Lift tickets are one of the main expenses of a family ski trip. It can rock the ski trip cost sky-high. Colorado, as a family-friendly state, many ski resorts offer kids free to ski and snowboard with the upper age limit. Some ski resorts provide ski pass packages and deals for families. The ski free and package conditions vary from place to place.
This complete guide of Colorado Kids Ski and Snowboard Free (updated every year) gives excellent coverage for most ski resorts in Colorado. And information includes each ski resort’s kid’s ski free ages, available ski passes and the benefits.
I understand time is precious for parents. Therefore, this Kids Ski and Snowboard Free Colorado Guide will save you valuable time. Happy reading!
Table of Contents
Colorado Kids Ski Free and Cheap
How to let kids experience skiing and snowboarding FREE, ski rental FREE, or at a budget price?
There are two costs we can save for kids skiing and snowboarding. First, lift tickets. Like we take a bus to somewhere by purchasing a bus ticket, we need to buy a lift ticket to use the lift. The lift chair will take us to the upper mountain, and we can ski and snowboard down to the foot of the hill. Second, ski equipment is a must whether you buy or rent.
Some Colorado ski passes, kids ski free programs, and ski resorts offer kids skiing and snowboarding for free or sweet discounts, and some also provide free ski lessons and free ski equipment rental for kids.
For sure, there are many ways to make your family ski trip affordable. It is a guide on how to save money on a family ski trip—Click here>>
Colorado Ski Passes for Kids
Four ski passes can benefit kids skiing for free or at a discount price in Colorado: Epic SchoolKids, Grade Ski Passport, Power Kids Pass, and Ikon Pass.
I suggest you check the age limit of ski free in the area before purchasing any lift tickets and ski passes.
Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack
Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a kids ski-free program. It allows Kindergarten through 5th graders that provides four days of skiing and snowboarding at each of the state’s top-ranked resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte. That’s a total of 20 free ski days per kid!
Moreover, Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack offer free first-timer lesson and a rental package for kids to practice and experience their first-time skiing and snowboarding. Two things to note are: first, you must book the class in advance. Second, the free first-timer lesson and rental package must be redeemed as a package and is limited to one total per child (not one per participating resort).
Book for First-time Lesson and Rental Package>>
Back years ago, Vail resort started this program that ensures future generations have access to skiing and snowboarding in Colorado.
New
If this is your first time registering for the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack for kids, make an appointment to visit the Epic Mountain Gear location to register in person. During the visit, you will need to:
- Your kids must be present at the time of registration.
- Provide visual verification of your child’s school age. The school report card, school I.D., school transcript, passport, or birth certificate are acceptable.
- Make an appointment by visiting the Epic Mountain Gear website and selecting the “NEW Epic SchoolKids Registration” option.
Renew
If your child previously had an Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack, you can send an email to [email protected] with the following information:
- Parent name
- Parent date of birth
- Email address
- Phone number
- Physical address
- Kids name
- Kids’ date of birth
Once you receive a confirmation email receipt indicating your child’s Epic SchoolKids pass has been processed, you will need to make an appointment to visit the Epic Mountain Gear location.
Please visit the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack FAQ for more information if you have questions. Click here>>
Colorado Ski Country: The Ski Passport Program
Colorado Ski Country used to provide kids ski free program. However, it has changed. Now they offer the Ski Passport Program that gives 3th to 6th graders skiing for an incredibly reduced rate of $59, four days at each 20 ski areas throughout Colorado. That’s 80 total days! No mention it includes weekends.
You can register a grade ski passport online by visiting their website. You don’t have to meet in person, resident in Colorado, or be in the U.S.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
The participating resorts this year are Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Ski Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Hesperus, Howelsen Hill, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park.
