Ski passports for 2026-27, free or almost free, 4th, 5th, and/or 6th grades in selected regions

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As Labor Day approaches, parents of 4th-6th graders should take a look to see if a "ski passport" makes sense for 2026-27. Many passports are only available during the fall. Most are available regardless of where people live. For example, the Utah passport is not restricted to Utah residents. In general, need to plan ahead. Can be especially useful for parents taking a kid to the slopes for the first time.

To get an idea of what may be available, here's the related info for 2025-26:

Ski passports for 2025-26, free or almost free, 4th, 5th, and/or 6th grades in selected regions

I know it's early for families to plan ski trips for the upcoming season, but for those with kids in elementary school it's better to be aware of "ski passports" sooner rather than later. Many passports are only available during the fall. Most are available regardless of where people live. For...

www.theskidiva.com

Epic SchoolKids registration is open. There are programs for Colorado, Utah, and Whistler-Blackcomb that provide a few days of free lift access to kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade. There are holiday blackout dates that vary depending on location. No purchase of an adult Epic pass is required. For Park City, a free first-timer lesson and rental package can be set up in advance once per child. The Colorado program provides to most days (4 days at each Epic resort in CO), but also requires in-person registration.

Epic SchoolKids | Epic Season Pass

With the Epic SchoolKids program, kids in Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Canada can ski and snowboard for free at local Epic resorts. Register now!

www.epicpass.com

 

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The Pennsylvania Adventure Pass for 4th-5th graders is a bit unusual. It's good all year, not just during ski season. If bought in September for $69, the PA Adventure Pass is good through August 2027. Outdoor activities include zip lines, climbing walls, water adventures, caves, and farms.

Home - PA Outdoor Adventure Pass

Always have an answer for"I'm Bored" What is the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass and who is eligible? The PA Outdoor Adventure Pass is a $69 annual program designed for 4th and 5th-grade students to explore Pennsylvania's outdoors. It provides a full year of access (September 1 – August 31) to special...

paoutdooradventure.com

 

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The Colorado Passport is available for 2026-27. Apparently has been around for 30 years.

September 1, 2026

Colorado Ski Country USA Celebrates 30 Years of the Ski Passport as 2026-27 Pass Sales Open | Colorado Ski Country USA

Read more about Colorado Ski Country USA Celebrates 30 Years of the Ski Passport as 2026-27 Pass Sales Open exclusively from Colorado Ski Country USA.

www.coloradoski.com

"For 30 winters, the Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) Ski Passport has been part of the Colorado ski experience for families throughout the state and across the U.S. Launched in 1996 as the 5th Grade Passport, the program introduced an early model of multi-mountain access, giving generations of kids the chance to discover the diversity and character that define skiing in Colorado. The Ski Passport has expanded over the years to include kindergarten through sixth grade, and we celebrate its 30th anniversary this season as sales open September 1 for CSCUSA’s full lineup of 2026-27 passes and programs.
. . .

The Ski Passport reflects a long-running effort by CSCUSA, its member ski areas, and industry partners to support participation in snowsports. Christy Sports has been closely involved for years as presenting sponsor of the Ski Passport and returns for the 2026-27 season. Each Kids’ Ski Passport also includes two free junior rental packages from Christy Sports, adding another practical benefit for families.

“We want more kids to have the opportunity to ski,” said Randy England of Christy Sports. “The Ski Passport connects families to so many different Colorado mountains and gives them an accessible way to spend time outside together. We’re proud to support something that helps make snowsports part of more kids’ lives.”

The 2026-27 Ski Passport is $76 and includes four days of skiing or snowboarding at each of 19 participating Colorado ski areas for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
. . .
Alongside the Ski Passport, CSCUSA’s 2026-27 lineup includes the Gems Teen Pass, Gems Parent Pass, Gems Discount Card, and Gold Pass. Sales open September 1, with the Gems Parent Pass releasing in waves this season to make the limited number of passes available to more families throughout the sales period.

• Gems Teen Pass: Ages 12–17, with two full days at each of 10 Gems resorts, for 20 days total. The 2026–27 price is $210.
• Gems Parent Pass: Available to a parent or legal guardian after purchasing a qualifying Ski Passport or Gems Teen Pass, with one Parent Pass allowed per household. It includes two full days at each of 10 Gems resorts and is $350 for 2026–27. Quantities are limited and released in waves.
• Gems Discount Card: Unlocks discounted adult lift-ticket pricing for two visits at each of the 10 Gems resorts. It is a discount product rather than a pass with lift tickets included.
• Gold Pass: CSCUSA’s fully transferable, unrestricted membership across 19 resorts; an indispensable business tool and a heritage-rich mountain offering that’s in a league of its own.

. . ."

 

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SkiUtah has the Utah passport on sale for 4th, 5th, 6th graders for 2026-27. Get 3 days at each participating resort for $79 until the end of November. Still available after that for $99. Do not need to be a Utah resident.

Includes all the Ikon resorts in Utah. Plus less well known resorts such as Nordic Valley, Brian Head, Sundance, and Beaver.

 

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Vermont has a ski passport for 5th graders for $40 that's good for alpine and cross-country skiing. Open for anyone, not just Vermont residents.

 

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Ski NH isn't quite ready to sell their passport for 4th and 5th graders yet. Open to any students regardless of where they live. Must use an app.

 

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SKI NY will sell passports for 3rd, 4th, 5th graders starting in October.

 

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Last season Alterra had a Kids Ski Free Week at some of their resorts. Palisades Tahoe has announced for late January 2027.

 

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Only applied to people who had kids in certain Idaho school districts last season. Don't know if Tamarack will do the Sky Pass for 2026-27.

Free season pass for K-12 to Tamarak. Included summer lift use.

 

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The PA Outdoor Recreation Association has ramped up the level of marketing they do via the e-list. Have greatly improved their website as well. The interactive map makes it easy to find ski hills that are on the PA Adventure Pass during the winter season. $69 for a pass for a 4th or 5th grader good until August 2027.

PA ski hills within 100 miles of Philadelphia:


PA ski hills within 200 miles of Washington DC (similar map for New York City/NJ):

 

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Ski NH isn't quite ready to sell their passport for 4th and 5th graders yet. Open to any students regardless of where they live. Must use an app.

Ski NH opened up their snow passport program on Sept. 23.

 

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Not a passport, but an actual season pass that is free for kids 12 and under is what Mountain Capital Partners started a while back. Purgatory, Arizona Snowbowl, and Brian Head are probably the better known MCP resorts that could be of interest for out-of-state travelers. All have slopeside lodging that is family-friendly.

I thoroughly enjoyed a powder day at Brian Head a few years ago. Bill and I were driving from Idaho to Las Vegas because I was joining my husband there. DH likes seeing shows in Vegas while staying at a timeshare resort within walking distance of the Strip. Brian Head is an easy 3-hr drive from Vegas, which has non-stop flights for far more cities in the east than SLC. What I didn't realize before going there is that the base elevation is over 9500 ft. With much improved snow making infrastructure in recent years, Brian Head strives to open some groomers in early November if Mother Nature cooperates. There is a separate peak that is essentially only green and blues, which is great for families with never-ever kids or parents who need lessons in order to keep up with rapidly improving kids.

Here's what Brian Head has on their website:

 

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Ski Idaho has a passport for 5th and 6th grades. Any student is eligible, not just Idaho residents. Seems to be good at all ski areas/resorts in Idaho. That includes Sun Valley (Ikon), Grand Targhee (Mountain Collective), Tamarack (Ikon Bonus), Brundage (Indy), and Schweitzer (Ikon).