116 ski resorts where seniors can ski for free

The post-World War II baby boom is increasing the number of senior citizens in the U.S., with those over 65 expected to make up 20% of the population in the next decade.

Reaching a golden age doesn’t mean that senior skiers have to stay home and store their gear. The U.S. ski industry values the enthusiasts who have supported their business for the past 50 years and is actively encouraging them to remain on the slopes by offering reduced lift ticket prices for seniors.

Several factors contribute to this trend. Lower prices reflect a recognition that many senior citizens are now beyond their peak earning years and income levels.

Lower ticket prices can also recognize the contributions seniors have made to the ski industry over the years. Additionally, discounts for seniors may serve as an incentive to keep skiing or as positive publicity, with the expectation that senior skiers will bring along family members. If that's the case, here are locations where children can ski for free.

Discounted lift ticket prices typically start at age 60, though most begin at 65. Savings can range from just $5 to over $50 off the regular price.

Complimentary skiing for seniors

There are indeed offers that extend to free lift tickets for seniors. We searched online (and even made a few calls using a landline) to compile a comprehensive list of places across the U.S. that provide free skiing for seniors.

Some locations feature hills with single Poma lifts and only a few hundred feet of vertical on a couple of runs, while others are major resorts boasting hundreds of runs and thousands of vertical feet, served by numerous lifts including high-speed quads, gondolas, and magic carpets.

We discovered ski resorts in 27 of the 50 states—yes, even Alabama! Among these, here are 116 mountains, hills, and resorts that provide free lift tickets for seniors, typically starting at age 70, although some hold out for octogenarians, and a few optimistically begin their "free" skiing at the youthful age of 90.

COVID-19 considerations

That being said, unless you’re on a covert mission to Mars or reenacting Rip Van Winkle's long slumber, you’re likely aware that life on our beautiful planet has undergone significant changes in this year of 2020.

Nearly everything has changed since before the pandemic, and achieving normalcy remains a challenging goal. Like many other sectors, the ski industry rapidly shut down last spring, well ahead of its planned closing date. Since then, the ski industry has been diligently working to find the safest and most effective way to get the lifts running and skiers gliding on the upcoming winter snow.

While each ski resort is adapting to COVID-19 in its own manner, some common practices include mandatory face coverings, social distancing in lines and indoors, reduced capacity on each lift or gondola, and a focus on advance ticket purchases or even advance ski reservations. Cash transactions and same-day lift ticket sales will be increasingly rare.

Ski areas will largely maintain their own policies for "Seniors Ski Free," but with a few more stipulations than usual. While skiers may meet the specific age requirement, the new normal may necessitate adjustments for advance planning and minimizing contact points. Many resorts are advising age-appropriate seniors to consider their season passes for the most "hassle-free" access to the slopes this transitional year. Although skiing will remain free, there may be a one-time registration fee for the season passes, ranging from $5 to $50.

We have made every effort to update the list below, but we strongly recommend that you check with your chosen mountain for their specific guidelines, policies, and updates that may still be changing this season.

Locations where seniors can ski for free

Key Takeaway

If you plan to visit one of the mountains listed, be sure to verify the details before finalizing your travel arrangements based on free senior lift tickets. If you qualify, you may need to take care of a few things before hitting the slopes.

However, if you're healthy and eager to take advantage of a free skiing opportunity, a discounted rate, or even a full fare—put on your best smile and enjoy your day!