Snowpass Program Allows 4th and 5th Graders to Ski & Ride for Free in Pennsylvania

kids ski free, pennsylvania — Credit: SkiPA

Fourth and Fifth Graders Ski & Ride for FREE in Pennsylvania & Have a Chance to Win FREE Gilson Skis and Boards

The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (SkiPA) wants to make it easy and fun for families to learn a new sport and stay active this winter. The Snowpass program provides every fourth and fifth grader the opportunity to ski or snowboard for free, up to three times at 21 participating Pennsylvania area ski resorts, when accompanied by a paying adult.

Related: What’s New at Pennsylvania’s Ski Resorts for the 2019/2020 Season

Now is the perfect time for families who are not already skiing to learn a new sport with some cool added incentives for fourth and fifth graders. In celebration of the sixteenth anniversary of the Snowpass program, SkiPA has partnered with SHEETZ and Gilson to give away over 100 FREE skis and snowboards. The first 60 skiers and 60 snowboarders to reach five days on the mountain with their Snowpass will win a FREE Special Edition pair of Gilson Youth Skis or Gilson Snowboards. There is no need to enter, the Snowpass automatically counts the visits and winners will be posted here on the SkiPA web site.

The Snowpass contains (1) FREE Learn to Ski/Board package, which includes beginner lift ticket, lesson and equipment rental with a paying adult. And, also comes with 50% off one adult Learn to Ski/Snowboard package to the resort of choice. The program is not restricted to residents of Pennsylvania. Any fourth or fifth-grade student can participate by completing a simple application and providing a report card or other document verifying they are currently in the fourth or fifth grade. A photo of the student is also required. You can apply online at www.skipa.com or download an application and apply by mail. There is a nominal administration/processing fee of $35 and $40 December 1, 2019, or after. Quantities are limited. Snowpasses are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. Details of the program including rules and black-out dates can be found on the SkiPA web site.

Skiing and snowboarding provide families the opportunity to exercise outside together during the winter months. A ninety-pound youth can burn between two and three hundred calories per hour skiing and / or snowboarding depending on their activity level. Skiing and snowboarding are listed among the activities included in the President’s Challenge organized by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Children and adults can earn points toward a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by skiing and snowboarding. Twenty-one ski/snowboard resorts across Pennsylvania belong to the Snowpass program. The Snowpass can be used at the following Pennsylvania ski area resorts: