There’s something extra special about taking family vacations with the kids while they’re still kids! And as stressful as it can be wrangling the little ones through the airport or paying the final bill at the end of your trip, it also has some epic advantages – especially when you’re planning on taking a ski vacation.
Aside from showing the little ones how to ski or snowboard for their first time, there are several ski resorts across the country where kids can ski for free. That’s right! So instead of worrying about keeping your kids in line or the hit your bank account might take, just take to the slopes at these incredible ski resorts.
Where Can Kids Ski for Free?
1. Purgatory Resort
Durango, Colorado
Nestled in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, Purgatory Resort is an excellent destination when traveling with children ten years old or under. The deal is straightforward in that any child within that age group can get a free season pass – no purchase necessary.
This is an especially great deal considering Purgatory Resort has been included in Condé Nast’s rankings of the “Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada.” And if you’re looking for some adult-only time on the slopes, the resort also offers childcare services seven days a week.
2. Steamboat Resort
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Another Colorado-based ski resort also has a system where kids can ski for free – but with a bit of a twist. The best part about free skiing at Steamboat Resort is the age cap: 12 years old! However, kids can only ski for free if their accompanying adult purchases a 5-or-more day lift ticket. And considering the resort is investing $135 million on and around the mountain, we think a family vacation to Steamboat will be worth every penny.
3. Park City Mountain
Park City, Utah
Located just 32 miles east of Salt Lake City is the beautiful Park City Mountain. Home to an abundance of Olympic-level training courses, you may be surprised to find that Park City is kid-friendly, too.
In fact, kids can ski for free at Park City for five days. Only valid for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, you simply need to register your child in the Epic SchoolKids initiative prior to the start of the season.
4. Cataloochee Ski Area
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
With 44% of slopes rated for beginners, Cataloochee Ski Area is an excellent destination for kids new to skiing. And the mountain offers several ways for kids to hit the slopes for free. To start, any child under the age of 4 can ski for free if accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Additionally, any child 17 and under can receive a free lift ticket when accompanied by a parent purchasing a full-price adult day lift ticket on “Family Days” – every non-holiday Wednesday starting in January.
5. Mt. Bachelor
Bend, Oregon
For a limited time, Mt. Bachelor offers a ‘Kids Ski Free’ package that affords great value for families looking to ski with their kids on multiple days. Children 12 and under can ski for free for the same number of days as their parents. However, a special ‘Kids Ski Free’ 3-of-3 day adult lift ticket must be purchased in advance.
6. Deer Valley Resort
Park City, Utah
Kids can ski for free at Deer Valley Resort with a deal equally as sweet as the other offers we’ve included, just with a few more steps. First, you must book an early-season Family Value Package for a minimum of three nights’ lodging. Doing so will allow you to save 20% on your lodging, lift tickets, and kids’ rentals. Included in this package is free skiing for kids under the age of 12 for the duration of your stay.
Now that you know of quite a few places where your kids can ski for free, plan a family trip! Grab a free quote to ship your luggage ahead before jetting off on your winter vacation for stress-free travel to the slopes and back home again.