Did you know that most states (with ski resorts) offer passport programs for 5th and 6th graders to ski for free (*or a small processing fee)? Better yet, you do NOT need to be a state resident to apply for most of these programs. We have the inside scoop on state-sponsored passport programs for the 2023-24 season.
State passport programs are widely available this season. State passport programs have not made made only small changes to last year's programs. Many state passports expanded to include third and fourth graders after Covid and will continue offer passports to them. Many programs have implemented small increases to their processing fees. Most passes are valid on weekends with holiday restrictions only. **Resorts in blue below link directly to Avant Ski's insider guides.
Utah
4th, 5th and 6th graders: 3 days of skiing at each of Utah's 15 resorts - 45 days total. Cost: $69, will increase to $89 after December 1
Access to all 15 Resorts in Utah including: Alta Ski Area, Beaver Mountain, Brian Head Resort, Brighton Resort, Cherry Peak, Deer Valley, Eagle Point, Nordic Valley, Park City, Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, Snowbird, Solitude, Sundance Resort, Woodward Park City
Restrictions: All resorts have holiday blackouts including Dec. 26, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023; Jan. 13-14, 2024; Feb. 17-18, 2024
Highlights
All grades receive 3 days at each of Utah's 15 resorts
Colorado
3rd-6th graders: 4 days of skiing at 20 participating resorts - 80 days total. Cost: $65
Access to 20 Resorts in Colorado Including: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Hesperus, Howelsen Hill, Loveland, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park
Restrictions: Limited restrictions over holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, MLK and President's Day.
Highlights: All grades receive 4 days at each of the 20 participating ski resorts in Colorado
Idaho
5th graders: 3 days of skiing at 17 participating resorts - 51 days total. Cost: $29 processing fee
6th graders: 2 day of skiing at 17 participating resorts - 34 days total. Cost: $29 processing fee
Access to 17 Resorts in Idaho including: Bald Mountain, Bogus Basin, Brundage Mountain, Cottonwood Butte, Grand Targhee, Little Ski Hill, Lookout Pass, Lost Trail, Magic Mountain, Pebble Creek, Pomerelle, Schweitzer, Silver Mountain, Soldier Mountain, Sun Valley, Tamarack
Resorts without Blackout Dates: Bald Mountain, Brundage Mountain Resort, Pebble Creek, Schweitzer, Sun Valley
Resorts with Holiday or Saturday Blackout Dates: Bogus Basin, Grand Targhee, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, Tamarack
Blackout dates for the rest of the resorts are TBD
Vermont
5th graders: 3 days of skiing at 20 participating alpine resorts - 60 days total, plus access to cross country ski areas. Cost: $30 processing fee
The passport program is only for fifth graders; neither Vermont nor U.S. residency is required
Restrictions: Passport holders must be accompanied by a ticket or pass-holding adult. An adult may bring up to two passport bearers. Blackout restrictions apply and vary by resort. View specific restrictions by resort here.
Access to 20 Resorts in Vermont Including: Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke Mountain, Cochran’s Ski Area, Jay Peak, Killington, Lydon Outing Club, Mad River Glen, Magic Mountain, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Mount Snow, Northeast Slopes, Okemo, Pico Mountain, The Quechee Club, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
New York - SKI NY Passport Program-Kids Ski Free
3rd & 4th graders: Up to 2 free lift tickets at 14* participating resorts - 36 days total. Cost: $41 processing fee
Restrictions: Passport holders must be accompanied by a ticket or pass-holding adult. An adult may bring up to two passport bearers.
New This Season: Only fourth graders will have access to Catamount Mountain.
Access to 14* Resorts in New York Including: Belleayre, Catamount, Gore Mountain, Green Peak, Bristol Mountain, Buffalo Ski Center, Holiday Valley, Peek n Peak, Snow Ridge Resort, Swain Resort, Thunder Ridge, Titus Mt, West, Whiteface
*More resorts coming soon
New Hampshire
4th/5th graders: 1lift ticket to each of 18 alpine resorts and additional cross country resorts. Cost: $59 processing fee
Access to 18 Resorts in New Hampshire Including: Abenaki Ski Area, Attitash Mountain Resort, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods Resort, Cannon Mountain, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Crotched Mountain, Dartmouth Skiway, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Kine Pine at Purity Spring Resort, Loon Mountain Resort, McIntyre Ski Area, Mount Sunapee Resort, Pats Peak, Ragged Mountain Resort, Waterville Valley Resort, Whaleback Mountain, Wildcat Mountain
Restrictions: Passes are subject to holiday blackout dates.
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