Kids ski free: Save on your family’s next ski vacation

A family skiing vacation can get very expensive very quickly. Thankfully, if you’re savvy about where you ski, there are some great ways to save money on your kids’ ski passes.

There are many ski resorts throughout the U.S. where kids can ski for free or, at least, for a reduced price. Many mountains and programs around the U.S. even extend this discounted pricing to kids up to 12 years old. There are also some state-specific ski “passport” programs designed for elementary school-aged kids.

With many free or discounted lift ticket options, your ski trips don’t have to break the bank. Let’s look at some of your choices across the U.S.

All children 12 and under can get a Power Kids Pass for free.

All kids 4 and under ski for free at Heavenly.

June Mountain

June Mountain offers free skiing for every single child 12 and under. The resort has also made purchasing a season pass for kids incredibly easy through the Ikon Pass.

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Palisades Tahoe

Children 4 and under always ski for free at Palisades Tahoe.

You’ll also receive two free junior daily rental packages from Christy Sports. You can register online. Remember that Colorado residency is not required.

These lift tickets are valid seven days a week, though do note that they have a few holiday blackout dates (Dec. 25, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025; Jan. 18 to 19, 2025; and Feb. 15 to 16, 2025).

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

Colorado Gems Teen Pass passport program

In addition to the elementary school passport program, Colorado Gems is offering a new money-saving option for older kids.

For kids ages 12 through 17, the Gems Teen Pass gets you two full-day tickets to 11 participating mountains throughout Colorado. And if you’re skiing with your teens, you might want to look into the Gems Parent Pass for yourself.

While the cost is slightly more expensive at $199 per pass, with access to 22 days of skiing, that comes out to just $9 per day. The tickets are valid seven days a week with blackout dates (Dec. 25, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025; Jan. 18 to 19, 2025; and Feb. 15 to 16, 2025).

Participating resorts include Arapahoe Basin, Cooper, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Hesperus Ski Area, Loveland Ski Area, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Purgatory Resort and Sunlight Mountain Resort.

With both Colorado programs, prices are subject to change throughout the season. If you know you’ll get some use out of this program, you should lock in the price now.

Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack program

The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a free program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade that provides four days of skiing at Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Keystone Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort. It also includes one free first-timer ski or ride lesson with equipment rental.

There is no residency requirement for the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack, but you do need to sign up in person in Colorado. Blackout dates, which typically follow the general Epic Pass holiday dates, apply each year.

While registration has already closed for the 2024-2025 ski season, keep this in mind when you plan your future ski season vacations.

Arapahoe Basin

At Arapahoe Basin, children 5 and under ski for free.

Aspen Snowmass

Children 6 and under traditionally ski for free at Aspen Snowmass. Older kids between 7 and 12 can receive a free lift ticket at Aspen Snowmass if they rent ski equipment with Four Mountain Sports; the ticket is valid for the entire length of your rental (with a two-day minimum). The main caveat is that you must book your lodging through Stay Aspen Snowmass (with a two-night stay minimum). This promotion is valid Jan. 1, 2025, through April 20, 2025.

To take advantage of this promotion, you must also book by the 15th of the month before your arrival.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Children 4 and under traditionally ski for free at Breckenridge.

Breckenridge also has many hotel options where you can use your points for a free stay. You can use your Hilton Honors points at the Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge, Curio Collection by Hilton and your Marriott Bonvoy points at the Residence Inn Breckenridge.

Related: 7 great ways to use 100,000 Hilton Honors points and a free night award

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Children 4 and under ski for free at Crested Butte.

Beaver Creek Resort

Children 4 and under ski for free at Beaver Creek.

Beaver Creek is another great option in Colorado if you want to use your hotel points. There are many chain hotel options, such as the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek (from 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night), The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch (from 88,000 Bonvoy points per night during ski season) and The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley (from 70,000 Bonvoy points per night during ski season).

Hesperus Ski Area

Hesperus is part of the Power Pass, which means that all children 12 and younger qualify for a free kids pass.

