Page 24 - 74752_NSAA_LowRes

of being included in the culture of clear progression to the next level, and lift tickets, a discount on an intermedi-
snowsports. the hassles related to equipment. The ate lesson, and a discount on a season
The teaching terrain at Copper has $159 Freedom Pass includes unlimited pass for the subsequent season. This
been specially groomed and sculpted beginner group lessons, access to the additional package of upgrades encour-
with features to make learning easy by beginner lift, and equipment rental. ages new skiers and snowboarders to
harnessing gravity to promote correct “The Freedom Pass allows begin- continue with the sport by exploring
learning technique. Green Acres is ners the freedom to learn at their own intermediate terrain and committing to
separated from the rest of the overall pace and feel comfortable, confident, a season pass the following winter. More
beginner terrain at Copper, “allowing and inspired to explore new terrain than 20 percent of Freedom Pass holders
beginners to be comfortable with their because they aren’t worried about a from the 2015-16 winter became season
surroundings,” according to Copper’s limited number of lessons,” noted the pass holders this season.
application. application from Mission Ridge. Mission Ridge improved e-mail
The Ski and Ride University is a Not only do beginners get to take communication with Freedom Pass
multi-year effort at Copper, and the as many lessons as they want, once they customers this season, with custom-
results have been impressive. Nearly 30 feel comfortable moving up to more ized e-mails triggered upon sign-up,
percent of 2014-15 participants pur- challenging terrain, Mission Ridge has after the third lesson, and at other key
chased a season pass in 2015-16, and the next stepping stone ready: a dis- milestones in the program. Tracking
intentions to continue remain high, as counted three-pack of all-mountain the progress of beginners through the
measured by a 2016-17 season survey
of participants.
One unique feature of the resort’s
program is the option to take lessons
at the Frisco Adventure Park, a small,
beginner-specific learning area located
6 miles from Copper.
In addition, Copper created
a similar program for Woodward
Copper called Woodward 360. This
new initiative includes lessons in the Wachusett’s Fond Farewell
Woodward Barn, where participants
can learn trick progressions on indoor
features such as trampolines, foam pit
landings, and a pump track. A year after winning the 2016 NSAA the cup, so we took them liter-
Conversion Cup for offering the best ally,” dead-panned Wachusett Vice
Mission Ridge Ski & Board program in the country to convert President Carolyn Stimpson as the
Resort, WA new skiers and snowboarders into Wachusett crew loaded the Cup onto
For the second season, Mission Ridge lifelong enthusiasts, Wachusett a row boat on its snowmaking pond
has offered the Freedom Pass—its Mountain Ski Area, Mass., con- for a ceremonial bon voyage cel-
program designed specifically to provide ducted a ceremonial send-off of the ebration. “Seriously, though, we
a roadmap for beginners to become (at Cup back to NSAA to prepare for the were very proud to win the Cup this
least) intermediate skiers. The Freedom 2017 winner to be announced at past year, and we see it as our job
Pass is an evolution from the successful the NSAA National Convention and to create future skiers and riders for
Learn to Ski in 3 program that Mission Tradeshow May 5–8 in Scottsdale, the industry. Even though we have
Ridge had in place for the 2013-14 and Ariz. relinquish the Cup, we feel we still
2014-15 seasons. The Conversion Cup Award, have one of the best programs in
The Freedom Pass addresses some a large silver trophy based on a the country to introduce new skiers
of the most common hurdles for begin- Stanley Cup prototype, is a travel- and snowboarders to the sport and
ners, including the cost of the lesson, ing award. keep them coming back. It was a
the feeling of intimidation, the lack of a “NSAA asked us to ‘ship’ back great tribute to our team.”

22 | NSAA JOURNAL | CONVENTION 2017