Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. January is officially Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month but a number of states offer terrific benefits throughout the winter months for families with children in the 4th, 5th, or 6th grades. Who does't like the sound of "kids ski free" or almost free?

Here’s the scoop. The winter snow benefits for school aged children not only include lessons but also “free” skiing or snowboarding. The snow passport programs provide youngsters with affordable ways to ski and snowboard at resorts across the US. In some cases there is a small administrative fee for a "passport" booklet that includes many free offers.

The details about each program may be viewed at skiandsnowboardmonth.org. The website provides links to state associations where passport booklets may be purchased. The website also offers oodles of useful advice about having fun in the snow with kids. Topics include healthy trips, clothing tips, and techniques for improving snow skills. I am posting the list of “passport” programs provided to use  by Ski & Snowboard Association.

Kids ski free in the Western US. 
Ski NW Rockies. Ski NW Rockies and Ski Idaho are offering the 5th Grade Ski or Ride Free Passport to children in the 5th grade from any state.  The Passport allows students to ski or ride three days for free and includes special deals on equipment rentals and lessons at each of Ski NW Rockies and Ski Idaho participating resorts. 

Ski Idaho. Ski Idaho is offering the 6th Grade Ski or Ride Free Passport Program to children in the 6th grade from any state.  The Passport allows students to ski or ride two days for free and includes special deals on equipment rentals and lessons at each of the Ski Idaho participating resorts.

Colorado Ski Country. Colorado’s Ski Country USA's 5th Grade Passport Program provides three free days of skiing or snowboarding at each of 20 member resorts. The First Class Program allows 5th graders to learn how to ski or snowboard throughout the month of January. Children who have not experienced skiing or snowboarding and are enrolled in the 5th Grade Passport Program can receive one free beginner lesson and rental package experience. The 6th Grade Passport Program provides participants with four days of skiing or snowboarding at each of our 20 member resorts for $99.

Ski Utah. The state’s Ski Utah Fifth Grade Passport allows kids to ski or snowboard three days almost free at each of Utah's 14 resorts. The program also includes special deals on equipment rentals and other activities.  The Sixth Grade Passport allows kids to ski or snowboard almost free one time at each of the same locations.  

Kids ski free in the Eastern US.
Maine’s WinterKids Programs. WinterKids is the nonprofit organization that helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through fun, outdoor winter activity. This program helps 5th, 6th, and 7th grade children in Maine stay fit and healthy during the winter, by providing free or reduced outdoor recreation including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating, and dog sledding at 50 locations statewide. 

Ski New Hampshire. Ski NH’s 4th and 5th grade Snowsports Passport includes one, two or three free lift tickets and cross country trail passes from each of Ski NH’s 33 ski areas, as well as savings on lessons and equipment for 4th and 5th graders. Bonus Points: There are savings on lift tickets and trail passes for parents and siblings. 

Ski Vermont. Ski Vermont has a Fifth Grade Passport dedicated to enriching experiences for families sharing in snow sport activities. This state wide program also benefits the agriculture community by donating proceeds to Keep Local Farms.

Ski Areas of New York. The ISKINY 3rd & 4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport program entitles children in grade three or four (or equivalent, homeschoolers too) to ski and ride for free with an adult lift ticket purchase.  A fourth grader may also choose to learn to ski or snowboard too. There also are discounts for adults to learn to ski or ride.

 
Ski Pennsylvania Snowpass. The Pennsylvania Ski Area Association is offering the Snowpass program to children in the 4th and 5th grades. Participants get a passport booklet with their picture, plus coupons valid for three free lift tickets at each of the 21 participating resorts when they ski or board with a paying adult. Bonus Points: The booklet also includes a Learn to Ski or Snowboard package at 50% for the participating adult.

Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. Michigan has a statewide  “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport that gives participants up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 20 participating ski areas.

In order for fourth graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them. 

Make it happen. For the big picture go to www.skiandsnowboardmonth.org