If your family likes to hit the slopes or you just want a reason to finally cross it off your bucket list, we have some fun info to share. The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA) has a program for 4th and 5th grade students called the Snowpass program where students in both the fourth and fifth grade can ski or snowboard free up to three times at each participating resort when accompanied by a paying adult. The great part is that it is open to all students- not just Pennsylvania residents. Also, fourth and fifth graders can take advantage of a beginner lift, lesson, and rental package free and 50% off a beginner lift, lesson and rental package for the accompanying adult.
Skiing and snowboarding offers 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. Nineteen ski/snowboard resorts across Pennsylvania belong to the Snowpass program.
To apply, parents can head over to www.skipa.com and submit a report card or other document for proof of grade level. The passes are available on a first come, first served basis and there is a $30 registration fee- but with the lessons, and all that free time on the slopes- it’s a great opportunity for students to take advantage of.
Participating Ski Resorts:
- Bear Creek Mountain
- Resort
- Big Boulder
- Blue Knob Ski Area
- Blue Mountain Ski
- Resort
- Camelback Ski Area
- Crystal Lake Cross
- Country Ski Center
- Elk Mountain
- Hidden Valley Resort
- Jack Frost Mountain
- Liberty Mountain
- Resort
- Montage Mountain
- Mystic Mountain at
- Nemacolin
- Woodlands
- Roundtop Mountain
- Resort
- Seven Springs
- Mountain Resort
- Shawnee Mountain
- Ski Big Bear
- Ski Sawmill Family
- Resort
- Tussey Mountain All
- Seasons
- Whitetail Resort