Winter sports enthusiasts are known to tote snow machines to fault lines, waiting for the moment the ground to cracks open to create a gnarly natural half-pipe. Learn snow sports the less extreme way with today's Groupon: for $48, you get a 60-minute snowboarding or skiing lesson (an $80–$160 value; prices are based on each individual's needs) at Virtual Snow in Huntington Beach or Virtual Snow Mountain High in Wrightwood. Thought into existence by two-time world-skiing king Bob Salerno, Virtual Snow's safe, controllable simulator puts students of any skill level on a carpet of faux-snow that rolls beneath the feet like baby powder. Unlike learning to ski on an avalanche, Virtual Snow introduces you to chilled sports without the risk of injury due to frostbite. All equipment (boots and a board or skis) is included with the lesson.

Reviews

NBC Los Angeles featured Virtual Snow's "slopes" on its morning program.