Do you have elementary level kids or grandkids who want to learn how to ski or snowboard?
A number of states offer school children “Passport” Programs to make skiing or snowboarding more affordable. They enable youngsters to ski and snowboard FREE at resorts in the respective states. Programs vary in terms of offers and grade levels. Typically, parents pay a modest administrative fee for the “Passport”. Here are some examples of programs available during the 2019-20 season. Check the organizations’ web sites for deadlines and other details.
1. Ski Utah
Fifth and Sixth graders can ski or snowboard affordably in Utah with the Ski Utah 5th and 6th Grade Passport. Apply for the 5th Grade Passport and ski or snowboard three times at each of Utah’s 15 resorts. The 6th Grade Passport offers one day of FREE* skiing or riding at each of Utah’s resorts. The 5th and 6th Grade Passport also includes special deals on equipment rentals, lessons and other cool activities for 5th and 6th graders and their families. Administrative fee is $45.00.
Ski NH’s 4th and 5th grade Snowsports Passport includes vouchers for one free lift ticket and cross country trail pass from each of Ski NH’s 34 ski areas as well as an additional offer from each ski area which may include savings on lessons and equipment for 4th and 5th graders, savings on lift tickets, trail passes for parents and siblings, and more. Mail the application, and a copy of a fourth/fifth grade report card, to Ski NH. Ski NH donates a percentage of sales to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of NH. Administrative fee is $30.00
3. Ski Vermont
Ski Vermont believes that winter is a way of life, an opportunity to get outdoors, to be healthy and active, and to share amazing experiences with friends and family. That philosophy prompted the Fifth Grade Passport that lets fifth graders ski and ride for free. The 2019-20 ski season begins the 20th year of enriching families’ winters with the 5th Grade Passport Program.
4. Michigan SnowSports Industry Association
The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) wants kids to get outside, have fun and get healthy this winter. MSIA’s statewide program provides every Michigan 4th and 5th grader the opportunity to ski for free. Fourth graders can obtain a “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport that includes three free lift tickets or trail passes at more than 20 participating ski areas plus other discounts.
A paying adult must accompany the youngsters for them to qualify. With the Passport, up to two 4th or 5th graders can ski free with each paying adult. The administration fee is $20.00.
The New York’s Free for Kids Passport Program is for 3rd and 4th graders or homeschoolers from anywhere. Kids in this age group can learn to ski or ride for free (includes beginner lift ticket, rental, and group lesson) at all participating New York ski areas or they can ski or ride for free (includes lift ticket) up to 3 times at all participating New York ski areas with an adult lift ticket purchase. The administration fee is $31.00.
The WInterkids program helps 5th, 6th, and 7th grade children in Maine to stay fit and healthy during winter. It provides free and reduced outdoor recreation (skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating, and dog sledding) at 50 locations across the state. Check out the WinterKids site for additional programs for families and schools to get outside, get active and have fun!
Pennsylvania’s “4th and 5th Grade Snowpass” allows students to ski and snowboard free with a paying adult at 21 participating PA resorts. In addition, it offers a First-Time ski/snowboard package which includes a beginner lift ticket, lesson and rental equipment to each participant and 50% off an adult First-Time package in case the participating adult has never skied or snowboarded before. Administrative fee is $35.00 before 12/1 and $40.00 after.
Pennsylvania’s snowpass program has no residency requirements. You can live in or out of state to take advantage of this popular offer
Ski NW Rockies is offering the 5th Grade Ski or Ride Free Passport program to children in the 5th grade from any state. The Passport allows students to ski or ride three days FREE at six locations and includes special deals on equipment rentals and lessons at each of Ski NW Rockies participating resorts. Learn more and sign up for the 5th Grade Ski or Ride Passport Program. The Passport is only available online. administration fee is $20.00.
9. Ski Idaho
The Ski Idaho Passport allows any 5th or 6th grader to ski or ride free at designated Idaho locations. Fifth graders get three free days at 18 locations. Sixth graders get two free days at the participating 17 locations. The Ski Free Passport must be shown at the resort for the free ticket and a parent or guardian must be present.
The paperless Passport option allows purchasers to pull the Passport up on a smartphone to show at the ticket office or the Passport also can be printed out and brought to each resort. Qualifying children do not have to be a resident of Idaho. The administrative fee is $18.00.
Colorado Ski Country USA offers the “5th Grade Passport” and the “6th Grade Passport.” The 5th grade Passport allows participants three free days of skiing or snowboarding at 20 resorts. The 6th grade Passport provides four days of skiing or snowboarding at 22 resorts. There is an administration fee.
Colorado Ski Country USA’s First Class Program offers 5th graders who have never skied or snowboarded the chance to receive one free, full-day, beginner lesson and equipment rental package.
11. Minnesota Ski Areas Association
The Minnesota Ski Areas Association is offering 4th graders the chance to “play” on Minnesota slopes this winter free with the Minnesota 4th Grade Passport Program. The association’s goal is for families to enjoy winter, have fun and stay healthy together. It offers free skiing or snowboarding.
All Minnesota Ski Areas are participating. Qualifying 4th graders receive the pass that includes a minimum of two free lift tickets at every Minnesota member area. The administrative fee is $34.95.
Ski/Snowboard Consumer Expos Offer Info and FUN!
Any in ohio?
Ohio residents can get the PA SnowPass and use it at resorts in that state. Do not know of any specific to Ohio. Thanks for the question.