Keystone Resort

If you book a lodging package directly through Keystone for two or more nights, kids 12 and under ski for free. You’ll receive one complimentary lift ticket on a two-night stay, then an additional lift ticket on every night booked thereafter. Children 4 and under traditionally ski for free at Keystone.

Unfortunately, the kids-ski-free offer no longer applies to Hyatt Place Keystone / Dillon, even on paid stays. While this is still a great property to stay at when visiting Keystone — especially since it’s only a Category 4 property — you’ll want to look into an Epic Pass for your child.

Loveland Ski Area

Families who want to put their kids in ski school can score their child a free season pass at Loveland. Simply sign up your children for three full-day lessons (ski or snowboard), and they’ll receive a season pass. This offer is valid for children between the ages of 7 and 14; the three-class pass costs $627. If you prepurchase your package, you’ll get the season pass immediately. Children 5 and under traditionally ski for free.

Purgatory Resort

Purgatory is part of the Power Kids program, where kids 12 and under can get a free season pass to use at 11 participating resorts. Other valid resorts include Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, Sandia Peak Ski Area and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort in New Mexico; Arizona Snowbowl in Arizona; Nordic Valley Ski Resort and Brian Head Resort in Utah; Lee Canyon in Nevada; Willamette Pass Ski Resort in Oregon; Spider Mountain in Texas; and Valle Nevado and La Parva in Chile.

Steamboat Ski Resort

If you purchase an adult ticket for five or more days at Steamboat Springs, any child under 12 will ski for free for the same number of days. This is valid for a child skiing with a parent, grandparent or legal guardian. Only one child is allowed to ski for free per adult.

Additionally, if you’re flying into Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) on Alaska Airlines, you can ski for free the evening of your flight. Just show your boarding pass at the ticket office. If you’re arriving on a Monday or Wednesday, you can use your free night skiing on Thursday.

Related: Best ski resorts in Colorado for everyone from beginners to experts

Vail Ski Resort

Children 4 and under ski for free at Vail.

Similar to Beaver Creek, using points and miles is an excellent way to make your overall vacation here even more affordable. Some popular options for points and miles enthusiasts are The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail (from 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during ski season), Highline Vail — a DoubleTree by Hilton (between 57,000 and 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night) and the Grand Hyatt Vail (from 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night).

Ski Utah offers a fourth, fifth and sixth grade passport program that you can purchase even if you’re not a resident. It costs $69 per pass (though that price will increase Nov. 30, 2024) and is valid seven days a week. Select resorts have blackout dates.

The pass grants access to three days each at 15 different Utah resorts, including Alta Ski Area, Brighton Resort, Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, Brian Head Resort, Cherry Peak Ski Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Eagle Point Resort, Nordic Valley Ski Resort, Park City Mountain, Powder Mountain, Snowbasin Resort, Snowbird, Solitude Mountain Resort, Sundance Resort and Woodward Park City.

Brian Head Resort

Brian Head is part of the Power Pass, so kids 12 and under can get a free season pass.

Brighton Resort

Brighton’s kids-ski-free program allows kids 6 and under to ski for free with the purchase of one adult ticket (a limit of two children per paying adult applies). You just have to purchase a one-time reloadable Brighton Card for $5 per child.

Additionally, you can purchase a season pass for kids 6 and younger for $65. Not only can children ski for less at any time — without a paying adult — but there also are a few perks of the season pass. This includes free lift tickets at resorts in the Wasatch area and across the Boyne family of properties, as well as free parking and use of the Utah Transit Authority ski bus. You also don’t have to go to the ticket window each day to claim your free day pass.

Nordic Valley Ski Resort

Nordic Valley participates in the Power Pass, meaning kids 12 and under can ski for free with a complimentary season pass.

Powder Mountain

Children 4 and under ski for free at Powder Mountain. However, you must purchase these lift tickets online.

Snowbasin Resort

Children 4 and under ski for free at Snowbasin.

