Mass. offers "friend" ski promotion

Attention, rookie skiers: Massachusetts resorts have a deal for you next month.

A shortage of natural snow has made for a challenging season for the ski trade so local resorts are resorting to attractive promotions to drum up new recruits.

Working with a number of Bay State resorts, including Wachusett Mountain, Jiminy Peak, and Nashoba Valley, the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and the Massachusetts Ski Area Association are mounting a promotion called "Bring a Friend to the Mountain."

Beginning March 1, skiers and snowboarders who purchase a "First-Timer Package" will receive one free, full-price adult lift ticket to give to a friend; the First-Timer Package includes a beginner lift ticket, rental equipment, and lesson, according to the promoters.

Other resorts participating in the promotion include Ski Butternut, Ski Ward, Bradford, Bousquet, Otis Ridge, and Catamount, the promoters said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)