January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Free Month, when many ski resorts offer free passes and/or pricing incentives for kids.
But did you know kids can actually ski free all winter long? Many resorts offer Passport Programs, which typically allow elementary-age children to get out on the slopes at virtually no cost (a small processing fee usually applies). Prepare with this list of kids ski free programs (listed by state) for the 2019-2020 seaason.
Kids Ski Free in Colorado
In Colorado, fifth graders get three kids ski free days at more than 20 participating resorts, including Copper Mountain and Steamboat. Plus, there’s no processing fee. Sixth graders are also eligible for $105 (prices subject to change), which entitles them to four free days at participating resorts. Register at Colorado Ski Country. Bonus: Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade can also take advantage of free skiing with the Epic SchoolKids Pass. The pass offers four days of skiing and riding at five top-rated Colorado ski resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte.
Colorado Ski Hotel Pick: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Kids Ski Free in Idaho
In Idaho, fifth and sixth graders can ski free at 18 resorts—and you don’t have to be a state resident to take advantage of this deal! Fifth graders can ski free for three consecutive days; sixth graders get two days free. To receive your ski-free passes, sign up at Ski Idaho. An $18 processing fee applies.
Idaho Ski Hotel Pick: Schweitzer Mountain Resort Lodging
Kids Ski Free in Maine
In Maine, there’s a program called WinterKids, with kids ski free offers and promotions for the entire family, including 5 Family Members for $35 The pass not only includes skiing, but also boarding, tubing and ice skating! To sign up, go to WinterKids.org, and be sure to download the WinterKids app, too.
Maine Ski Hotel Pick: Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel
Kids Ski Free in New Hampshire
For $30, fourth and fifth graders receive one free lift ticket to participating New Hampshire ski resorts. They’ll also receive discounts on lessons and equipment, and parents and siblings get coupons for lift tickets and trail passes; deals vary by resort. To apply for a Snowsports Passport, go to SkiNH.com.
New Hampshire Ski Hotel Pick: Omni Mount Washington Resort
Kids Ski Free in New York
Both third and fourth graders are eligible for the Kids to Learn to Ski or Ride Passport in New York, where 20 ski resorts are participating in the program for the 2019/2020 season. A lift ticket, lesson, and equipment rental are included with the passport, which requires a $31 processing fee. For more information, visit ISKINY.com.
New York Ski Hotel Pick: Hope Lake Lodge & Conference Center
Kids Ski Free in Michigan
For a $20 processing fee, fourth and fifth graders can ski free at 30 ski resorts in Michigan (three passes per resort), courtesy of the Cold Is Cool Ski & Ride Passport Program. Participating resorts include Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands. A paying adult must accompany the passport holder. Pick up an application at a Michigan Snowsports Industries Association ski shop, or apply online at GoSkiMichigan.com.
Michigan Ski Hotel Pick: Boyne Highlands Resort
Kids Ski Free in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association is allowing fourth and fifth graders to ski free (up to three times) at Camelback Ski Area, Blue Mountain Ski Resort, Jack Frost Mountain and 18 other resorts across the state. The pass includes a 50 percent discount on one adult Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package at the resort of your choice, and a chance to win free Gilson skis and snowboards. Snowpasses require a $35 processing fee if booked before Dec. 1, 2019; after that, it’s $40.. To sign up, go to SkiPA.com.
Pennsylvania Ski Hotel Pick: Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
Kids Ski Free in Utah
Utah has 15 ski resorts, and fifth and sixth grade kids ski free at all of them after a $45 processing fee is paid. The promotion includes three free passes per resort for fifth graders, and one free pass per resort for sixth graders, as well as discounts on snowboard rentals, lessons, refreshments and more. Apply at Ski Utah.
Utah Ski Hotel Pick: Montage Deer Valley Resort
Kids Ski Free in Vermont
At Vermont ski resorts, fifth grade applicants receive booklets with three free lift tickets at participating ski resorts, such as Smugglers’ Notch and Stratton Mountain. They also receive one or three coupons for Nordic centers (amount depends on the resort). All children must be accompanied by a ticket- or pass-holding adult, and each adult can bring up to two Passport holders at one time. Passports are available with a $20 processing fee. To register, visit Ski Vermont.
Vermont Ski Hotel Pick: Stowe Mountain Lodge
Note: Some passes take weeks to process, though expedited services are available for extra fees. Blackout dates and restrictions also apply.
What to Pack for Your Next Trip
Girl’s Ski Outfit for the Slopes
Women’s/Mom’s Ski Outfit for the Slopes
Men’s/Dad’s Ski Outfit for the Slopes
Boy’s Ski Outfit for the Slopes
Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.