Snowbird

Children 6 and under ski for free at Snowbird. Additionally, with every adult season pass purchased, you can add on a complimentary Kids Freeloader Pass, which is valid for those 18 and younger. And, even better, the child doesn’t need to be related to the adult.

Solitude Mountain Resort

Children 4 and under ski for free at Solitude.

Sundance Resort

Children 5 and under ski for free at Sundance.

For just $29 for the 2024-2025 ski season, the Idaho Peak Season Passport will allow both fifth and sixth graders to ski a ton this winter. Fifth graders get three free days at each of the 17 mountains (for a total of 51 days of skiing), while sixth graders get two free days at the same mountains (for a total of 34 days of skiing). There’s no residency restriction for this deal, but there are certain blackout dates at each mountain.

Participating mountains include Bald Mountain, Bogus Basin, Brundage Mountain Resort, Cottonwood Butte, Grand Targhee Resort, Little Ski Hill, Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, Lost Trail Ski Area, Magic Mountain Ski Resort, Pebble Creek Ski Area, Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Silver Mountain Resort, Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area, Soldier Mountain, Sun Valley Resort and Tamarack Resort.

Bogus Basin

If you’re flying Alaska Airlines to Boise Airport (BOI), you’ll receive a free lift ticket on the same day as your flight. Just present your Alaska Airlines boarding pass and ID at the Simplot Lodge ticket window, and you’ll receive your pass.

Sun Valley Resort

Children 4 and under always ski for free here. In the past, Sun Valley has offered many lodging packages where kids 12 and under ski for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. So, be on the lookout for these specials.

The Ski the Northwest Rockies passport program for fifth graders costs $23. It allows all fifth graders access to five different mountains throughout Idaho and Washington. These mountains include 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort (Washington), Loup Loup Ski Bowl (Washington), Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park (Washington), Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area (Idaho) and Silver Mountain Resort (Idaho).

The pass allows you to ski for up to three days at each of the participating resorts. Each mountain has its own set of blackout dates and restrictions. Some even offer included ski lessons.

There’s also an Idaho pass that includes a different set of mountains; get both passes if you wish to explore more slopes.

Children 4 and under always ski for free at Jackson Hole.

Using points is a solid way to make your overall vacation here more affordable. The SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole is a good option that costs between 42,000 and 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during ski season. You could also opt for The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection, another Marriott-affiliated property.

This is quite possibly one of the best offers on the list because kids in fifth and sixth grade receive free rental gear, lift tickets and lessons at Anthony Lakes. This is valid each Sunday between Jan. 5 and Feb. 23, 2025. If you’re learning to ski, this is by far the best opportunity. And as long as your child attends seven out of the eight lessons, they can purchase a discounted season pass. Accompanying adults can also purchase a $25 lift ticket.

Mount Bachelor

Mount Bachelor’s Kids Ski Free offer gives children 12 and under the opportunity to ski for free with the purchase of a three-day adult lift ticket. To snag this offer, you must purchase your lift tickets at least seven days before visiting. Keep in mind that children 5 and under always ski for free at Mount Bachelor.

Willamette Pass Ski Resort

With the Power Pass, all kids 12 and under ski for free at Willamette Pass.

All kids 12 and under ski for free at Lee Canyon with the Power Pass.

With Michigan’s Cold is Cool program, all fourth and fifth graders can ski for free all winter long. For just $30 (which goes to operated expenses and a charitable donation), you’ll receive three free lift tickets or trail passes at 29 participating ski areas. There are also coupons for ski shops and free (or discounted) lessons.

Blackout dates apply at certain mountains, and the child must be accompanied by a paying adult (a maximum of two kids per adult).

While many mountains have their own programs, the Winter Kids app offers many discounts on skiing and other activities throughout the state (with some New Hampshire activities as well). This membership costs $40 and covers a family of five.

Sunday River

Children 5 and under ski for almost free at Sunday River. There’s a very nominal cost (i.e., a one-day ticket is $5).

Sugarloaf Mountain

Children 5 and under ski at Sugarloaf Mountain for just $5 per day. Otherwise, you can purchase a season pass (which will also give you access to Sunday River and Loon Mountain Resort in New Hampshire) for $30.

