Ways for Your Kids to Ski Free This Winter Season

Skiing is the most costly activity for my family.

Fortunately, numerous ski resorts across the U.S. offer opportunities for kids to ski free or at a significantly reduced price. Many mountains and programs even extend these discounts to children up to 12 years old.

While last year's ski programs were quite different due to COVID-19, we are beginning to see a return to normalcy. Thankfully, many of the popular ski "passport programs" aimed at elementary school children are operating this year.

Let’s explore some of your options available throughout the U.S.

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California

California has many locations where families can enjoy skiing without overspending.

June Mountain

At June Mountain, every child aged 12 and under skis for free, though there are blackout dates during peak times. These dates are Dec. 26, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022, Jan. 15-16, 2022, and Feb. 19-20, 2022. If your trip coincides with these dates, you can purchase a child's ticket for $25. Free child and season passes must be collected at the June Mountain ticket office and cannot be bought online.

Palisades Tahoe

Children aged four and under always ski for free at Palisades Tahoe.

Previously, regardless of age, if you had a morning flight to Palisades Tahoe, you could ski for free for the remainder of the day — a benefit not exclusive to kids. Generally, all you need to do is present your same-day boarding pass from a commercial airline to receive a complimentary lift ticket for the rest of the day. Currently, Palisades Tahoe has not confirmed if this program will continue for the 2021/2022 winter season, but skiers can expect updates in November.

Colorado

Colorado's 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-Grade Passport Program

In addition to the individual mountain offers listed below, if you have a fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-grader, they can get a ski passport for an incredibly low price of just $59, which includes four one-day lift tickets valid at 21 mountains across Colorado. This season, the program has been expanded to include fourth-graders (previously limited to fifth and sixth grades). You can register online, and Colorado residency is not necessary. These lift tickets do have some holiday blackout dates (Nov. 26-27, 2021, Dec. 25, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022, Jan. 15-16, 2022, and Feb. 19-20, 2022) and are valid every day of the week.

This year's participating resorts include Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Hesperus Ski Area, Howelsen Hill, Kendall Mountain, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory Resort, Silverton, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, and Winter Park.

Prices may vary throughout the season, so if you plan to take advantage of this program, it’s wise to secure the price now.

Epic SchoolKids Colorado Program

The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a complimentary program for children in kindergarten through 5th grade, offering four days of skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte. It also includes one free first-time ski or snowboard lesson with equipment rental.

There is no residency requirement for the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack, but registration must be done in person in Colorado. Blackout dates apply, including Nov. 26-27, 2021, Dec. 26-31, 2021, Jan. 16, 2022, and Feb. 19-20, 2022.

Arapahoe Basin

At Arapahoe Basin, children aged 5 and under ski for free. You must visit guest services in person with your child and proof of age to collect this pass.

Aspen Snowmass

Children aged six and under typically ski for free at Aspen Snowmass. Additionally, Four Mountain Sports is encouraging families with kids aged seven to 12 to rent ski equipment by offering a free lift ticket at Aspen Snowmass for the duration of your rental, provided you book lodging through Stay Aspen Snowmass (with a minimum two-night stay). This promotion is available from Jan. 1 to April 17, 2022.

You must also make your booking by the 15th of the month prior to your arrival to take advantage of this offer.

If your travels bring you to Aspen, here are some ways to enjoy the area without overspending.

Keystone

When you book a lodging package directly through Keystone for two or more nights, kids aged 12 and under ski for free. You'll receive one complimentary lift ticket with a two-night stay and an extra lift ticket for each additional night booked. Children aged four and under traditionally ski for free at Keystone.

This "kids ski free" promotion also applies to the Hyatt Place Keystone, allowing you to use points for a stay less than a mile from the mountain.

This Category 4 Hyatt hotel accepts Category 1–4 reward night certificates that you earn annually with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. If you choose to pay with points, nights start at 15,000 points, or you can opt for the Points + Cash rate of 7,500 points plus $75. You can instantly transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to your Hyatt account on a 1:1 basis. Earn Ultimate Rewards points with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.

Loveland

Families looking to enroll their kids in ski school can earn a free season pass for their child at Loveland. Just register your child for three half-day lessons (either ski or snowboard), and they will receive a season pass upon completion. This offer is valid for kids aged seven to 14; the three-class pass costs $399. Children aged five and under traditionally ski for free.

Steamboat Springs

If you buy an adult ticket for five or more days at Steamboat Springs, any child under 12 can ski for free for the same duration. This offer is applicable when a child skis with a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Only one child can ski for free per adult.

If you plan to visit Steamboat this winter, the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas is an excellent accommodation choice, and you can use your up to 35,000-point Marriott Bonvoy reward night certificate that is included with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.

Breckenridge

Children aged four and under traditionally ski for free at Breckenridge.

Breckenridge also offers a variety of hotel options where you can redeem your points for a complimentary stay. You can use your Hilton points at the Valdoro Mountain Lodge or the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge, and your Marriott Bonvoy points at the Residence Inn Breckenridge.

