Friends, Zach and Aidan, get ready to take a run at Steamboat in 2013. Hurry up and get your passes and get ready for the upcoming ski and snowboard season!

By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of the Lauretti Family

In no time at all, the mountains will be covered with fresh powder and it will be time to snap on skis and strap on snowboards. Beat the crowds by getting your pass early so you can head straight to the top of the mountain. Below is a list of some great pass programs in Colorado …

Fifth and Sixth Grade School of Shred Program

The School of Shred will once again 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 January 5 and January 31. Pass holders just show the pass at the ski or snowboard school of choice.

Simply bring a copy of the child’s report card to Colorado Ski & Sports located by Park Meadows Retail Resort, and complete the pass application. The child’s photo will be taken and he/she will come home with a pass ready for the 2014-2015 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

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 participating location, including Copper Mountain, Winter Park, Eldora, Arapahoe Basin, Steamboat, Telluride, Crested Butte, Aspen Highlands, Ski Granby Ranch, Loveland and many more. Fifth graders who have never skied or snowboarded have the opportunity to learn 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 http://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

Are you a mega skier or businessperson wanting to share the thrills of the Colorado Mountains with colleagues? If so, the Colorado Ski Country USA’s Gold Pass might be for you! Enjoy unlimited access to some of the best mountains in Colorado all season long and with no blackout dates for $3,100. The pass is transferable so it can be shared among friends, clients, co-workers, family and more. The pass is valid at 20 resorts across Colorado. Visit http://www.coloradoski.com/gold-pass to learn more about the Gold Pass.