Kids ski free discounts are fantastic and affordable ways for families to get outside during the winter. And fortunately, the East coast has no shortage of ski resorts that provide these valuable deals. In fact, you can easily find many resorts with kids 6 & under ski free offers along with East Coast ski pass programs for kids from 3rd-5th grade.
These pass programs vary by the state:
Maine: The Maine ski passport program recycled into a Winter Kids membership program that offers discounts and rewards for families with kids ages 3-17 for both Maine and New Hampshire. Kids can often ski free at participating resorts.
New Hampshire: Ski NH passport program offers 4th and 5th graders to ski free for 31 days for $30.
New York: Free for Kids program allows 3rd and 4th graders a ski free NY passport which includes 3 lift tickets with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Pennsylvania: Ski free PA passport program grants 4th or 5th graders 3 free lift tickets to each participating resort for up to $40.
Vermont: Ski Vermont 5th grade pass permits 88 days of free skiing at participating resorts for a $20 processing fee.
All of the below 11 resorts not only participate in these passport programs but can also deliver the best, most unique ski resort experiences. From perfect snow, great locations, and reasonable prices to an amazing family-friendly atmosphere, everyone can enjoy the slopes and more.
Sunday River - Maine (ME)
At Sunday River, kids 5 and under ski free every day, and during the kid’s ski free week and the children’s festival, kids aged 3-12 ski free, stay free, and receive free lessons and rental equipment. Make sure to check out the camp’s famous kid’s buffet for tasty grab-n-go treats.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 18
30% Green, 36% Blue, 34% Black
Terrain parks: 5
Average snowfall: 167 inches
Average peak elevation: 3,140 ft
Average base elevation: 800 ft
Ski terrain: 872 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: up to $140 for a day
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $25/day
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Obsessions, Monday Mourning, Lazy River
Recommended Lodging:
The Grand Summit Hotel, conveniently located at the heart of Sunday River, offers plenty of room for the whole family with sleeping arrangements for up to 8, as well as easy slopeside access.
Bretton Woods - New Hampshire (NH)
If you purchase or lease a junior equipment package at Bretton Woods, kids 12 and under can receive a free junior winter mountain pass, which offers a $15 savings on an adult lift ticket, 10% off resort retails shops, 10% off services in the Alpine Repair Shop, unlimited night skiing for kids, and other perks. Children 4 and under also always ski or ride free with a paying adult, and the resort accepts the 4th and 5th-grade ski pass NH program.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 10
23% Green, 28% Blue, 49% Black
Terrain parks: 1
Average snowfall: 200”
Average peak elevation: 3100 ft
Average base elevation: 1600 ft
Ski terrain: 467 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $70/day
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $37/day
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders (perfect for ski NH 5th-grade passport owners): McIntire’s Ride, Two Miles Home, Crawford’s Blaze
Recommended Lodging:
The Townhomes at Bretton Woods are fantastic for families and just a shuttle ride away from Mount Washington’s ski slopes.
Wildcat Mountain - New Hampshire (NH)
Children 6 and under ski free at Wildcat Mountain, which is also on the resort list for NH 5th grade ski passport students. For the less experienced skiers, the mountain includes New Hampshire’s longest summit-to-base novice ski trail, Polecat– a stunning 2.75 miles of gorgeous run. During the ski day, check out the Wildcat Cafeteria for perfect go-to snacks, pizza, sandwiches, soups, goodies and more.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 5
20% Green, 47% Blue, 33% Black
Terrain parks: 1
Average snowfall: 207”
Average peak elevation: 4062 ft
Average base elevation: 1,950 ft
Ski terrain: 225 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $99/day
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $39/day
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Upper Catapult, Lower Cat Track, Black Cat
Recommended Lodging:
The Glen House Hotel is a mere 2 miles from Wildcat Mountain and includes a family-friendly restaurant, indoor pool, and fitness center.
Hunter Mountain - New York State (NY)
At Hunter Mountain, kids 6 and under ski free during the week and for $10 with the purchase of an adult ticket on weekends and holidays. After a day on the slopes, head to Jerry’s Deli for sandwiches then the Waffle Shoppe and Ice Cream Stand for a tasty treat. Hunter Mountain also has kids ski free NY deals through student passport applications.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 13
25% Green, 30% Blue, 45% Black
Terrain parks: 4
Average snowfall: 120”
Average peak elevation: 3,200ft
Average base elevation: 1,600 ft
Ski terrain: 320 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $150/day
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $40/day
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: White Cloud, Way In, Belt Parkway
Recommended Lodging:
The Kaatskill Mountain Club is an on-site lodging accommodation with three-bedroom suites specifically built for families.
