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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Townhomes at Bretton Woods are fantastic for families and just a shuttle ride away from Mount Washington’s ski slopes.
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.
The Glen House Hotel is a mere 2 miles from Wildcat Mountain and includes a family-friendly restaurant, indoor pool, and fitness center.
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.
The Kaatskill Mountain Club is an on-site lodging accommodation with three-bedroom suites specifically built for families.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whitetail Mountainside Village is the only lodging available next to the ski slopes with condo-style rooms and townhomes for longer family stays.
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.
Book a Sunrise Condominium for just a 10 minute or less drive to the ski slopes.
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.
Warren Lodge is just 6 miles away from Mad River Glen, offering great-sized condominiums with full kitchens if needed for families.
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.
Black Bear Lodge is just a quick shuttle from the slopes with breakfast included and an on-site restaurant to boot.
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.
The Slopeside Inn at Bolton is steps from the lifts, and when you book your stay directly, you receive marked down lift tickets.
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.
Coach Nelly is back with Part 3 of our guest blog safety series, this time teaching beginners (and reminding everyone) of safe terrain park etiquette.
Dallas Moore
Author