Where Kids Ski Free in 2020-2021: A State By State Guide

Maybe you’re looking to teach your kids to ski and don’t want to sink too much cash into it until you know they’re interested. Or your family is the definition of ski enthusiasts and you’re on the mountain whenever the chance arises and want to save some dough. Either way, we love these spots where kids ski free across the US (with a few bonus ones in Canada). Where will you ski first?

Before You Take the Kids Skiing

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Before we chat kids ski free, let’s cover some basics. Whether you’re whooshing down Black Diamonds or tentatively tackling the bunny hill, it’s always a good idea to review best practices before each ski season. Here at TravelingMom, we’ve got a wealth of skiing articles and tips to help you plan that ski vacation. Have a question that we don’t answer? Feel free to leave a comment here or on our Facebook page and we’ll get you an answer!

Looking to put the kids in ski school? This can be a great option to both build confidence and give you some adult time. Make sure you know what to ask about ski school. Want to be sure that the resort is kid friendly? We have tips to spot that too.

Not sure what to expect on your first family trip skiing? First timer tips are covered here. You can also brush up on the most common mistakes of first time skiers.

Looking to get the best deal on Ski Tickets, Rentals and Lodging? Save 10%-80% off your next winter vacation from GetSkiTickets.com! 

Where Kids Ski Free By State

We’ve conveniently organized your “kids ski free” options by state. Be sure to click through on the offers for more details and any blackout dates that may apply. Happy trails!

TravelingMom Tip: Covid-19 pandemic rules may mean limited capacity on the mountain, closed warming huts, no apres ski options, masks on the ski lifts and other changes this year. Always call the ski resort or check the website for the latest developments before heading out for your family ski vacation.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort: Kids 6 and under always ski for free. Same for skiers age 80+. Quick heads up: Season pass eligibility is based on your kiddo’s age on December 1. Here’s what one of our writers thought about Diamond Peak Resort.

June Mountain Ski Resort: Kids 12 and under always ski & ride free! Just show up in person to pick up your kiddos’ free lift ticket.

Heading to Colorado? Check out these tips for choosing a family friendly Colorado ski resort.

Live in Colorado? Have a kiddo in kindergarten through fifth grade? Head into your local Front Range Epic Mountain Gear location to register your child for an Epic SchoolKids pass. If you’ve had one in the past there is a way to renew by email. You can check here for details on deadlines to sign up.

The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack includes 4 days of skiing or snowboarding at each of these 5 Colorado resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, Keystone and Breckenridge. (Note: There are some black out dates, so check before you go!)

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Kids Ski Free at Keystone Resort

Copper Mountain Free Kids Skiing

Monarch Mountain

Maine Kids Youth Ski Specials

Maine used to run a program called the WinterKids Passport. That program now operates through an app called WinterKids. There is a $35 membership fee per family of 5. While this makes it not free technically, we’re including it for informational purposes. In 2020 you must sign up by October 31st to take advantage, so don’t delay. The offers cover more than just skiing and extend to other snow sports. You can view a list of included deals here. 

Sunday River: During Children’s Festival from January 4-8, kids 2.5-12 ski free, stay free and get free rentals and lessons when staying three nights or longer in a participating hotel with an eligible adult. Kids 5 and under always ski free at Sunday River.

Michigan Kids Ski Free Locations

Have a 4th or 5th grader in Michigan? Apply for a Cold is Cool Passport and receive up to 3 free lift tickets for your kiddo from a list of more than 28 resort options. There is a $25 fee for the passport. New for the 2020/2021 ski season the passport now operates through an app making it contactless as passes are redeemed. You will need a photo of your child to attach to the printable ID card. It’s a great way to use up that second passport photo!

Boyne Mountain: Kids 5 and under ski free every day at Boyne Mountain. Have some late blooming skiers? They also offer a free beginners area for all ages. Just pick up a free ticket at the ticket window. Our writer found family fun everywhere she turned at Boyne Mountain.

Ski Brule: Kids 9 and under ski free every day at Ski Brule. Become a Friends & Neighbors member (free program) to get $10 equipment rentals for kids on Sundays. More freebies at Ski Brule include Sunday specials of free mac and cheese and free snow tubing.

Montana Kids Ski Free Deals

Big Sky Resort: Kids 6 and under ski for $1. Yes, it used to be free, but the $1 allows them to get a reservation in the system for your kiddo in the time of Covid-19.

New Hampshire Free Kids Skiing Locations

The NH 4th & 5th Grade Ski Passport will be suspended for the 2020-2021 season.

In the past, it gave kids access to 32 vouchers. Each voucher was good for one day of skiing at each of Ski New Hampshire’s 32 member locations for only $30. A portion of the fee goes to the Make A Wish Foundation. You’ll just need to show proof that your child is a 4th or 5th grader in any state.

