Mountain Creek was one of 164 ski resorts around the country to participate in the mass challenge event that looked to break a world record for largest multi-venue ski and the largest multi-venue snowboard lessons.
VERNON TOWNSHIP — Hundreds hit the bunny slopes at Mountain Creek Friday to learn to ski and snowboard -- as part of a Guinness World Record Challenge.
The Sussex County ski resort was one of 164 ski resorts around the country -- and the only one in the state -- to participate in the effort to break the record for the largest individual ski/snowboard class record. A resort needed at least 594 skiers or 500 snowboarders to take a lesson all at once.
The resorts also attempted to set a new record for the world's largest multi-venue ski lesson and the largest multi-venue snowboard lesson. No such record currently exists, officials said.
"We are excited," said Bill Benneyan, president of the resort. "We got a couple hundred people trying a lifetime sport."
One of those was 20-year-old Marin Agustin from Bergenfield, as he practiced doing little jumps on the snowboard.
Like many, he came with a group of people, and said he appreciated the quality of the lessons being given.
"I'll definitely come back," said Benneyan. "I'm ready for the big hill."
Taking advantage of the promotional day and treating his class to a day outdoors was John Buckley and his students from the New Jersey Challenge Academy located at Fort Dix.
Buckley, an avid snowboarder, and his group of about 20 students spent much of their time traversing down a small ridge on snowboards. They seemed to have a blast, wipeouts and all.
"It's fun," said Rodger Emateguy, one of Buckley's students. "I got it now but before I didn't know how to stop."
Snow school ski director Tim Stone said the event had a great turnout especially for a weekday.
He said many participants had previously either skied or snowboarded and wanted to try the other activity.
One of those was Rashon Arrington, 31, from Newark. An occasional snowboarder, Arrington came out with his mother to try his hand at skiing.
"I can't really explain the difference," said Arrington when asked about learning the other sport. "But I'm going to stick to snowboarding."
After an instructor handed him a pass for a free hot chocolate, Arrington gleefully expressed his praise for the instructor's, "They are so enthusiastic."
By the end of the day, thousands had shown up to set the record for the largest mass ski lesson, said Hugh Reynolds, an organizer of the event.
However, Reynolds said no resort broke the individual record Friday. Mountain Creek had about 250 first-timers combined.
The event also unofficially marked the beginning of the ski season after an unseasonably warm December, which kept ski resorts like Mountain Creek closed until earlier this week.
Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.