Watch CBS News

Frisco, Copper Mountain Team Up To Offer Beginner Ski Lessons

FRISCO, Colo. (CBS4) - Even with recent snow, overall skier visits to the high country have been down this year. So it may seem pretty strange that one town government is trying to break into the ski industry.

It won't be long before more people could be going to the Frisco Adventure Park.

"It is just a beginner ski and ride hill, so it's not as intimidating as the bigger resorts," said Diane McBride, Frisco Director of Recreation.

The town of Frisco has teamed up with Copper Mountain to offer beginner lessons, starting on Friday.

"We've had an interest from the community as well as visitors to showcase what we do and to have folks out here on the mountain," McBride said.

Right now the area has a terrain park and tubing on the hill.

"The town of Frisco's (Adventure) Park is very family oriented. It's very low-key and I think at the end of the day those folks are looking for a basic experience and not a major resort experience," said JP Chevelier, Copper Mountain Director of Skier and Golf Services.

The town is hoping to grab the market for anyone who has never skied or snowboarded before and give them a chance to break in before heading to a resort.

"It will be a really great first step. There are lots of resorts in the Midwest that are no bigger than the adventure hill at Frisco," Chevelier said. "So we feel that having the opportunity to introduce people to snow sports there will create a passion that will migrate to the larger resorts and Copper Mountain."

The adventure park will have 2-hour lessons in the afternoons on Fridays and Mondays, then expand to weekends in March and maybe even more if there is demand.

"A 2-hour lesson allows a family, child or adult to finish on a high note," Chevelier said.

The town hopes its high note will mean a new source of revenue.

"It is one additional way to bring on some additional money to the entire area," McBride said.

Lessons will start at $79.

To get more information, visit the Frisco Adventure Park website.

Skiing In Colorado

- Read recent Skiing stories.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.