Get Outside! Fourth and Fifth Graders Ski for Free in PA

Fun fact: a 90lb kid can burn 200-300 calories an hour skiing/snowboarding. And now they can for FREE! The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA) is offering free skiing or snowboarding for fourth and fifth graders through its Snowpass program.

Ugh. Well, it looks like winter is definitely coming this year, as always (I’m not a fan). But if you and your kids like the snow, you’re going to love this news.

If you’ve got a fourth or fifth grader in the house, you HAVE to take advantage of this great deal.

When kids in those two grades sign up for their Snowpass from the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association, they’ll be able to ski or snowboard at 19 different participating PA resorts for free, up to three times at each resort when accompanied by a paying adult.

Complete snow sports novice? No problem— they’ll also receive a beginner lift, lesson, and rental package free! (If the accompanying adult is also a newbie, they can also get the beginner lift, lesson and rental package, at 50% off.)

We have found that fourth and fifth graders are at the ideal age to learn a new sport with ease and to excel rapidly. Through the Snowpass Program and on-mountain experience, students can see the lessons of their 4th & 5th grade science studies in action (such as water resources at work, geology structure, and the physics of lift mechanics).

-PSAA Executive Director Linda Irvin

Now in its 13th year, the Snowpass is also a fantastic, fun way for families to stay active and burn calories through the winter. Kids and adults can earn points towards the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award; skiing and snowboarding are included activities for the President’s Challenge organized by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

Any fourth or fifth grader can participate; the program isn’t strictly for Pennsylvania students. They just need to fill out an application and provide a both a photo and a report card or other document verifying they’re currently in the fourth or fifth grade. The application can be filled out online or you can download/print out an application and apply by mail.

Important details:

• There is an administration/processing fee of $35 before December 1st and $40 after.
• Snowpasses are first come, first serve and quantities are limited.
• Some blackout dates apply at some resorts.
• You need to already have your Snowpass in hand to receive your free lift ticket, you can’t apply at the resort and ski that day.

The Snowpass program helped nearly 12,000 kids hit the slopes last year! Participating resorts this year: Bear Creek Mountain, Big Boulder, Blue Knob, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Crystal Lake Cross Country Ski Center, Elk Mountain, Hidden Valley, Jack Frost, Liberty Mountain, Montage Mountain, Nemacolin Woodlands, Roundtop Mountain Resort, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear, Ski Sawmill Family Resort, Tussey Mountain, Whitetail Resort.

Get more info and fill out the application at www.skiPA.com.