The promise of a new year! 2017 is already shaping up to be a winter to remember as forecasters are calling for 5 to 7 feet of fresh snow to blanket the slopes in Lake Tahoe during the first week in January. With stellar conditions and incredible deals waiting to greet destination guests, Lake Tahoe ski resorts are making it easy to stick with your New Year’s resolution to learn to ski/snowboard and take your riding to the next level.

In fact, January is officially “Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month” with the resorts offering unbeatable packages for beginners and customized lessons for every ability level. Whether it’s your first time on the slopes or you’re an aficionado of double black diamonds, the mountains of Lake Tahoe are the perfect place to elevate your game in 2017.

Get Into the Game

Sierra-at-Tahoe not only shortens the learning curve with its sculpted Smart Terrain, the resort also makes it easy on your wallet with its $49 Learn to Ski or Snowboard Package. Valid Sunday through Friday throughout the season, this online special includes a two-hour group lesson, limited lift ticket and specialized rental equipment for beginners.

For a truly unforgettable introduction to the sport, join in Alpine Meadows’ Guinness World Record attempt for the largest multi-venue ski and snowboard lesson ever taught. Alpine is teaming up with ski resorts across the U.S. to teach a massive group lesson at 10:00 am on January 6, 2017. The first 25 skiers and the first 25 snowboarders to register will receive a free package including group lesson, lift ticket and equipment rental.

The best way to learn something new is to try, try again. Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe’s Flight Plan Package combines their First Timer and Next Step lessons over two consecutive days making it one great deal. The discounted price includes two days of instruction, lift tickets, equipment rentals and overnight gear storage making it easy to save your time and energy for the slopes each day.

Northstar California is home to the only Burton Snowboard Academy on the West Coast, a first-of-its-kind learning program designed to welcome new riders to the sport and encourage progression in snowboarding. The program provides a full-immersion experience by specially trained coaches helping with everything from boot fitting to terrain-based teaching, and participants get access to the private Burton Snowboard Academy Village and Mid-Mountain Lodge. Relax in the lounge, test your skills on a balance board and watch the video of yourself on the wall-mounted flat screen TVs.

Blue Lake, Blue Skies, Blue Runs

Boasting views that live up to its name, Heavenly Mountain Resort has unveiled two new lesson options for the 2016-17 season geared toward taking proficiency to perfection. The resort’s new on-mountain ski school kiosks allow skiers and snowboarders to request on-demand lessons from locations across the mountain to fine tune their skills on the spot. Similarly, Heavenly’s new customizable private lessons focus on a guest’s specific requests based on their input online and consultation with an instructor.

Northstar California’s Primo Private Lesson is a true embodiment of the resort’s luxe offerings and laidback vibe. Ideal for a family affair or couple’s escape, these personalized private lessons can accommodate up to three people and include six hours of instruction, demo equipment and express lift line privileges. Explore the mountain with your own coach and concierge as he or she shares their local knowledge and secret stashes. They are more than happy to help book a dinner reservation or spa treatment to cap off a perfect day on the slopes!

Ready to get off the groomers and conquer the steeps? Alpine Meadows offers unlimited lessons at an affordable price that pays for itself after the fifth day. The Alpine Unlimited program builds on each successive lesson developing the skills necessary to confidently tackle all types of terrain including trees, open bowls, and off-piste conditions. Skip the lift line and maximize your time improving on the slopes!

Earn Your Master’s Degree

Kirkwood Mountain Resort is home to some of the steepest and deepest terrain in all of Lake Tahoe and the resort’s Expedition: Kirkwood instructional program has been designed to expand the boundaries of mountain exploration. Consider it the university level of ski and snowboard schools! Expedition: Kirkwood offers the entire gamut of high-end instruction including specialty clinics, private guide service, backcountry awareness courses and guided cat skiing.

Already confident in your skills but looking for a few pointers and priority lift line access? Squaw Valley’s North Face Mountain Guides program offers a private mountain tour for up to four people by the resort’s most experienced instructors to explore secret stashes, signature runs, and hike-to terrain. Participants get a complimentary North Face ThermoBall Jacket and 20% off demo equipment.

Black Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Designed expressly for her, Heavenly’s Women’s Ultimate 4 lessons are taught by the resort’s top female instructors with no more than four ladies in a group. The intimate, pressure-free environment allows women to learn at a relaxed pace alongside like-minded individuals to gain the confidence and skills necessary to tackle new, more challenging terrain.

Created by women for women, the Women of Winter Clinics at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows are taught by ripping female instructors who blaze their own trails on the mountain. Offered on Wednesdays at Squaw Valley and Sundays at Alpine Meadows, these women-specific offerings blend together group camaraderie and supportive feedback to arm participants with the technical skills and hard-charging attitude needed to conquer the resorts’ legendary terrain.