One of the genuine perks of raising kids in Colorado is access to some incredible programs that make skiing and snowboarding far more affordable than you might expect. Lift tickets are just one piece of the cost puzzle, so finding ways to reduce, or eliminate, that expense goes a long way. Here are two programs worth bookmarking if you’re hoping to get your kids on the slopes this winter without the sticker shock.
Epic SchoolKids Pass — Enroll by October 7
This one is hard to beat: it’s completely free. Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade receive 20 days of skiing or snowboarding: four days each at Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte. And if your child has never skied before, they also get one free lesson with rentals included (just know that lesson spots fill up fast and are only offered on select dates, so call at least two weeks ahead to reserve).
Getting enrolled does require an in-person visit — proof of age and grade has to be done in person, not online — so here’s what to do based on your situation:
- First time enrolling: Visit a Front Range Epic Mountain Gear store (there’s one in Aurora) with proof of your child’s grade — a report card, school ID, or transcript will work. Your child needs to come along for this initial appointment.
- Renewing from a previous year: Start by emailing Epic to set up an appointment, then bring proof of grade to your local store. For renewals, your child does not have to be present.
Colorado Ski Country USA Passport
For kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, the CSCUSA Passport is $76 and delivers remarkable value: 76 total days of skiing or riding across 19 resorts; four days each at destinations like Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Eldora, Loveland, Steamboat, Telluride, Winter Park, and more. It also includes two junior daily rentals from Christy Sports.
Teens ages 12 to 17 can take advantage of the Gems Pass for $210, which includes two days at each of ten resorts: Arapahoe Basin, Cooper, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Loveland, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn, Purgatory, and Sunlight.
Both passes are available until January 31, 2027 or until they sell out, whichever comes first. Given the value, it’s worth grabbing them sooner rather than later.
