It hasn’t been a typical week of physical education classes for Lehighton Area Middle School eighth-graders.

On Monday and Tuesday, students got to test their skiing and snowboarding skills at Blue Mountain Resort, the culmination of a new three-part program offered to area school districts.

In September, Lehighton middle school students took a trip to Blue Mountain, where they took a lift ride to top of the mountain and had a short hike; participated in a balance and fundamental skills workshop; completed confidence, footwork and teamwork skills; underwent strength and fitness training; and were sized for skis and boots, or snowboarding boots.

A month later, Blue Mountain instructors went to the middle school to show students more training activities.

Students put their education to the test this week during two-hour sessions on the mountain.

“The program is free for any eighth-grade class within 45 miles of Blue Mountain,” said Joe Forte, Blue Mountain Learning Center director. “We are doing it because we found with Lehighton, only about a tenth of their class actually skis and snowboards. Some people think it’s cold and too expensive, so we want to show them you can be warm and have fun. A lot of the kids are actually sweating because they are working so hard and getting such great exercise. I hope they walk away with a love for the outdoors and winter sports.”

Tim Sharrow, Lehighton Area Middle School health and physical education teacher, said the first few sessions brought students together in a way that was unique for his classes.

“Students that normally wouldn’t interact with one another were encouraging each other and it was awesome seeing kids smile and step outside their comfort zone,” Sharrow said. “It was an awesome experience for our students.”

Out on the slopes Tuesday, many of the students were making their first attempt at any type of winter snow sport.

In between lessons, Clarissa Smith said things were coming naturally, despite it being her first time on skis.

“I’m learning how to turn them right now,” Smith said. “It’s been so much fun. I can’t wait to try and go down a bigger hill.”

Lehighton is the first school to complete the program, Forte said. “We’ve kept it all about fundamental skills and balance, which is such a big part of learning how to do this,” he added. “The students are on the beginner terrain and we’re just getting them used to sliding. It’s about showing them you can have fun in the winter and you don’t have to be stuck inside playing video games. Hopefully we bust any preconceived myths about how difficult it is to ski and snowboard.”

Anna Hoppes called her first time on a snowboard, “really exciting.”

“I’ve learned how to strap on boots, turn with our front and back foot on the board and how to do tiny jumps,” Hoppes said. “It’s really amazing that we are getting this opportunity.”

Hamburg and Blue Mountain school districts are already involved with the program. Locally, Forte said Blue Mountain is trying to get Tamaqua and Panther Valley on board. Palmerton also plans to take advantage of the program next year.

“We’ve reached out to Pleasant Valley,” he said. “We’d love to see every school within 45 miles approach us and take advantage of this.”

Any districts looking for more information can contact learningcenter@skibluemt.com.