Whiteface Mountain - New York State (NY)
Children 6 and under ski free all day at Whiteface Mountain, along with NY ski free 4th-grade participants. From bobsledding, cross country skiing, ice skating, skyriding, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, both kids and adults can find plenty of activities.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 12
24% Green, 44% Blue, 33% Black
Terrain parks: 5
Average snowfall: 168”
Average peak elevation: 4,650 ft
Average base elevation: 1,220 ft
Ski terrain: 300 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $173/day
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $43/day
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Essex, Lower Northway, Victoria
Recommended Lodging:
As the closest lodging accommodation, Hotel North Woods is only 20 minutes away from Whiteface Mountain, all while being a quick elevator ride away from dining and shopping opportunities.
Liberty Mountain Resort - Pennsylvania (PA)
At Liberty Mountain Resort, kids 6 and under get a free lift ticket with the purchase of an adult lift ticket. Parent/Child lessons are available, as well as daycare, camps, and other kid-friendly packages for children 4-12 learning how to ski. Head to Gettysburg National Military Park for a historic local adventure and a day off the slopes.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 8
35% Green, 40% Blue, 25% Black
Terrain parks: 3
Average snowfall: 31”
Average peak elevation: 1190 ft
Average base elevation: 570 ft
Ski terrain: 100 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $111/day
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $20/day
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Lower Strata, White Lightning, Upper Blue Streak
Recommended Lodging:
Liberty hotel offers all of the lodging accessories you need for a snow weekend away with the kids and is just a few minutes away from the slopes.
Whitetail Resort - Pennsylvania (PA)
Kids 6 and under ski free at Whitetail Resort, as well as those with a PA 4th grade ski pass. Whether you have beginner, intermediate, or advanced children skiers, Whitetail caters to every level with their Freestyle Camp, semi-private lessons, and Kid’s Mountain Camp. Parents can grab their favorite Starbucks brew at Daybreak Cafe while kids can enjoy pizza from Mountain Hearth Pizzeria.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 8
32% Green, 45% Blue, 23% Black
Terrain parks: 2
Average snowfall: 40”
Average peak elevation: 1800 ft
Average base elevation: 865 ft
Ski terrain: 120 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $114
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $20
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Exhibition, Fanciful, Ridge Runner
Recommended Lodging:
Whitetail Mountainside Village is the only lodging available next to the ski slopes with condo-style rooms and townhomes for longer family stays.
Killington - Vermont (VT)
Book a Best Vacation Ever, Ski & Stay package to save on lodging and up to 40% off lift tickets at Killington, where kids 6 and under ski free and those with a grade 5 ski pass. Tube under the lights at the Killington Tubing Park, have lunch at Jerk Jamaican Grill, and ride a snowcat-drawn sleigh to the Ledgewood Yurt for ultimate family fun.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 22
28% Green, 33% Blue, 39% Black
Terrain parks: 6
Average snowfall: 250”
Average peak elevation: 4241 ft
Average base elevation: 1165 ft
Ski terrain: 1515 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $175
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $44
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Superstar, Bunny Buster, Needles Eye
Recommended Lodging:
Book a Sunrise Condominium for just a 10 minute or less drive to the ski slopes.
Mad River Glen - Vermont (VT)
Mad River Glen accepts a 5th-grade ski pass and offers some of the most diverse and challenging terrain in New England– ideal for a family of advanced skiers. When accompanied by an adult, kids 5 and under ski free. Visit Molly Stark’s Balcony to grab a hot chocolate and a pretzel if you’re looking for a little quiet after a day on the slopes.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 5
20% Green, 35% Blue, 45% Black
Terrain parks: 0
Average snowfall: 21”
Average peak elevation: 3637 ft
Average base elevation: 1600 ft
Ski terrain: 120 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $119
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $28
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Catamount, Quacky, Fall Line
Recommended Lodging:
Warren Lodge is just 6 miles away from Mad River Glen, offering great-sized condominiums with full kitchens if needed for families.
