketing director Greg Keeler. “That is something New Hampshire residents should take advantage of.”
Marty Basch can be reached at marty.basch@gmail.com.