Want your kids to learn to ski? You don’t have to book a weekend away to get started. Here are two of our favorite local mountains for first timers.

Best for Younger Skiers: Mount Southington

If you want to get your preschooler or younger elementary aged child on skis for the first time, try Mount Southington. Drive time is about an hour, which makes this a totally doable day trip, even with young kids. Plan in advance and book a group lesson — they do sell out. Kids ages 4 and 5 can start with a 1-hour lesson beginning at 12pm, or you can book a 2-hour lesson starting at 9:30am or 1:30pm for ages 4 through 9. Instructors will group the kids by ability and send them home with a report card so they can pick up where they left off next time. After ski school, grab a waffle at the base. If that gives your littles an energy boost, taken them back to the magic carpet or lift for some extra practice.

Best for Older or More Experienced Kids: Mohawk Mountain

If your kids are learning to ski when they are a bit older, or if your younger kids have been skiing a few times already, drive the extra miles to Mohawk Mountain. It’ll take you about 90 minutes to get there, but it’s a bigger mountain with more lifts and trails to enjoy. Lessons are offered for kids ages 5 to 12. On weekends and holidays, the 90-minute lessons are held at 10am, 12pm and 2pm, and need to be booked in advance. Skiers are separated by age and skill level in groups of 5 to 8 students. After the lesson, you can talk with the instructor to find out what your child is working on. Mohawk has an easy grab-and-go restaurant at the base where you can eat inside and warm up, or sit outside by the fire before heading back up the magic carpet or lift for more skiing.

Where to Rent Skis

If you’re planning to ski more than once, your best bet is to rent skis for the season. Darien Sport Shop is an easy and excellent option. You can get fitted for skis and boots as early as August, but they’re also available throughout the winter. Another favorite for season-long rentals is the Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton. If you’re only skiing once, you can rent skis from the mountain with your lesson. However, sometimes this can add to an already hectic day for new skiers — waiting in another line and trying on new gear for the first time.