PICO MOUNTAIN KICKS OFF SEASON FRIDAY WITH FREE LEARN TO SKI, RIDE LESSONS

KILLINGTON, VT (Dec. 13, 2010) – Pico Mountain is kicking off the 2010-11 season Friday with United Way Day and free learning opportunities to introduce first-time skiers and riders to winter sports.

From opening day through Dec. 24, Pico Mountain will offer free Learn to Ski and Snowboard lessons for any first-time skier or snowboarder age 7 or older. In addition, Pico Mountain is partnering with hundreds of resorts across the country for January  Learn to Ski and SnowboardMonth and offering free Learn to Ski and Snowboard lessons to first-timers age 7 and older when accompanied by a friend or family member purchasing a full-day adult lift ticket on the same day. Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month lessons are limited to the first 8 each day who register and are not valid Jan. 15-17, 2011. Learn to Ski and Snowboard lesson reservations are required at least 48 hours in advanced by calling 800-923-9444.

Those who take advantage of the December and January free learning opportunities may purchase two additional days of lessons, including rentals and learning area lift tickets, for just $30. In addition, anyone who completes a three-day Learn to Ski or Snowboard program this season through the Pico Mountain Ski and SnowboardSchoolwill have the opportunity to upgrade to a My Pico Season Pass valid for the remainder of the 2010-11 season for just $50.

“This is absolutely the best learn to ski and snowboard deal in Vermont, if not the entire country,” said Katherine Rockwell, PicoMountain’s Ski and Snowboard School manager.

United Way Day Friday!
Pico Mountain will contribute $20 to the United Way of Rutland County from each $39 Express Card sold Friday. Plus, everyone who purchases an Express Card on Friday will ski for free on opening day and make a contribution to an organization dedicated to helping those in our community.

For the 2010-11 season, the Pico Express Cardoffers $29 mid-week, non-peak tickets and $39 weekend and peak day rates. The Express Card works like a season pass (with the skier/riders picture on it), and is linked to a credit card. The first time each day the Express Card is scanned at the lift, the credit card is automatically charged the discounted rate. Pico Express Cards also make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

Three Lifts, Up to Six Trails for Opening Day
Pico Mountain kicks off the 2010-11 ski and snowboard season on Friday at 9 a.m. with the Bonanza Double, Golden and Summit Express Chairs serving up to six trails.

About Pico Mountain:
With more vertical drop than 80 percent of New England mountains, Pico Mountain offers mogul trails, glades, groomed cruisers and the new Triple SlopeTerrain Park, all of which lead back to one classically-styled Vermont base lodge. First-timers can enjoy gentle learning trails and a new tow-rope, while more advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy finding their way into the glades on a fresh powder day.  Our 50 trails, 214 skiable acres and seven lifts (including two high-speed quads) mean our slopes are never crowded and our guests make the most out of their days.  Pico – Big Mountain Skiing, Small Mountain Charm. www.PicoMountain.com.

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