For more information about 20 Colorado ski areas and participating resorts, click here>>
Please visit the Colorado Ski County’s Ski Passport Program FAQ for more information if you have questions. Click here>>
The Power Pass: Power Kids Pass
The Power Pass provides kids 12 and under a FREE Power Kids season pass. The Power Kids Pass is free and allows kids to ski and snowboard all winter at eight mountains: Purgatory, Hesperus, Snowbowl, Pajarito, Sipapu, Nordic Valley, Brian Head, and Spider Mountain.
Ikon Pass
Ikon Passes are one of the most famous skis passes in the world. Ikon Pass has different plans for everyone: Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, and Ikon Session Pass 4-Day.
- Ikon Pass – Up to 7 days with no blackout dates.
- Ikon Base Pass – Up to 5 days with blackout dates.
- Ikon Session Pass 4 Day – Up to 4 days with blackout dates.
The previous Ikon Pass offered a promotion for two free child passes for an adult Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass purchase.
However, they are not running any promotions like this anymore. An Ikon Pass for a kid aged four and under is$149 USD this year (2022/23) and $389 for a child aged 5 to 12.
Current Pricing of the Ikon Passes>>
Aspen Snowmass Kids Ski Free
Kids six and under ski free at Aspen Snowmass!
Aspen is a town in Colorado associated with steep lines, luxury dining, and great bars. The mountains are not only for experts but also beginners and intermediate can have fun. Aspen is great for the family to spend their ski vacations here if you have enough budget.
There are other deals shown below for a family ski vacation.
Stay Aspen Snowmass
Kids 7-12 can ski free if you are lodging at least two nights through Stay Aspen Snowmass and rent kids (ages 7-12) ski equipment from Four Mountain Sports. The lift tickets allow kids to ski and snowboard free at four mountains: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.
Aspen Snowmass Resort kids ski free package>>
Ski Pass Deals in Aspen and Snowmass
Kids in 3rd to 6th grade apply for the Colorado ski passport to ski and snowboard in Aspen, Snowmass, and more for four days each.
Colorado Ski Passport via Colorado Ski Country>>
Arapahoe Basin Kids Ski Free
Kids 5 and under ski free at Arapahoe Basin.
Arapahoe Basin is only an hour west of Denver and just 5 miles east of Keystone. It has some of the highest terrains in North America and Colorado’s longest ski and rides season. Here are things that all families would love free parking and the lift is directly next to the parking lot.
Arapahoe Basin Full Season Pass>>
A-Basin Kids Ski Pass Deals
The Ski Passport Program via Colorado Ski Country offers 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders skiing for four days for only $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Beaver Creek Kids Ski Free
Beaver Creek is super beginner-friendly. There are separate beginner lifts directly at Beaver Creek Village and an easy run from the mountain back to the village that all beginners can enjoy.
Also, Beaver Creek is a perfect place for a family escape. It provides endless fun for everyone in the family. There’s an outdoor rink in the middle of the village, and you can enjoy ice skating at the Beaver Creek Ice Rink.
Kids six and under ski free in Beaver Creek. It would be best to visit the window to purchase the free tickets.
Book Beaver Creek Lift Ticket>>
Free Beaver Creek Epic Pass
Beaver Creek is one of the participants in the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack. Kindergarten through 5th graders receives SKI FREE, FREE SKI RENTAL, and FREE first-time SKI LESSON in Beaver Creek.
Book for Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack>>
Breckenridge Kids Ski Free
Kids four and under ski free in Breckenridge. You visit the resort ticket window to purchase and pick up free lift tickets for kids (4 and under).
Breckenridge is a historic town with quaint Victorian buildings, famous for its luxury ski resorts and glamorous mountains. Compare the cost of family ski vacations between Breckenridge and Aspen. Breckenridge will be a bit cheaper than the other in my experience. However, it’s still not cheap. You can save money by getting a free Breckenridge Ski Pass for kids or kids rental for free.
Free Breckenridge Ski Pass
Breckenridge also participates in the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack. So that Kindergarten through 5th graders receives SKI FREE, FREE SKI RENTAL, and FREE first-time SKI LESSON.