Crested Butte

Before the pandemic, Crested Butte offered a promotion where kids aged 12 and under could ski for free during specific times. We hope to see that promotion return this year, but currently, there is no such offer.

Children aged four and under usually ski for free at Crested Butte.

Beaver Creek

Children aged four and under generally ski for free at Beaver Creek.

Beaver Creek is an excellent choice in Colorado if you want to utilize your hotel points. There are numerous chain hotel options available, including the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek (starting at 30,000 World of Hyatt points), The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch (85,000 Bonvoy points on standard dates), and the Westin Riverfront Spa & Resort (60,000 Bonvoy points on standard dates).

Vail

Children aged four and under ski for free at Vail.

Like Beaver Creek, utilizing points and miles is a fantastic way to enhance the affordability of your vacation here. Some favored choices for points and miles enthusiasts include the Vail Marriott (ranging from 50,000 to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points), Highline Vail – a DoubleTree by Hilton (between 42,000 and 80,000 Honors points), and the Grand Hyatt Vail (starting at 30,000 World of Hyatt points).

Purgatory

Purgatory is part of the Power Kids program, which allows kids aged 12 and under to receive a free season pass valid at eight participating western resorts. Other resorts included are Pajarito Mountain Ski Area and Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort in New Mexico, Arizona Snowbowl, Hesperus Ski Area in Colorado, Nordic Valley Ski Resort in Utah, Brian Head Resort in Utah, and Spider Mountain Bike Park in Texas.

Utah

Ski Utah provides a passport program for fifth and sixth graders that is available for purchase even to non-residents. The fee is $45 per pass (though this price will rise after December 1, 2021) and is valid every day of the week. This pass allows access to 15 different resorts in Utah. Fifth-graders receive three passes to each resort, while sixth-graders get one pass to each resort for the entire season.

The participating resorts include Alta Ski Area, Brighton Resort, Beaver Mountain, Brian Head Resort, Cherry Peak Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Eagle Point, Nordic Valley Resort, Park City Mountain, Powder Mountain, Snowbasin Resort, Snowbird, Solitude, Sundance Resort, and Woodward Park City.

Brighton

Brighton features a remarkably generous ski program for kids, allowing two children aged 10 and under to ski for free with the purchase of one adult ticket. You simply need to buy a one-time reloadable card for $5.

You can also obtain a season pass for kids aged 10 and under for a nominal fee (the price for the 2021/2022 season is yet to be announced). Not only can children ski for free anytime, but the season pass also comes with additional benefits, including complimentary days at other resorts within the Wasatch and across the Boyne family, access to the UTA ski bus, and more. Plus, you won't need to visit the ticket window daily to collect your free day pass.

Snowbasin

Snowbasin has yet to disclose its ticket pricing for the 2021/2022 season, but it's expected that children four and under will continue to ski for free, similar to last year.

Snowbird

Children aged six and under can ski for free at Snowbird.

Solitude

Kids aged four and under can ski for free at Solitude.

Powder Mountain

Children six and younger ski for free at Powder Mountain.

Sundance

Kids aged five and under can ski for free at Sundance.

Idaho

While details for Idaho's Peak Season Passport for the 2021/2022 winter haven't been released yet, in previous years, both fifth- and sixth-graders could enjoy skiing for the season for only $18. Fifth-graders typically receive three free days at each of the 18 mountains (totaling 54 ski days), while sixth-graders get two free days at 17 mountains (totaling 34 days). There are no residency requirements, though last year there were limitations on weekends, holidays, and peak ski days. Stay tuned for updates on this year's program.

The participating mountains include Bald Mountain, Bogus Basin, Brundage Mountain, Cottonwood Butte, Grand Targhee, Kelly Canyon, Little Ski Hill, Lookout Pass, Lost Trail, Magic Mountain, Pebble Creek, Pomerelle (for fifth-graders only), Schweitzer, Silver Mountain, Snowhaven, Soldier Mountain, Sun Valley, and Tamarack.

Schweitzer

If you’re traveling with Alaska Airlines to Spokane Airport, your whole family can ski for free. Specific details will be available on Nov. 1, 2021, but it’s confirmed that Schweitzer will be part of the "Fly Alaska, ski free" initiative.

Previously, you just needed to present your Alaska Airlines boarding pass to receive a complimentary lift ticket valid for your arrival day.

Sun Valley

When you reserve accommodation at Sun Valley, many packages allow kids aged 12 and under to ski for free when an adult ski ticket is purchased. A minimum stay of three nights is currently required, and bookings must be made by Nov. 21, 2021. Be mindful of blackout dates, which include Dec. 21, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022, and Feb. 18 – Feb. 22, 2022.

Kids aged four and under can always ski for free.

Washington State

The Washington State fifth-grade passport program is priced at $20 and is available this season, although usage may be subject to restrictions depending on capacity at certain resorts.

The passport program typically offers access to six different ski areas across Idaho and Washington State, including 49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mount Spokane, Silver Mountain, Brundage Mountain, and Loup Loup. With this pass, you can ski for up to three days at each participating resort.

There's also a separate Idaho pass covering a different selection of mountains; consider getting both passes if you want to enjoy a wider range of slopes.

Wyoming

When it comes to skiing in Wyoming, Jackson Hole is the first destination that comes to mind—and for good reason. Here’s what families should know when planning a trip there.

Jackson Hole

Kids aged four and under can ski for free with the purchase of a Jcard, which incurs a one-time fee of $5.

Using points can significantly reduce the cost of your trip here. The SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole is a great choice at 50,000 points per night during standard periods. Alternatively, consider the brand-new Cloudveil, a Marriott Autograph Collection property.

Oregon

For families heading to Oregon, Mt. Bachelor is the top choice for complimentary skiing for kids.

Mt. Bachelor

Children aged five and under can ski for free at Mt. Bachelor, but they need to obtain physical lift tickets, which can be acquired at any ticket window on the day of skiing.

Maine

Maine provides several opportunities for kids to ski for free. Many mountains have their own special programs, and the Winter Kids app offers various discounts on skiing and other activities throughout the state (including some from New Hampshire this year). This family membership costs $40 and covers up to five members. Annual membership begins on Nov. 1, but last year's example included a complimentary junior lift ticket with a paying adult at Camden Snow Bowl.

Sunday River

Kids aged five and under can ski for free at Sunday River.

Sugarloaf Mountain

At Sugarloaf Mountain, children five and under can ski for a nominal fee of just $5.

New Hampshire

The Snowsports Passport program in New Hampshire grants fourth- and fifth-graders access to 33 different resorts for one visit each during the season, all for a fee of $59.

Bretton Woods

Kids aged four and under can enjoy skiing for free at Bretton Woods.

Gunstock Mountain

Kids aged five and under always ski for free at Gunstock.

Waterville Valley Resort

At Waterville Valley Resort, children five and under ski for free. Plus, kids 12 and under can get a free season pass when an adult season pass is purchased.

Moreover, if you rent seasonal gear for your child at Ken Jones Ski Mart in New Hampshire, kids aged six to 12 will receive a complimentary junior Waterville Valley Season Pass, provided all rentals are secured by Dec. 12, 2021.

Cannon Mountain

Generally, kids aged five and under ski for free at Cannon Mountain when accompanied by a paying adult.

Loon Mountain

At Loon Mountain, children five and under can enjoy skiing for free.

Mount Sunapee

Children four and under ski at no cost at Mount Sunapee.

Vermont

The Ski Vermont passport is making a comeback for the 2021/2022 season, and it's even improved! Previously available only for fifth-graders, this year it includes sixth-graders as well. For just $20, each fifth- and sixth-grader can ski twice at 20 different alpine and 28 cross country ski areas from December 1, 2021, to May 1, 2022 (with some date restrictions).

There are no residency restrictions, but each passport holder must be accompanied by a ticket or ski pass holder; one adult can bring up to two children using the passport.

Bromley Mountain

Typically, kids five and under can ski for free at Bromley Mountain. Located just seven miles from the historic Equinox Resort, this resort parted ways with the Marriott chain in 2021. While you can no longer redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for a complimentary night, you can still utilize flexible reward points like Capital One Venture miles to cover the costs.

Okemo Mountain

Children six and under ski for free at Okemo Mountain.

Mount Snow

Children six and under can ski for free at Mount Snow.

Killington

When you purchase a five-day adult ticket, a child aged seven to 12 can ski for free at Killington as part of a ski and stay package (note that this offer is not valid during blackout dates). Additionally, kids six and under always ski for free.

Pico Mountain

Kids aged six and under can ski for free at Pico Mountain. Plus, with the purchase of an adult season pass, you can get a complimentary kids season pass for children aged 7-12 (the child must be a dependent).

Stowe Mountain

Children four and under can enjoy free skiing at Stowe.

If you’re planning a visit to the resort, here’s what you need to know about Stowe. A helpful tip: you can utilize your World of Hyatt points to book a stay at the Lodge at Spruce Peak, located at the base of the mountain.

New Mexico

Sandia Peak

While pricing details for the 2021/2022 winter season are still pending, typically, kids under 46 inches tall can ski for just $10.

Ski Apache

Kids five and under ski for free at Ski Apache.

Ski Santa Fe

Kids five and under ski for $15.

Taos

Children six and under ski for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Bottom line

Combining a mountain where your kids can ski for free with using points and miles for airfare and accommodations will significantly reduce the cost of your ski trip. Additionally, you can use miles accrued from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Discover it Miles to cover the remainder of your family’s ski tickets, lowering your total expenses even further.

Where will your family hit the slopes this winter?

Discover more about planning your ski getaway…

• Packing tips for your ski vacation
• How to arrange a ski trip using points and miles
• Top-rated ski schools for children
• Five tips to enhance your next ski experience
• Accommodations near Ikon Ski Pass resorts that can be booked with points
• Best credit cards for ski vacations
• Top family-friendly ski resorts in North America