Stratton Mountain - Vermont (VT)
Children 4 and under get a discounted lift ticket of $10 per day at Stratton Mountain. If you pre-purchase online, you can receive even more discounted rates. Visit Stratton Village for live music, activities, artists, entertainers, shopping, and dining. For both advanced and beginner skiers, families have over 20 different ski/snowboard models to choose from, and 5th graders ski free.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 11
40% Green, 35% Blue, 25% Black
Terrain parks: 4
Average snowfall: 180”
Average peak elevation: 3875 ft
Average base elevation: 1872 ft
Ski terrain: 670 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $164/day
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $42
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Sunriser Supertrail, Polar Bear, Interstate
Recommended Lodging:
Black Bear Lodge is just a quick shuttle from the slopes with breakfast included and an on-site restaurant to boot.
Bolton Valley - Vermont (VT)
Kids 6 and under and Vermont 5th graders ski free at Bolton Valley. Head to the Bolton Valley Sports Center for an indoor skate and bike park, pool, sauna, hot tub, bouncy houses, basketball hoops, games, and more. The Phoenix Books ‘Book Nook’ also has great toys and books for any little ones’ entertainment needs.
Resort Highlights:
Lifts: 6
34% Green, 38% Blue, 29% Black
Terrain parks: 3
Average snowfall: 300”
Average peak elevation: 3150 ft
Average base elevation: 1446 ft
Ski terrain: 300 acres
Kids ski and snowboard lessons: $129/day
Kids ski and snowboard rentals: $39/day
Runs recommended for advanced kid ski and snowboarders: Upper Crossover, Wilderness Liftline, Hard Luck
Recommended Lodging:
The Slopeside Inn at Bolton is steps from the lifts, and when you book your stay directly, you receive marked down lift tickets.
Preparing for your Family Ski Trip
Kids ski free deals can make a world of difference to your budget, but preparing can make your family vacation time all the better. You can sign up for discounts beforehand and take advantage of special early bird deals, or other offers when you sign up to their email list, and the kids’ passport program for 3rd-5th graders as long as you apply in advance. You can plan to rent skis, boards, boots, poles, and helmets directly from the resort to lessen the luggage load, keeping in mind season rentals are often cheaper than renting individually throughout the season.
When packing, remember to bring filling snacks, a water bottle or Camelbak, cash for hot cocoa breaks, and extra clothing to change into afterward. And last but not least, take high-quality kids ski winter clothing. Although you may have free tickets for your kids, it doesn’t guarantee a great time unless they feel warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the day. Kids winter apparel is available at resorts, however, taxes are usually higher, prices more expensive with retail markup, and the selection smaller.
SHRED DOG makes premium and more affordable kids snow gear without the retail markup because of our Direct-2-You pricing system. Our gear is both waterproof and breathable along with other adjustable features specifically designed for children. Enjoy your free lift tickets and supreme kids snow gear to make the day last.
For part 2 of our guest blog series on safety with Raising Little Rippers, Coach Nelly addresses the right habits to teach young skiers and riders for how to avoid collisions.
A guest post by Raising Little Rippers, this is part 1 of a series to keep kids safe on the hill. For the skiers & riders who venture into the trees, tree well safety is critical.
SHRED DOG size guides are based on body size not garment measurements.
Please note that all SHRED DOG products are designed to layer, therefore each product is cut and sized to accommodate the appropriate layers underneath it.
Fit
If you want a "true to size" fit today with minimal room to grow, order the size that your kid falls into on the charts below.
If you want a "looser" fit with more room to grow, we recommend ordering 1 size up and using the Adjust-A-Fit System to shorten the sleeves or pant legs. As kids grow, the sleeves and pant legs can extend with them (only on Hardshells, Insulators, and Pants).
How To Measure
To get the best fitting products please take a few minutes to measure your kid following these simple steps.
For all measuring use a flexible tape. If you do not have a flexible measuring tape, you can you a piece of string etc. to take the initial measurement and then hold it up to a construction style measuring tape.
1) Chest - Measure horizontally around the fullest area of the chest (underneath the arms) with the arms down
2) Waist or Hip – use whichever measurement is bigger to select your final size
a) Waist - Measure horizontally around the narrowest part of the waist, (which is about 2 inches above the belly button)
b) Hip - With feet together measure around the fullest point of the hip, keeping the tape measure horizontal
3) Sleeve Length - With arms in their natural position down by the side, start at point where the spine meets the base of your neck, measure out to the shoulder, then down to the wrist bone
4) Inseam Length - From crotch, along inside of the leg, to the floor.
*NOTE - All outerwear pieces (Hardshells, Insulators, and Pants) can have the sleeves and pant legs reduced up to 2" with our Adjust-A-Fit system. As kids grow, the sleeves and pant legs can grow with them.
Dallas Moore
Author