Because there is no residency requirement, this deal makes New Hampshire a great place to look into for your family ski vacation. Even if your kiddo skis for 1 or 2 days it’s cheaper than individual lift tickets. Be sure to check blackout dates and rules.

Bretton Woods

At Bretton Woods kids 4 and under always ski free with a paying adult. Other special events take place in January historically. At this time none are scheduled for 2021. We will update as they become available.

Gunstock Mountain Resort

Kids 5 and under have always skied for free at Gunstock. It is unclear whether that will continue. Currently a Buckeroo pass for Winter Prime skiing is being sold for kids 0-5 for $49.

Loon Mountain

Kids 5 and under ski free every day. You’ll still need to grab them a ticket but it will be free. Lift tickets will go on sale in November.

Pats Peak

Kids 5 and under ski free with a paying adult every day at Pats Peak. Pats Peak holds a bit of nostalgia, personally, for me. It’s the resort our elementary school visited on ski trips when I was little. The COVID policies are very clearly spelled out for the 2020/2021 season. Pats Peak will be adding additional restrooms near the lifts to avoid lines in the lodge, as well as more outdoor seating and heaters. Be aware that all tickets will be sold online and touch-free redemption kiosks will be available.

Ragged Mountain

Kids 5 and under ski free with a paying adult during the 2020/2021 season at Ragged Mountain.

New Jersey Spots for Kids to Ski Free

New York Kids Ski Free Locations

The Kids Learn to Ski or Ride Passport allows 3rd and 4th graders to ski free (there is a processing fee) at participating ski areas. The Learn to Ski Passport includes a group lesson, lift ticket and equipment rental. There is also a Ski & Ride passport that allows up to 3 free lift tickets per participating resort with the purchase of an adult ticket. Information about the 2020/2021 program has not been released yet.

Belleayre

While daily ticket prices haven’t been released yet, season passes are available. A pass for your 0-6 year old will cost $50 but allows you the option to add on two additional mountains (Gore & Whiteface) for free.

Mount Peter

Considered the “family mountain,” lift tickets at Mount Peter are free for the under 5 crowd daily when accompanied by a paying adult. For $99 you can sign your 4 and under kiddo up for a 1 1/2 hour lesson with rental costs included. For those skiers 5 and up and snowboarders 6 and up free lessons are available with the purchase of a lift ticket. It’s a great mountain to learn on. Lessons are run every half hour from 10 am and 2:30 pm. Each group 1-hour lesson happens at the base of the mountain.

Plattekill Mountain

Kids 6 and under ski free every day.

Rocking Horse Ranch

This spot deserves an honorable mention. As an all-inclusive resort your room rate will include meals, activities, and nightly entertainment. Winter activities include tubing, ice skating, horse drawn carriage rides and of course skiing. If you’re looking for a getaway, especially if the grownups aren’t big skiers, this is a fantastic option. Ski rentals are included as well.

North Carolina Kids Ski Free Spots

Cataloochee Ski Area: Kids 4 and under ski free at Cataloochee with a paying adult. This past season every non-holiday Wednesday was family day. A child 17 and under received a free lift ticket when accompanied by a parent purchasing a full price adult day lift ticket. North Carolina is one of the best places to find snow in the south.

Oregon Kids Ski Free Locations

Mt. Bachelor: Located in Central Oregon, kids 5 and under always ski free at Mt. Bachelor. Kids 12 and under can ski for free for the same number of days as their paying parents. Valid on three day plus tickets. This deal must be purchased online in advance. Best part? No blackout dates!

Pennsylvania Kids Ski Specials

Bolton Valley

Bromley Mountain

Burke Mountain

Jay Peak

Killington

Mad River Glen

Pico Mountain

The Queechee Club

Smugglers’ Notch

Virginia Kids Ski Locales

Wintergreen Resort: Located off of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Wintergreen Resort has solid ski lesson offerings  for kids of all ages and kids 5 and under ski free with a ticketed adult.

Massanutten Resort: Kids 5 and under ski free with a paid adult ticket. Looking for season tickets to skip the booth? You receive a free kiddo pass for the 5 and under set with the purchase of an adult pass. Processing fees will run $19.

Washington State Locations

Several Washington state ski areas participate in the 5th Grade Ski and Ride Passport. Ski the Northwest Rockies participants include 49 Degrees North, Mt. Spokane, and Loup Loup Ski Bowl. There are also several Idaho mountains that participate in this program. Head here to fill out an online application. Once you complete the application and pay a $20 service fee, your kid’s passport will be emailed. It includes three free days at all six participating locations. This program is open to residents and non-residents.

Best Ski Resorts in the USA for Families