Book for Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack>>
Copper Mountain Kids Ski Free
Kids 4 and under ski free in Copper Mountain.
Copper Mountain Lift Tickets>>
Copper Mountain provides a laid-back atmosphere, whether a day or a week at the resort. It welcomes all level skiers and snowboarders so that everyone enjoys the mountain at their own pace.
Ski Rentals at Copper Mountain>>
Copper Season Pass Deals
Copper Season Pass offers a benefit for the family. Kids 15 and under receive a free pass when purchasing an adult pass.
Colorado Grade Ski Passport allows 3rd to 6th graders can ski for four days in Copper Mountain for only $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Ski Rentals at Copper Mountain>>
Cooper Kids Ski Free
Kids ski free isn’t available in Cooper 2022/23 season. Cooper offers kids 5 & under a season pass at $10 without partner benefit this season.
Cooper brings you an authentic skiing experience. Cooper has soft snow and terrains for all abilities, with a family-friendly vibe. You can get the whole family skiing and snowboarding here without bank-breaking because the prices are down to earth.
Older kids can apply for Colorado Grade Ski Passport, which allows 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders can ski for four days in Cooper for only $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Crested Butte Kids Ski Free
Crested Butte, located in the central Rocky Mountains in Colorado, offers varied terrain that 1/4 is beginner-friendly, cowboy culture, excellent snow, less crowded, and plenty of activities that keep kids busy. Great for family ski trips.
Kids six and under ski free in Crested Butte. You can purchase it at the resort ticket window.
Moreover, you can apply Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack for kids. It allows kids, Kindergarten through 5th graders, free to ski, ski rental and ski lessons.
Book for Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack>>
Echo Mountain Kids Ski Free
Echo Mountain is the closest ski resort to Denver at an affordable price.
When purchasing an adult pass, it offers kids six and under a free ticket.
In addition, you can buy Colorado Grade Ski Passport for kids 3rd to 6th graders can ski for four days in Echo Mountain for only $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Eldora Kids Ski Deals
Eldora is located just 49 miles from Denver. Kids age four and under can purchase an alpine season for $99. Unfortunately, there are no kid’s ski-free options in Eldora.
Or $59, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders can ski for four days in Eldora with Colorado Grade Ski Passport.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Granby Ranch Kids Ski Free
Granby Ranch is a family-owned ski resort located only 90 miles from Denver. You can easily access this family-friendly resort from Denver. It offers different types and difficulties of the terrain. Beginners and first-time skiers can have fun here. Kids five and under tickets are free when purchased with an Adult or Golden ticket. While purchasing a Child ticket, ensure you buy an Adult or Golden ticket simultaneously.
Granby Ranch Lift Ticket Pricing>>
There’s another lift ticket option for 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade kids. They can ski for four days in Granby Ranch with Colorado Grade Ski Passport.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Hesperus Kids Ski Free
Kids 12 and under ski free in Hesperus! Fantastic sweet benefit ever! All you need to do is apply for Power Kids Pass by visiting their website.
Colorado Grade Ski Passport provides 3rd to 6th grades kids skiing in Hesperus for four days at $59. However, it is less attractive than the genuinely FREE Power Kids Pass in Hesperus.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Keystone Kids Ski Free
Kids four and under ski free in Keystone. Head to the Keystone resort ticket window to purchase this specialty ticket.
Moreover, kids 12 and under ski for free if you book two or more nights of lodging directly with Keystone. There are no blackout dates and additional costs.
Directly book Keystone Lodging>>
Free Keystone Ski Pass
Keystone also participates in the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack. Kindergarten through 5th graders receives SKI FREE, FREE SKI RENTAL, and FREE first-time SKI LESSON in Keystone.
Book for Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack>>
Loveland Kids Ski Free
Kids five and under ski free in Loveland.
Loveland ski resort is near Denver, just 53 km from Denver.
