FTF's Free Travel Fun columnist takes to the snow so school-age children can use free lift tickets to instill a life-long love of snowsports.

You don’t have to be rich to enjoy skiing, but it helps: there are few family activities that offer such a variety of money-blowing opportunities. A family of four can easily spend $200 per day at the slopes, and that does not include food or accommodation.

The good news is that there are money-saving offers for kids and families allowing you to plan for a healthy, fun family vacation without going broke in the process. Several ski-friendly states allow youngsters of a certain age to ski for free, either for a certain number of days or all season long. In most cases, these programs are available to both residents and nonresidents of the state, but sometimes the child must be accompanied each day by an adult who is paying for a lift ticket.

Each state’s program is different, so check for specific rules and regulations. Most simply require that you fill out a form and submit a small registration fee. The objective is to encourage kids to try skiing and snowboarding, and keep them interested, and not just for the excitement and experience of outdoor recreation but so they will bring their (full-paying) parents and family members to the slopes.

To get your ski freebies check out some of the best programs, listed alphabetically below:

Colorado

Ski Country USA was the first to create a free ski program for fifth graders called the 5^th Grade Passport. The program allows students hit 21 world class resorts each offering three days of free skiing or snowboarding.  Plus a recent addition to the program is the new 6^th Grade Passport.  Although these older kiddies do not get a completely free pass, 6^th graders do get a whopping four days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the 21 participating resorts for a mere $99. More details on www.coloradoski.com; (303/866-9707).

Maine

In Maine, the Winter Kids Passport program offers all fifth, sixth, and seventh graders an entire season of free winter fun opportunities including downhill, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and ice skating, along with free or discounted lessons and rentals. No blackout dates. Only state residents can participate. Apply at www.winterkids.org; (207/871-5700).

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s 4^th and 5^thGrade Snowpass program allows these school children a free ski or snowboard lesson, free equipment rental and free lift tickets at 22 participating ski areas, including Whitetail and Ski Roundtop. To apply for the ski pass parents must send a completed application, document verifying school grade, photo of the student and $15 non-refundable processing fee. More information available at Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association’s website: www.skipa.com or call (570/443-0963).

Utah

Utah’s program, called the 5^th and 6^th Grade Passport allows a free lift ticket for a maximum of two fifth graders per each paying adult daily. Kids can ski or snowboard for free three times at each of Utah’s 13 participating resorts (almost every resort in Utah, including Sundance, Deer Valley, Alta, Park City, and others). The 6^th Grade Passport program allows students to ski or snowboard one day free at each of participating resorts. For more details, call (801/534-1779) or check www.skiutah.com. 

Vermont

In Vermont where skiing is a major industry, a 5^th Grade Passport program allows kids to enjoy up to 111 days (three times at each resort) of free skiing and riding at 15 Alpine (downhill) and 22 Nordic (cross-country) ski areas in Vermont when they are accompanied by a paying adult. Apply at www.skivermont.com and remember that there is a $10 processing fee; (802/223-2439 ex. 301). 

New Hampshire

In this state, the program called Earn Your Turns Program asks fourth graders to write an essay, draw a picture, or build a model depicting some aspect of New Hampshire’s skiing history and heritage. After the work is approved, the student receives a passbook containing coupons redeemable for free lift tickets and trail passes at all 38 members resorts of Ski NH as well as discount coupons on rentals, lessons, tickets and food for the whole family. This program has been so successful that Ski New Hampshire added the 5th Grade Snowsports Passport, which allows students to send a special application and passport to get lift ticket vouchers and cross country trail passes. Information on the program is available on www.skinh.com; or call (800/887-5464).

New York

The New York State Division of Tourism offers the fourth graders, residents and non-residents, a Ski & Ride Passport book containing three coupons for free skiing and/or snowboarding at each of the participating ski resorts in New York State. (There is a small processing fee.) For more details on www.44free.com; (315/696-0963).