New Hampshire’s Snowsports Passport program gives your fourth or fifth grader access to more than 30 different resorts once each throughout the season for just $59. Although there are a few blackout dates throughout the year, this is a great opportunity to visit many popular New Hampshire mountains this winter. And like many of the other state passport programs, there’s no residency requirement.

Bretton Woods Ski Area

Children 4 and under ski for free at Bretton Woods.

Cannon Mountain

Typically, children 5 and under ski free at Cannon Mountain with a paying adult.

Gunstock Mountain Resort

Children 5 and under always ski for free at Gunstock.

Loon Mountain Resort

Children 5 and under ski for free at Loon Mountain.

Mount Sunapee

Children 4 and under ski for free at Mount Sunapee. Or, for children ages 5 and 6, purchase an Epic Northeast Value Tot Pass for less than $50 for the season. This gets you access to all Northeast Vail Resorts during nonrestricted dates. Note: Your child only has to be 6 (or younger) at the time of purchase, not when the season actually starts. You also must call Vail Resorts to purchase the pass; you can’t do it online. If the representative isn’t aware of this pass, ask to speak to someone higher up.

Waterville Valley Resort

Children 5 and under ski for free at Waterville Valley Resort. Additionally, kids 12 and under will receive a free season pass with the purchase of an adult season pass.

If you lease seasonal gear for your child at Ken Jones Ski Mart in New Hampshire, those between 6 and 12 will receive a free junior Waterville Valley Season Pass.

With New York’s Ski NY Ski & Ride Passport Program, children in third, fourth and fifth grade can ski at over 25 mountains throughout the state. Although blackout dates apply, you’ll be able to visit each mountain twice over the season. The cost is incredibly reasonable, with just a $45 processing fee.

Ski Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport allows all fifth graders to ski this winter for just $30. With this passport, you’ll receive three vouchers at 20 different downhill resorts, plus two dozen cross-country resorts. All vouchers can be used through the end of ski season, but date restrictions do apply and vary by resort.

There is no residency requirement. However, each passport holder needs to be accompanied by a ticket or ski passholder. (One adult can bring up to two children using the passport.)

Bromley Mountain

Kids 5 and under ski for free at Bromley Mountain.

Killington Ski Resort

Children 6 and under always ski for free. In the past, Killington has also run ski and stay packages where a child between 7 and 12 can ski for free, so hopefully, that’ll return for this season as well.

Mount Snow

Children 6 and under ski for free at Mount Snow.

Okemo Mountain Resort

Children 6 and under ski for free at Okemo Mountain.

Pico Mountain

Kids 6 and under ski for free at Pico Mountain. For many years, the mountain has also run an incredible offer where kids (ages 7 to 12) can receive a free season pass with the purchase of an adult season pass. (The child must be a dependent.) However, with this offer, you must purchase by a certain deadline, which has already passed for the 2024-2025 season. This is something to keep in mind for next year.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Kids 4 and under ski for free at Stowe.

In case you find yourself visiting the resort, here is everything you need to know about Stowe. Hint: You can use your World of Hyatt points to stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak at the base of the mountain.

Part of the Power Pass, Pajarito Mountain gives all children 12 and younger a season pass for free.

Sandia Peak Ski Area

Sandia Peak just joined the Power Pass last year, so children 12 and younger get a free season pass.

Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort

Sipapu is also part of the Power Pass, where again, children 12 and younger can get a season pass for free.

Ski Apache

Children 5 and under ski for free at Ski Apache.

Ski Santa Fe

Children 5 and under ski for $20 at Ski Santa Fe.

Taos Ski Valley

Children 6 and under ski for free with a paying adult at Taos Ski Valley.

Related: What’s the best ski pass this season? Comparing Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective and Indy passes

By skiing at a mountain where your kids get free tickets and you can use points and miles on your airfare and hotel, you can make your upcoming ski vacation much more affordable.

Where will your family ski this winter?

Learn more about planning for a ski trip: