Learning to ski or snowboard isn't easy. The fear of falling down, getting hurt, riding lifts or being cold is just too much for many to bear. Then there's the cost of equipment, lift tickets and gas needed to get to the mountain.

It's no wonder about 85 percent of people who try skiing or snowboarding don't do it again, according to the National Ski Areas Association.

It's often because many newbies expect to be sailing like "Flying Tomato" Shaun White or cruising like "Bad Boy Bode" Miller after their initial lesson. The cold reality: it takes several sessions — and commitment — to make the big breakthrough. Still interested? I'll leave the teaching to the pros, but will slide you toward some places, good deals and information that can get you started for that magic white carpet ride. And with some of the best snow conditions in years, there's no better time to do it.

THE BASICS

Instructors: First, do yourself a favor. Learn the sport from trained teachers, preferably those certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America. They are trained to get the best and quickest results safely. Don't learn from friends who already know how to ski or snowboard. It can not only be dangerous, but difficult to break bad techniques they may "teach."

Ross Powers, who won a gold medal in snowboarding in the 2002 Olympics, agrees first-timers should take a lesson. "But I learned myself because there weren't that many snowboarder instructors around when

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I started," he said. "I just grabbed a board and fell a lot all the way down the mountain. It took me a while, but I learned by doing it."

Powers, a Vermonter who is a snowboard ambassador at Okemo, says riding with friends, after a few lessons, is a good way to improve. "They'll just push you and take you places where you have to learn."

Equipment: Ski and snowboarding gear comes with the price of a lesson. Skis are short and wider at the tip and tails to allow easier turning and stopping. Snowboards, especially Burton's learn-to-ride boards, are beveled for the same reasons.

Clothing: Those friends can help by letting you borrow a pair of water-resistant ski or snowboard pants. Other clothing needed: a warm hat (no, not your Yankees cap), goggles or sunglasses, long underwear, a pair of warm socks, a turtleneck and/or neck gaiter, water-resistant mittens or gloves, sweater or fleece and winter parka. Credit card/driver's license: During the lesson, most areas keep your driver's license or make a credit card imprint so you won't run off with the equipment.

Reservations: Some resorts, especially during holidays and busy weekends, require advance registration. Check an area's Web site for class times, details and often encouraging advice for beginners.

The classes: Unless paying big bucks for a private lesson, you'll learn in a group. Instructors organize people by ability level. Some will have a definite advantage in learning snowboarding if they skateboard. And yes, you should be in reasonably good shape.

All lessons are on gentle, beginner slopes, usually serviced by a tow rope and at some places a moving carpet that will take you to the top. Not that you'd want to go there, but a beginner ticket isn't good for upper mountain lifts.

The session, lasting up to four hours, gives instruction and time to practice what you've learned.

Midweek or evenings are good times for classes because fewer people means more individual attention from instructors.

HOW MUCH In Connecticut, first-time packages to learn to ski/snowboard cost on average $65. The price includes rental equipment, a group lesson and lift ticket to a beginner slope. All of the state's four areas — Ski Sundown, Mohawk Mountain, Mount Southington and Woodbury — have certified instructors that can get you started right on gradual slopes with good quality equipment.

While prices are higher at some of the larger northern resorts, the beginner lift ticket is usually good all day.

SPECIAL OFFERS

l Okemo in Vermont is offering a free learn-to-ski/snowboard package through Friday. It includes a combination lower-mountain lift ticket, a level 1 or 2 beginner group lesson at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. and introductory level rental equipment (skis, boots, poles, or boots and snowboard).

Beginners should arrive at the Okemo Express Rental Shop located in the Clock Tower base area about an hour before lesson time to register and be fitted for equipment.

l Many Vermont ski resorts will offer free lessons, rentals and lift tickets Jan. 5-13. The program, coordinated by Ski Vermont, is open to all beginner skiers and snowboarders ages 6 and up. Participating resorts include: Ascutney, Bolton, Bromley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Middlebury, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smuggs, Stratton, Sugarbush and Suicide Six. Call individual resorts for details and reservation

l Mount Snow in Vermont has a three-day $195 package that can be taken on separate, non-consecutive days and includes learning-area lift tickets, rentals and individual clinics (a total of 8 hours of coaching). And you have up to one year from the date of purchase to use the package.

l At Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts, get a free lift ticket if you have a friend take a take first-time learn to ski or snowboard package, costing $69. Offer valid non-holidays, Sundays-Thursdays. Details at jiminypeak.com

Some areas, like Wildcat in New Hampshire, are so confident that if you can't make a run down their beginner slopes, they'll give you free lessons until you do.

Now, does that sound hard?