Take Your Children Skiing for Free at These New York Locations

Both parenting bucket list and Joy List included taking my kids on family ski trips, swishing through the powder. I learned how to ski (well, snowboard) as an adult, and have been wanting to share my love of the slopes with my children. This year is the year! I discovered New York offers a fantastic free ski program for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders—the Kids Ski Passport. This pass allows children to ski for free at many NYS ski areas. With over 50 ski resorts scattered across the state, this program is a testament to New York’s commitment to fostering a love for winter sports in the younger generation. Even better, anyone is eligible, they don’t have to live in New York state!

If you’re considering introducing your kids to skiing or snowboarding, this program is an excellent starting point. One of the program’s highlights is its flexibility. The Kids Ski Passport allows eligible children to explore multiple resorts, exposing them to different terrains and experiences. This variety adds an exciting dimension to their winter adventures, encouraging them to discover their preferred slopes.

The Fine Print:

There are a few rules, of course. Some resorts do not accept the pass during holiday periods (Christmas, MLK weekend, President’s week). Also, it’s not an unlimited free lift pass. The passport provides 2 complimentary one-day child tickets per child, with the purchase of an adult lift ticket. One adult can redeem passes for 2 kids per day. There is a small $41 processing fee (about half the cost of a lift ticket).

Locations:

I created this map of participating ski resorts for the 2023-2024 ski season. This makes it easy to see how far away each spot is from your home.

One thing I learned last year is that you save money by going to a shop and renting for the season versus renting at the mountain for a weekend. I spent approximately $150 to rent snowboards last year for MLK weekend, and spent $175 this year to rent for the whole season. It pays to plan ahead. So far, we’ve only skied as a family once, but winter isn’t over…especially upstate.

Make the most of winter in New York state. And remember, you don’t need to live in New York to be eligible for the passport. Sign up!

As a reminder, make safety a priority. Wear a helmet! You can rent ski helmets for about $20 a day. Or you could buy a helmet [we have this one (aff)] and be ready to hit the slopes all season long.