Winter is coming. There, I said it. I don’t like it, but I said it. The upside–whether you live in New England or are planning to take a trip to the area, there are so many opportunities for kids to SKI FREE in Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Pennsylvania. Check out the details and get your passes now!
Vermont
WHO: All 5th graders
WHAT: Receive a booklet with 1-3 free lift tickets to participating resorts–Killington, Okemo, Stratton, Stowe to name a few.
HOW: Fill out the online form here. Must have proof of age (4th or 5th grade report card). Participants must be accompanied by a paying adult (one adult may take two children). Allow about two weeks for processing.
ADDED BONUS: All proceeds benefit the agricultural and environmental community in Vermont. This year’s recipient is the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative.
Maine
WHO: Maine residents in 5th, 6th and 7th grade
WHAT: Free lift ticket as well as various discounts across 50 ski areas in Maine.
HOW: Complete the online application, which includes a $25 processing fee. Scholarships are available for families in need. In most instances, children must be accompanied by a paying adult (one adult can take up to two children.)
ADDED BONUS: Passport holders have access to WinterKids Family Days, which offer discounts and other perks to family members. For full details visit here.
New Hampshire
WHO: All 4th and 5th graders
WHAT: For $30, 4th and 5th graders receive one free lift ticket to 34 participating New Hampshire ski resorts, in addition to discounts on lessons and equipment.
HOW: Order online or by mail (details in the link.)
ADDED BONUS: A percentage of proceeds go to the Make A Wish Foundation.
New York
WHO: All 3rd and 4th graders
WHAT: New York offers two programs–one for children learning so ski and another for children who already know how to ski. With the Learn to Ski or Ride program each child receives one lift ticket, one lesson and free equipment rental all participating ski areas. The Kids Ski or Ride Free program gives each child up to three lift tickets at participating ski areas, which must be used on conjunction with a paying adult. Some holiday blackout periods do apply. Must be used in conjunction with a paying adult.
HOW: Apply online. Registration requires at $27 processing fee.
Pennsylvania (not New England, but close enough!)
WHO: All 4th and 5th graders
WHAT: Participants receive a swipe card that contains one free learn to ski/board package and three coupons for a lift ticket at each of the 19 participating resorts. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
HOW: Applications can be completed online or sent via mail. They must include a copy of a report card, school ID or other document verifying age, a 2″ x 1½” color photo of the child, and a $35 processing fee. Details are available here.
Now you’re ready to hit the slopes!
