 Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource |
Kids Ski Free or Almost Free All Season in California. If escaping to the slopes is part of your family’s plan for the next year, view the best resort locations, benefits, and highlights of ‘kids ski free’ programs in California. 
Here’s the scoop. It’s true nothing is absolutely free but many ski resorts offer unique savings for parents or grandparents who plan to ski with their young companions. From our own research and reader feedback we have assembled a list of ‘Kids Ski Free’ or almost free offers. The best bet is to checkout your favorite mountain location for the most current ski deals but if you are looking for something new our short list has several options for winter family fun at a savings.
Ski Mountain High. One of Southern California’s best (affordable) snowy family escapes is Mountain High Ski Resort near Wrightwood. Here’s the deal. Children ages six or younger ski free when accompanied by a paying adult. Bonus points: They also offer ‘Ride free on Your Birthday’ and a free lift ticket when participating in ‘Learn to Turn Tuesdays’ through March. Details: Toll-free 1-888- 754-7878 or www.mthigh.com 
Mammoth Lakes or June Mountain. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort makes family skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and other winter activities easy for families. The mountain resort offers classes for five to 12-year-olds of any ability which include ski or snowboard equipment rental, helmet, lift ticket, and lunch. Here’s the deal. Kids six or younger may ski free all season at Mammoth and kids 12 or younger ski free every day at June Mountain Mammoth’s sister resort www.junemountain.com. Details: To take advantage of the savings take proof of age. Details: Toll-free 1-800-MAMMOTH or www.mammothmountain.com
Ski Tahoe. Diamond Peak Ski Resort part of Tahoe’s Incline Village has plenty of snow, great slopes, and an award-winning ski school with a dedicated ski center for ages four to seven years of age. Here’s the deal. Children age six or younger ski free all season long with paying parent or grandparent. Details: Actually anyone six or younger or 80 or older may ski at no cost. (775) 832-1177 or www.diamondpeak.com 
Lake Tahoe Free Fun. Northstar Resort at Lake Tahoe offers skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, plus snow tubing. Onsite is an area scaled down area just for children so they may practice their skills before heading to the mountain slopes. Here’s the deal. Kids four years of age or younger may ski free all season long and the skating rink is free to adults and children. Details: Adult companion may collect the ski-free ticket at any ticket window. www.northstarcalifornia.com
Squaw Valley. From skiing and snowboarding to dog sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing Squaw Valley Resort offers families adventures. Add to the list aerial tram rides, ice skating, indoor climbing walls, and a bungee jump. Here’s the deal. Kids ages 12 or younger ski free all season long. Details: With purchase of two adult 4-day lift tickets two free child 4-day lift tickets are available though some blackout dates apply. Toll-free 1-800-403-0206 or www.squaw.com
Ski Pinecrest. The Dodge Ridge Winter Sports Area has a Snowplay Program designed for children ages 4 to 6 and includes equipment, a lift pass, and nutritional lunch and snacks. There is also ski and snowboard school offering lessons for two to 12-year-olds. Here’s the deal. The Dodge Ridge offers free lift tickets for children ages five or younger. Season passes are also free for tykes with a paying adult season pass. Bonus points: Dodge Ridge provides everyone with free ski or snowboard storage and two parents can share one adult lift ticket. Details: Snow phone (209) 536-5300 or 209-965-3474 www.dodgeridge.com
Running Springs. The Snow Valley Mountain Resort is best known for its popular winter ‘Family Fun Pack’ option which offers families with children and teenagers discounted prices. There is a Snow Play area for tykes and Children's Learning Center with programs for ages four to 11 and group lessons for ages 12 and older. Here’s the deal. Children ages six or younger get a free lift ticket with a paying adult. Bonus points: Ski or ride free on your birthday – no matter your age. Details: (909) 867-2751 or www.snow-valley.com
 For more winter family vacation ideas checkout Snow Places or Family Vacation Deals.
Content researched and complied by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Curator of the Good Stuff for the Family Travel Files. Images courtesy Mountain High Resort in Southern California, Lake Tahoe North, and Bear Mountain Ski Scoll. Copyright updated 2016.
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