It offers 1800 acres of remarkable terrains and free snowcat skiing. Loveland is a perfect place for those that want to ski or ride.
Loveland Lift Ticket Pricing>>
You can buy Colorado Grade Ski Passport for kids 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders can ski for four days in Loveland for only $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Monarch Kids Ski Free
Kids six and under ski free in Monarch Mountain.
Monarch is affordable and perfect for people to avoid fuss and commotion. The parking lot beside the lift makes it convenient for families with toddlers.
You can buy Colorado Grade Ski Passport for kids 3rd to 6th graders can ski for four days in Monarch for only $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Powderhorn Kids Ski Deals
Powderhorn sits on the world’s largest flattop mountain, Grand Mesa. It offers mountain terrain that 70% of runs are beginner and intermediate—an idea for families with kids.
Kids five and under can ski in Powderhorn at $29 Child Season Pass.
Powderhorn Lift Ticket Pricing>>
Powderhorn Season Pass Pricing>>
Powderhorn also participates in the Colorado Grade Ski Passport. Kids 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders can ski for four days in Powderhorn for only $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Purgatory Kids Ski Free
Kids 12 and under ski free in Purgatory! Apply Power Kids Pass for this incredible benefit by visiting their website.
Purgatory Resort is in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. It’s known for its spectacular scenery, multiple terrains for all abilities, historic downtown, and Colorado’s largest snowcat skiing operation. Purgatory has something for everyone.
As Purgatory participates in the Colorado Grade Ski Passport, kids 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders can ski for four days in Purgatory for $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Steamboat Springs Kids Ski Free
It’s home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat ski resort.
Howelsen Hill
Kids four and under ski free in Howelsen Hill.
Howelsen Hill Lift Ticket Pricing>>
Howelsen Hill offers affordable skiing and snowboarding for all levels. Also, it provides alpine, nordic, freestyle, and snowboarding training for beginners to Olympians. You can easy to find present and future Olympians here.
Steamboat
One of North America’s top family resorts, Steamboat is famous for its authentic western atmosphere, Olympian tradition, Champagne Powder snow, and friendliness. Steamboat provide ski school to get kids on the mountain.
Kids 12 and under ski free the same number of days as their parent, grandparent, or legal guardian when purchasing a five or more day adult lift ticket.
Steamboat Springs Kids Skiing Deal
The Ski Passport Program provided by Colorado Ski Country allows kids in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade to ski in Howelsen Hill and Steamboat for four days at each ski resort at $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Silverton Kids Ski Free
There are two ski areas in Silverton: Silverton Mountain and Kendall Mountain.
Silverton Mountain
Are you comfortable with blacks and double blacks at ski resorts? Silverton Mountain is Colorado’s steepest ski area, welcome ski experts. Kids 17 and under can go unguided skiing at $69 Kids Season Pass.
Book Silverton Mountain Kids Season Pass>>
Please visit the Silverton Mountain FAQ for more information if you have questions. Click here>>
Kendall Mountain
Unlike Silverton Mountain, Kendall Mountain is an idea for families and beginner skiers. There are great special tickets for kids. Although Kendall Mountain is no longer participating in the Colorado Grade Ski Passport since this season, 2022/23.
Kids five and under ski free in Kendall Mountain, Silverton. (reservations required) The free tickets for kids are available in limited quantities and by advance online purchase only. Strongly encourage purchasing free tickets for kids in advance.
Book Kendall Mountain Free Lift Tickets>>
Telluride Kids Ski Free
Kids five and under ski free in Telluride!
You and your child need to come into their office to get the free daily ski passes they don’t offer online.
Telluride is a modern mountain village with the Ute Indians and fascinating mining history. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains are spectacular. Telluride’s location and size offer people feel tranquillity and calmness. It offers wide beginner runs, glades tree skiing, multiple terrain parks, and some of the most advanced terrain in Colorado.
