SAM Magazine—Dover, Vt., Jan. 4, 2017—After its inaugural attempt in Jan. 2016 fell short, organizers for this year's shot at breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest ski and the largest snowboard lessons are giving it another go. On Friday, Jan. 6, more than 80 different ski areas across the U.S. and Canada will simultaneously hold individual events to try and break the record—and help generate enthusiasm for Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

The Guinness Book of World Records requires a significant amount of documentation in order to verify whether or not a record is set, according to Hugh Reynolds, marketing director for Snow Operating and the mastermind behind the event. “We have had some experience with this in the past and we are working diligently with our partners to make sure that we have the documentation necessary to officially set a new record,” he said.

Lessons are geared toward beginners, and events will technically start at the same time: 9 a.m. Alaska time; 10 a.m. Pacific time; 11 a.m. Mountain time; 12 noon Central time; 1 p.m. Eastern time; 2 p.m. Atlantic time; and 2:30 p.m. Newfoundland time.

In most locations, lessons consist of a lift ticket, the lesson, and rentals. Last year, more than 100 different ski areas participated, most charging a nominal fee for the lesson package—though some offered it for free—as well as giving participants incentives to return and take additional lessons. Mountain Creek, N.J., had the highest participation last year, with more than 200 newcomers taking part.

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