Head to the hills fifth and sixth graders ski free
Fifth graders Logan and Samuel are thrilled to have a chance to ski free this winter!
By Elean Gersack with photo courtesy of Laurie Jacobs
It’s almost time to pack up the car and head to the snow covered hills. In a few short weeks, snow will blanket the mountains and snowmaking machines will add fluff to nature. Families with fifth and sixth graders have cause for celebration during this magic time of year, thanks to the Colorado Ski County USA Fifth and Sixth Grade Passport programs.
The Fifth Grade Passport program touts three FREE days of skiing or snowboarding at 21 resorts — a total of 63 days of winter delight. Moving up to sixth grade still has its perks. For just $99, sixth graders receive four FREE ski or snowboard days at the same resorts. Both passports come with a host of lift ticket and lesson coupons to share with the entire family. So, for families with fifth and sixth graders, it is definitely the time to explore the high country.
New this year from Colorado Ski Country USA is the First Class Program. Fifth graders who have never skied before are eligible for a free beginner lesson and rental package. It’s easy! Once enrolled in the passport program, families are contacted to arrange for the lesson.
A great add-on to the passport programs is the Gems Card. For just $10, families can purchase this card offering coupons to some of Colorado’s smaller resorts. These resort ‘gems’ are smaller and easier to maneuver – just right for families new to snow sports.
Applications for the 2011-2012 passports will be sent home from schools during late September or early October. Applications can also be downloaded online at www.coloradoski.com. Proof of age such as a report card, birth certificate, or school ID card is required if applying online (applications sent to schools will contain a unique application code that will act as proof of age).
The 2011-2012 participating resorts are: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Copper, Crested Butte, Purgatory (Durango), Echo Mountain, Eldora, Howelsen Hill, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Ski Cooper, Snowmass, SolVista, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park, and Wolf Creek.
For more information about the Fifth and Sixth Grade Passport programs, First Class Program or Gems Card visit www.coloradoski.com and click on “Passes & Programs.” For specific questions, e-mail us or call 303-866-9707.
