Lessons

Telluride's school has a good reputation. A successful learning experience requires two things: good instruction and appropriate terrain. Telluride has both. Clinics operate out of the Mountain Village Activity Center, a one-stop facility that has lift tickets, lessons, full-service rental shop, overnight equipment storage, children's ski school and child care. Peak/holiday rates are higher. A computer system links Telluride Sports' six rental shops and stores client information permanently so future rentals can be paperwork-free and equipment can be returned to any shop.You can also rent equipment on line at rentskis.com and it will be there for you when you arrive.

Value Season is Nov. 23–Dec. 16, 2005 and Jan. 2–Feb. 16, 2006. Regular Season is Dec. 17, 2005–Jan. 1, 2006 and Feb. 17–April 2, 2006.

Group lessons: All-day group lessons cost $98 during regular season and $90 during value season; two-hour morning clinics are available during value season only, $50.

First-timer package: For skiers or snowboarders, includes a full day of lessons, lifts and rentals for $119 during regular season and $109 during value season; three-day program costs $285 regular season and $199 value season. Nordic and telemark are offered only on certain days; call for specifics.

Private lessons: $225 for two-hour early bird or late riser; $315 half day; $515 full day.

Special programs: Many, including a highly acclaimed Women's Week program that offers lifts, races, video analysis, seminars, parties and more. Call for dates and cost; reservations required. Adaptive and telemark clinics are also available; call for details.

Racing: Run the NASTAR course for $3 per run or $9 for five runs. The course is near the Smuggler Express lift. A self-timed course is $1 per run.