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How about a nice walk in the woods? No matter that it's dumping snow, freezing and 9,400 feet above sea level. We've got snowshoes strapped to our boots, goggles, the right clothes and we're all still smiling from the gourmet lunch we devoured at the Pine Creek Cookhouse at the base of the Elk Mountain Range after our initial trek in the White River National Forest outside Aspen.

We even snow-shoed through a bona-fide ghost town -- Ashcroft -- where some 2,000 people lived and mined in the mid-1800s. Now there are just a few wooden shacks left standing. It was gorgeous! (TIP: The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies offers a naturalist-led snowshoe tour here.)

There's nothing more fun than trying something new -- wasn't that one of your new year's resolutions -- especially in such spectacular country? And there's no better time than January, which is designated Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Whether you want to downhill or cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowboard, there are opportunities across the country for everyone at deeply discounted prices. Just make sure to dress in layers and have a snack bar in your pocket, suggests Olympic Gold Medalist Kelly Clark, who has recently signed on as ambassador for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. "I usually have food in my pocket," the famous snowboarder says, "So I don't have to go in when I need a snack." She adds that when trying a new snow sport, "stick with it!" And remember "Everyone has to start somewhere!"

Anyone who helps a beginner sign up for lessons from a pro can also win prizes by entering the Bring a Friend Challenge, and newbies can win prizes by entering the (hashtag)firstdayfaces social media campaign. And take it from me, no one should try to teach their own kids or significant other. Leave it to the pros!

Check out our Fun in the Snow section, created jointly with Family Travel Forum to see what resorts are offering families this winter. If your kids are in third through sixth grade, see which states offer "passports" for free lift tickets and discounted lesson packages. You don't have to live in that state -- just apply in advance.

Maybe the young skiers in your family want to learn to snowboard, maybe you do. Maybe you are looking for a new sport to share with your teen. Maybe you want to trade your downhill skis (I say I'm going to do that every season) for cross-country skis or snowshoes. Over 100 locations across the country are offering Winter Trails events this month with educational workshops, equipment demos and a variety of fun activities to introduce families to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Early-season snow, consistent storms and snowmaking have created excellent conditions for learning to ski or snowboard out west.

The best part: You won't have to spend a bundle in January, whether you want to head to the mountains in New England, Michigan or the Rockies. The majority of the Vermont Ski Areas Association resorts are offering a $49 beginner lesson during the month of January, (excluding Holiday periods) including rental, lesson and access to beginner terrain. Ski New Hampshire member resorts have a $39 beginner lesson/lift deal while Nordic areas are touting a $19 beginner lesson/lift/rentals package.

Some of the offerings aren't limited to January either. Alta, Utah offers first-timers the chance to choose up to four days of discounted ski lessons (no snowboarding here) and rental packages for $45 for a two-hour lesson and rentals. Register (there is a $20 fee) by Jan. 31 and take your lessons weekends during the rest of the season, except holiday weekends. Beginner lift tickets are just $26. (Check special discounts in January at other Utah resorts.)

For moms, grandmas and teen girls out there, consider a women's-only class, like the Ultimate 4 offered at Breckenridge and other Vail Resorts where you ski with just four women and are taught by a female instructor. You can find a class based on your ability, whether beginner or advanced.

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