Purchase Telluride Lift Tickets>>
Please visit the Telluride ski resort FAQ for more information if you have questions. Click here>>
Telluride Kids Pass Deal
As Telluride ski resort participates in the Colorado Grade Ski Passport, 3rd to 6th graders can ski for four days in Telluride for $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Vail Kids Ski Free
Vail is a very kids-friendly ski resort. Kids have lots of activities to do in Vail all season, such as snowboarding, dog sledding, ice skating, adventure ridge, etc.
If you pick up a Kid’s Specific trail map, there are over 11 different Kid Adventure Zones in Vail. These adventure zones are great for kids learning new skills and building confidence with family in a fun way.
Vail also offers some of the steepest and most fun terrain in Colorado that all experts can enjoy.
To obtain free tickets for Kids 6 and under in Vail, you only need to visit the ticket window to purchase special tickets for kids.
Free Vail Epic Pass
Vail is one of the participants in the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack. Kindergarten through 5th graders receives SKI FREE, FREE SKI RENTAL, and FREE first-time SKI LESSON in Vail.
Book for Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack>>
Winter Park Kids Ski Free
Winter Park, the most extended continually operated ski resort in Colorado, offers more than 3,000 acres of award-winning terrain, including groomers, terrain parks, deeps, steeps, trees and most definitely world-famous bumps at Mary Jane. Everyone can enjoy and have fun here.
There are no kid ski-free programs in Winter Park. They provide another way that benefits not only kids but beginners.
If you or your kids are first time skiing, the Galloping Goose lift ofter everyone skiing for free on their two very short runs. Great for beginners to practice and enjoy the first-time skiing experience. However, you will have to check their website to see if the Galloping Goose lift is running, as it is not always open and usually opens by mid-December.
If the two short runs are insufficient, you can buy ski passes from Winter Park and discounts on food and retail items. The Children’s Pass, $30 all season, does NOT come with discounted lift tickets for friends and family. There’re other children’s ski passes with special offers. Please check below.
Winter Park Ski Pass Specials
Winter Park participates in the Colorado Grade Ski Passport. Kids 3rd to 6th grades can ski for four days in Winter Park for $59.
Grade Ski Passport Registation>>
Wolf Creek Kids Ski Deals
Wolf Creek ski area accumulates snow earlier for skiing, and the quality powder snow makes all skiers and snowboarders in love. It’s great for family ski vacations because of its affordable price, less crowded, and tranquillity atmosphere.
Kids five and under ski for a low price, $6.
Wolf Creek Lift Ticket Pricing>>
FAQs
Some questions people frequently ask.
Where do Kids Ski Free near Denver?
Echo Mountain, Granby Ranch, Loveland.
Where is The Most Affordable Place to Ski in Colorado?
There are cheap family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado: Cooper, Echo Mountain, Granby Ranch, Monarch, Kendall Mountain in Silverton, and Wolf Creek.
How do I Plan a Family Ski Trip on A Budget?
There are some valuable tips to save money on your family ski trip.
Colorado Budget Family Ski Vacation Planner>>
How do You Ski with A Toddler?
As much fun as it is, skiing is hard work. The key to skiing with a toddler is PREPARE.
Tips for Skiing with Toddlers and Preschoolers>>
Where is The Best Place to Ski with Children?
There are plenty of ski resorts that offer kids ski free in Colorado. You may feel hard to choose one. You can see which town is charming, which makes you want to explore—Click here>>
Where is The Best All-inclusive Ski Resort for Families in Colorado?
Winter Park, Vail, Copper Mountain, Steamboat, Purgatory, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin.
Is Vail or Breckenridge Better for Kids?
Vail has a ton of beginner and intermediate terrain. The amenities and massive make it great for family ski vacations.
On the other hand, Breckenridge is world-famous for its skiing and snowboarding, a bit more terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders than Vail. Families can have a lot of fun in its hustle and bustle.
Both offer Kindergarten through 5th graders free ski rental, free first-time ski lessons and ski for free by applying for Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack.
