The rope tow is higher up the hill by the T-bar. The Mitey Mite handle tow is incredibly slow and easy to use.

Besides, for first-time skiers, you don't ride the lift. They have you side-step up the hill to get a feel for your skis under your feet. They do this at pretty much all hills; Okemo has an entire slope dedicated to first-timers side-stepping uphill and snowplowing down.

You won't get a better and more affordable lesson anywhere else, I think Cochran's is great for first-timers. Bolton Valley, which also has a handle tow, which look like a bunch of big floppy rubber horse dongs, also is great. The beginner slope is entirely enclosed by trees so no out-of-control skiers ever come blasting down the hill behind you, and it's a very wide and gentle grade -- probably better in that regard than even Cochran's. And they're close to one another.

Those are my two picks. Cochran's probably has the edge over Bolton for ski school quality, though Bolton probably comes out on top if you want a good lesson and have a fetish for big blue rubber horse wang.