There are a surprising number of affordable ways to teach your kids to ski. The only catch — they all require some research to implement. There are lots of programs working to get kids on skis.
These programs are often regionally focused, sometimes down to the specific mountain. Below I will provide resources to help you find the right program for you. Let us know in the comments other tips you have found to save money on lift tickets and season passes.
Affordable Kids Ski Programs by Region
The Share Winter Foundation supports amazing programs that provide ski instruction and access to youth with the least traditional access to snow sports. You can find their list of grantees below, and their locations. I recommend exploring these organizations that operate in your region and going to their website to see how you can qualify to participate. Many of these programs have offerings for students who are below the poverty line, as well as programs aimed at more middle class skiers.
https://www.sharewinterfoundation.org/our-grantees
@TravellingMom has provided this helpful blog post outlining ‘Kids Ski Free’ offers across the country. You can find exciting opportunities based on the state below, including places where kids ski for free!
https://www.travelingmom.com/skiing/where-kids-ski-free/
State Passport Programs are another popular option where kids ski free or at a greatly reduced cost. 9 US states and Canada have instituted programs that support reduced price or free kids ski passes. FamilySkiTrips.com has a great overview with links to each state in their post below:
The Mountain Collective can be a good option if you are a family travelling regularly out of state to ski. Youth passes are $99, and each pass comes with 2 lift tickets to 23 different resorts — a total of 46 days on the hill. https://mountaincollective.com/
Affordable Kids Ski Gear
Let is know other ideas you have found to keep skiing affordable for your families. We ski for 20+ days as a family each year and keep our costs to around $700 total for the winter each year. You can learn more here:
If you are looking for great ways to get cheap second hand ski gear, you can learn more here:
https://teachyourkidtoski.com/best-deal-ski-swap/
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This is so helpful and the key to making skiing more than an elitist sport!
I couldn’t agree more. Hopefully these tips help more people recognize that skiing is possible for many families. And, I truly think we end of saving money over not skiing because we would be trying to keep our kids active through sports, jump gyms, and the rest of the things you might be able to choose through the winter that ALL cost money!