Skiing the best snow on earth -- and for FREE? That's right ... At Alta Ski Resort, located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, you can ski every day for free -- there is absolutely no cost from 3-4:30 p.m. to ski on its Sunnyside Lift. Sunnyside serves three runs for beginners, including one mile-long run with a gentle and wide slope. The lift also serves some intermediate and one expert option. Sunnyside is a detachable triple lift, which makes loading and unloading very easy for lower-level skiers -- and the lift slows for the process. Alta is a "skier's mountain"-- no snowboarders are allowed here.

The program is part of Alta Ski Area's commitment to the National Ski Area Association's (NSAA) Model for Growth.

Connie Marshall, Alta's marketing director, explains that the lift has proven to be a wonderful tool for skiers just starting. In addition to slowing down for load and unload, the lift gets skiers up into the alpine majesty of Alta's scenic Albion Basin, and then gives them a mile of great learning terrain back to the base. "We invite people to come and give skiing a try -- we've converted a lot of people."

She said that there has been a huge influx in youth skiers. Alta's ski free program creates a great opportunity for those interested in skiing or those who haven't been skiing in a long time to come and spend an afternoon trying out the slopes.

However, the Ski Free After 3 program is not restricted to first-time skiers. Marshall said that "NSAA's extensive research indicates that over half of beginners are not never-ever skiers. It is critical that we, as an industry, encourage people to try skiing for the first time, to try getting back out on the slopes after a lapsed period of time, and to encourage friends and family to join them. Studies show that if ski areas can make the effort to understand the experience of beginner and new-to-the-sport skiers, we can increase the rate these folks adapt skiing as a true lifestyle sport."

Out-of-state lodgers also take advantage of the program. Guests flying in to Utah on morning flights appreciate being able to test their equipment or make adjustments to their gear with a few runs from the Sunnyside lift through the ski free program.

Several families I spoke with have a tradition of skiing free after 3 each week. Skiing free makes skiing with a large family a fun and viable option! In 2006 Alta had more than 10,000 skiers participate in the program.

Emily Rowberry of Highland grew up in Utah but never skied. Now, as a mother of five, she wants to give her children the opportunity to learn to ski the beautiful Utah snow. "This program makes it very affordable for me to ski with my kids."

She comes every Monday with her family of six to ski Alta for free. The Rowberrys ended up liking skiing so much that they enrolled in the Alta Ski School programs.

"The people up here are great. I put all my kids in the ski school. They helped so much. The instructors even rode up with us on the lift after the lessons to give me some tips for my 3-year-old. I love the people up here," Rowberry said.

With three young children at varying levels of skiing ability, Alta's ski free program is our personal family ski favorite. With the lift open from 3-4:30 p.m., we can get in almost two hours of skiing -- perfect for my young family.

Ski equipment rentals are available for $9 (after 2 p.m.) at Alta Sports, which sits adjacent to the Sunnyside slope.

Kevin Johnson, an Alta Sports specialist, is a University of Utah student from New Hampshire: "Alta has a great environment. It's very laid back. People who come to ski are excited. They come to ski the world's greatest snow. We're very family friendly. Our sports shop is known for our customer service. We like to take the time to make sure people get a good fit with their rentals."

IF YOU GO:

Take advantage of Alta's Ski Free After 3 program every open day of the season. No lift tickets or purchases required. Skiers simply go straight to the Sunnyside Lift after 3 pm.

Info: (801) 359-1078 or visit www.alta.com

Snow report: (801) 572-3939

Ski school: (801) 359-1078

Etc.: Alta also runs a daily rope tow, which is free all day long. So, if you are planning on teaching a child or friend to ski, you can begin on the rope tow and then, when ready, move to the Sunnyside lift after 3 p.m.

* A wide range of ski school classes and private lessons are available for children and adults. Children's classes include private and group, full and half-day. Some programs allow your child to take a morning class and then Ski Free after 3 to practice what they've learned.

* Arrive 15-30 minutes early! It will take about 15-30 minutes to get your rental equipment. Plan to arrive early enough to rent your equipment so you can begin your skiing right at 3 p.m.

* Visit the lodge or restaurants for food and beverage. Alta offers a variety of restaurants and lodges. The Albion Grill is located adjacent to the Alta Sports rental shop and offers deli sandwiches, homemade soups and chili, salads, cocoa, fresh fruit, cookies, and more at a reasonable price. There is plenty of sitting areas and tables overlooking the down slope of Sunnyside lift.

* Dress in layers. Dress warm and don't forget to layer your clothes. Even on a warm day, the lift ride can be cool and skiing is breezy.

* Wear sunglasses or goggles. You'll be glad to have sunglasses on sunny days and goggles on snowy, blowy days. Invest in good quality goggles -- the kids really need them on snowy days!

WHAT TO BRING:

* Gear: hat, coat, bibs, long underwear, socks, gloves, goggles

* Equipment: boots and skis (most kids don't use poles). Bring your own or rent at Alta Sports, which is adjacent to Sunnyside lift.

* Snacks. Always a must after an outdoor activity with kids.

* $2 for a yummy hot cocoa at Albion Grill (OK, so, it's not required, but it's fun!)

* Extra blanket for the car. I like to keep extra blankets in my car to put over cold kids. It takes off the edge of the cold until the car heats up.

* Extra pair of gloves for those kids who seem to always get snow in theirs!

* Extra socks and warm clothes for post-skiing. It's nice to be able to put on a warm pair of socks after skiing, especially on younger children's toes!

* Use toe warmers and hand warmers. You won't need them on warm days, but they can extend the life of your activity on cold days. Insert toe warmers before you head out to the slopes and bring out the hand warmers if hands get cold. Make sure toe warmers are placed to where they won't create pain in the shoe!

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