It’s almost time to hit the slopes, so get your passes now!

By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Colorado Ski Country USA

In just a few short weeks, the hills will be covered in fresh snow and it will be time to hit the slopes! Make plans now to get pass ready so you can beat the lines and head straight to the top of the mountain. Below is a list of great pass programs.

Fifth and Sixth Grade School of Shred Program

The School of Shred will offer fifth and sixth graders the opportunity to ski four days free at Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek.

Also included in the School of Shred program is a free first-time lesson and rental at Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail or Beaver Creek between December 2 and December 15 or between January 5 and January 31. Pass holders just show the pass at the school of choice.

Simply bring a copy of the child’s report card to Colorado Ski & Sports located next to Park Meadows, and complete the pass application. The child’s photo will be taken and he/she will come home with a pass ready for the 2013-2014 ski/ride season.

For more information about School of Shred and the fifth and sixth grade ski free program, visit www.schoolofshred.com.

Epic Pass, Epic Local, Summit Value Pass and More

The I-70 corridor offers some of the most popular mountains in Colorado. Visit www.snow.com to view pass options available for Vail Resorts’ mountains including Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe Basin.

Colorado Ski Country USA fifth and sixth grade passports

Now in its 17th year, fifth graders can ski or snowboard 60 days FREE across 20 resorts with the Fifth Grade Passport. Passport holders will receive three days at each at participating location, including Copper Mountain, Winter Park, Eldora, Arapahoe Basin, Steamboat, Telluride, Crested Butte, Loveland and many more. These fifth graders also have the opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard during the month of January with a free beginner lesson.

Purchase a Sixth Grade Passport with four days each of skiing or snowboarding at the 20 resorts listed above for $99.

Visit www.coloradoski.com/passport to learn more about the Colorado Ski Country USA’s Fifth and Sixth Grade Ski Programs.

Colorado Ski Country USA’s Gold Pass

Enjoy unlimited access to some of the best mountains in Colorado all season long and with no blackout dates. The pass is transferable so it can be shared among friends, clients, co-workers, family and more. The pass is valid at 20 resorts: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Purgatory, Eldora, Howelsen, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Ski Cooper, Snowmass, Ski Granby Ranch, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park and Wolf Creek.

Visit www.coloradoski.com/gold-pass to learn more about the Gold Pass.