Want to learn to ski or ride, or know someone who does? As the year winds down so do the excuses as January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month across the nation with resorts of all sizes offering discounted beginner lessons.

Generally, programs come with a novice group lesson, rentals and lift ticket. Rates vary. Some resorts are extending their offer beyond January.

Some packages are for one day while others are multiple days.

The promotion also has some cross-country ski options.

The key is making reservations sooner rather than later as many ski areas fill up quickly. Being flexible with day and resort is also helpful.

Be sure to visit learntoskiandnsnowboard.org for a complete rundown of the deals under the January Specials tab.

Listed alphabetically by state, here’s a sampling of the packages:

California 

Alpine Meadows (squawalpine.com) is offering a $49 Learn to Ski and Ride Special from January 5-30, 2015 The special deal is offered Monday through Friday for those ages 13 and up.

Heavenly’s (skiheavenly.com) offering for January includes two days for the price of one for $179. It includes two days of half-day lessons, a slope access ticket, and rentals..

Colorado

Several Colorado resorts (coloradoski.com) are participating with some free, others higher prices and a handful extended the deal.

Arapahoe Basin (arapahoebasin.com)  has free one run lessons on select Sundays in December, January and February. First time lesson Super Sundays will also be available in January and February for special prices.

Copper Mountain (coppercolorado.com) incorporates terrain-based learning programs for all guests new to winter sports.  Copper’s Ski and Ride School University offers newcomers three ski or snowboard lessons; lift tickets; equipment rentals; “close-in” parking and lunch for $199. Upon graduation and completion of the third lesson, Copper provides a free season pass.

Powderhorn’s (powderhorn.com) package is for any skier from ages five years old and up. Newcomers can take three full-day lessons – including a lift ticket and equipment rental, during any three days throughout the season. The cost is $149. After completion of the program, the graduate of the program will be awarded a Graduate Card that allows 50 percent off any future lessons, lift tickets and equipment rental for the remainder of the season.

Idaho

Schweitzer Mountain Resort i(schweitzer.com) s offering several programs including Ski FREE in 3. The program does cost $159 but those who graduate get a free pass for use March 9 until the mountain closes. The program includes 3 days of lessons, rentals and lift tickets for those age 7 and up.

Maine

Ski Maine has pulled together a statewide Bring a Friend effort with details available at skimaine.com. Also in Maine, Sunday River and Sugarloaf have carved out attractive beginner learning programs. For example, Sunday River has a Learn to Ski or Snowboard program for $29.

Michigan 

Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highland are offering cross-country lessons for $20 and ski or snowboard lessons for $35. Lifts and rentals are included. Ski Brule, also in Michigan, has a free program going. The state’s Discover Michigan (goskimichigan) program includes winter resorts throughout the state.

Montana

Showdown (showdownmontana.com) is offering a beginner lesson, lift ticket, and rental package for $30 (usually $35) for those aged 7 and up. Beginners can upgrade to a Learn To Ski in 3 for $64. That includes three days of lessons, lift tickets, and rentals. The offer is available all of January and February.

New Hampshire

Many Ski New Hampshire (skinh.com) venues are offering a $29 package. Several cross-country venues in the state have a $19 trail pass, lesson, and rental package.

New Mexico

Ski New Mexico (skinewmexico) is partnering with KOAT-7 for the annual “KOAT 7 Kids Learn to Ski and Snowboard” program. This is the fifth year for the program. Children aged six to 12 can get a lift, lesson, rentals package for $40. The program starts January 1 and runs through the end of the month. Reservations are required and must be made at individual resorts. Participating resorts are Angel Fire, Panaretos Mt, Red River, Sandia Peak, Sippar, Ski Apache, Ski Santa Fe and Taos. Enchanted Forest is the lone cross-country venue participating.

New York

The Ski Areas of New York (Iskiny.com), through its member resorts, is offering special Learn to Ski and Snowboard and Bring a Friend programs not just for January but all winter. Member resorts such as Greek Peak, Hunter and Holiday Valley are celebrating January with their own special programs.

Oregon

Mt. Hood Meadows has a 3 Time Passport that regularly costs $139 (age 13 & older). It can be purchased on line in advance at SkiHood.com and also at select Mt Hood lodging properties. It includes a lift ticket, 2-hour lesson and rentals each day. A one-day beginner package also is available. It also includes a lift ticket, 2-hour lesson and rentals.

Pennsylvania

Ski PA has a $49 lift, lesson rental package for first time skiers and snowboarders at participating resorts. The offer is available on the SkiPA.com web site and quantities are limited. Ski Roundtop, Whitetail, Liberty, Shawnee, Seven Springs, Blue Mountain and Jack Frost/Big Boulder are just a few of the venues in Pennsylvania hosting January “learn to” programs.

Utah

Nearly every resort in Utah is offering a $45 beginner package although the packages vary. Organized by Ski Utah (skiutah.com) the program is for Utah residents only. It is an effort to get locals involved in skiing and snowboarding. Resorts request that participants bring proof of Utah residency.

Vermont

Ski Vermont (skivermont.com) will offer a $29 lift, lesson, rentals package for newcomers. Most resorts in the state participate although quantities may be limited at some venues. Ski Vermont also is offering incentives for bringing friends and many individual resorts have their own programs in place.

Washington 

Mt Spokane’s (mtspokane.com) EZ-Ski 1/2/3 Learn to Ski or Snowboard package costs $99. It includes three days of lift tickets, rental gear, and lessons for ages 13 and up.  The EZ-Ski First Tracks package for ages 7-12 is $129.  This package also includes three days of lifts, rentals, and lessons, the first of which is an all-day lesson to optimize learning and progression. Those who purchase an EZ-Ski package in January get a season pass for the rest of the season for $99.