If you have a 5th or 6th grader it is time to start thinking about getting them their Free/Cheap Ski/Snowboard passes. The way it works is that there are two different programs: School of Shred & Colorado Ski Country USA. They both offer 5th graders free skiing, but at different locations, so you want to get both! They offer 6th graders cheap or free skiing depending on the program. More details below.

5th Graders: You get 4 days of free skiing at all Colorado Vail Resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and A-Basin [School of Shred]. In addition you get 3 days of free skiing at 20 other Colorado ski resorts including Aspen, Buttermilk, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Winter Park, and many more [Colorado Ski Country USA]. In addition you also get one free ski/snowboard lesson and equipment rental through both programs. They really want you to get good!

6th Graders: You can purchase a pass for 4 days at all 20 Ski Country USA resorts for $99. This is a screaming good deal! My read on the School of Shred is that they are offering the same deal for 6th graders as they did for 5th graders–4 free days of skiing at their resorts.

Both programs will be up and running by the end of September, but it could be sooner. To apply go to:

School of Shred Passport Sign Up: You have to check back on this one as it is not available yet.

Colorado Ski Country USA Passport Sign Up: I just signed my 5th grader up.

Have fun skiing/snowboarding!