Learn to ski or snowboard free at Mountain Creek, Dec. 17 & 19

VERNON — With the season’s first snowfall on the ground and forecasts calling for another six to 10 inches over the weekend, Mountain Creek is enjoying some of the best early-season conditions in years. To celebrate, they are inviting anyone who wants to learn to ski or snowboard to come out and have their first on-snow experience on them.

Mountain Creek, New Jersey’s Winter Playground, is offering would-be skiers and snowboarders free Learn-To Packages to help get them started. Each package includes a limited-access lift ticket, 1 ½ hour group lessons and full-day equipment rental (a $99.99 value). Guests need to come out on either Go Skiing Day Tuesday, Dec. 17 or Experience Snowboarding Day Thursday, Dec. 19.

“We’re seeing some of the best early conditions in decades and we couldn’t be more excited about the great winter ahead,” said Hugh Reynolds, Director of Marketing. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to share our love for skiing and snowboarding with anyone who wants to join us.”

Mountain Creek (Vernon Valley/Great Gorge) has taught more than 1 million people to ski and snowboard since opening in 1965 and has been widely regarded for their progressive teaching methods. Earlier this year, Mountain Creek’s terrain-based “Learn-To” programs were recognized by the National Ski Area Association with their 2013 Conversion Cup Award.

“We’re proud to be recognized for the work we’re doing to help grow our sports and create lifetime skiers and riders,” said Hugh Reynolds. “We think skiing and snowboarding are the best sports around and that everyone should have the opportunity to try them at least once… And with advances in equipment and our intuitive learning programs, it’s never been easier or more fun to get started. We look forward to meeting a lot of new skiers and snowboarders next week.”

Due to the possibility of extremely high demand, advance reservations are strongly suggested. Walk up reservations will be taken on a first-come first-serve basis as available. For more information on Go Skiing Day or Experience Snowboarding Day, visit www.mountaincreek.com/teachme.