- Colorado Ski Country USA recently expanded its Ski Passport program to include kids in kindergarten through sixth grade.
- Depending on the age of your child, the Ski Passport will cost between $67 or $72.
- There are also discounted passes for teens and parents, making it easier than ever for families to ski together this winter.
We may still be in the heart of summer, but I firmly believe it’s never too early to start thinking about ski season, especially if this is the year you plan to teach your kid how to shred. And this upcoming season, Colorado Ski Country USA (a nonprofit trade association representing the Centennial State’s 23 snow sport resorts) has a fantastic way to get your kiddos on the slopes for less.
In August, Colorado Ski Country USA announced it is expanding its Ski Passport program to include kindergarten, first, and second grade students, which means the Ski Passport will now cover all elementary-aged children from kindergarten through sixth grade.
“This program now provides a seven-year on-ramp to the sport for kids and their families at an accessible price point,” Melanie Mills, the president of Colorado Ski Country USA, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure. “From first turns to lifelong traditions, the family-favorite Ski Passport is where it all begins.”
Here’s how it all works.
The pass, presented by gear rental company Christy Sports, is open to all children, regardless of where they live, and gives access to multiple mountains that are well-suited for younger skiers. It includes four ski days at each of the participating 19 resorts across Colorado, and also includes two junior rental packages. The passport runs at $67 for kindergartners through second graders and $72 for those in grades three through six, making it less than $1 a day to ski.
Participating resorts include Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Ski Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora Mountain, Granby Ranch, Howelsen Hill Ski Area, Loveland Ski Area, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Purgatory, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight Mountain, Telluride Ski Resort, and Winter Park. All of these also happen to be great spots for adults, too, making them ideal destinations for a family ski getaway.
But hang on, there’s more. The organization’s Gems passes are also back, which provide access to multiple mountains for teens, parents, and adults. With the pass, you can get into 10 participating ski areas in the coming season, including Arapahoe Basin, Ski Cooper, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, and Sunlight.
The Gems Teen Pass runs at $207 and provides two days at each of 10 participating resorts for skiers and snowboarders ages 12 through 17. The Parent Pass costs $337 and is available for one adult per household with a Ski Passport or Gems Teen Pass holder. It includes two days at each of the 10 participating Gems resorts. Then, there’s the Gems Discount Card for $49.99, which provides the pass holder fixed discount pricing for two visits at each of 10 participating Gems resorts.
“This expansion is all about planting the seeds for a lifelong love of the mountains,” Mills added. “We’re proud to help families share experiences that span generations. This is an investment by Colorado Ski Country USA resorts in childhood, in shared family experiences, and in the future of skiing and snowboarding.”
See all the pass options and get yours at Colorado Ski’s website.
