School Programs to Combat The Cost
Expensive but worth it: a sentiment that certainly applies to skiing.
Especially when you have a family in tow. Luckily, more and more states are rolling out programs for elementary-school kids, hoping to lure them—and their parents—to the sport. These passports all offer free or steeply discounted ski days for your budding shredders, plus bargains for you. The best part is, you don’t have to be a ski-country resident to take part. Here’s how to cash in.
Vermont
Residents Only? No
Cost: $10
The Basics: Three days of each of Vermont's 20 alpine resorts.
The Perks: Up to three passes to the nordic resorts.
New Hampshire
4th & 5th Grade Snow-sports Passport
Residents Only? No
Cost: $30
The Basics: One ticket for each of New Hampshire's 34 alpine and nordic ski areas.
The Perks: Discounted rentals, adult tickets, and lessons.
Utah
Residents Only?: No
Cost: $45
The Basics: Fifth graders get three days at each of Utah's 14 ski resorts; sixth graders are entitled to one day at each hill.
The Perks: Discounted buddy passes, rentals, and more.
Epic SchoolKids Utah Pack
Residents Only: Yes
Cost: Free for Utah school kids in kindergarten through 5th grade
The Basics: Five free days of skiing at Park City Resort
The Perks: One free first-timer lesson and rental.
Michigan
4th and 5th Grade Ski and Ride Passport
Residents Only?: No
Cost: $20
The Basics: Up to three lift tickets to 29 Michigan resorts.
The Perks: Additional discounts at the slopes and ski shops.
Idaho
5th and 6th Grade Ski Free Passport Program
Residents Only?: No
Cost: $15
The Basics: Fifth graders get three days at each of Idaho's 18 resorts; sixth graders enjoy two free days at 16 of the resorts.
The Perks: n/a
Northwest Rockies
5th Grade Ski or Ride Free Passport
Residents Only?: No
Cost: FREE
The Basics: Three days at 49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, and Mt. Spokane; three days at Bluewood, Brundage, and Loup Loup.
The Perks: Deals on rentals and lessons, plus discounted tickets for parents and siblings.
Colorado
Residents Only?: No
Cost: Free for fifth graders; $105 for sixth graders
The Basics: Fifth graders get three days at each of 22 resorts (not including some of the Vail Resorts areas). Sixth graders get four days at the same 22 resorts.
The Perks: One beginner lesson for fifth graders. Companions also get lesson and lift deals.
Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack
Residents Only: No, but child has to be present to apply for the pack at participating Colorado Epic Mountain Gear locations.
Cost: Free for school kids in kindergarten through 5th grade
The Basics: Each child gets four lift tickets to each of Vail Resorts' four Colorado resorts—Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Vail.
The Perks: One free first-timer lessons and rental.
New York
3rd & 4th Grade Learn to Ski or Ride Passport
Residents Only?: No
Cost: $27
The Basics: Three lift tickets per participating ski area with adult lift ticket purchase.
The Perks: N/A
Pennsylvania
Residents Only?: No
Cost: $35/$40
The Basics: Three passes to each of the 19 resorts.
The Perks: One free lesson and equipment rental.
