Colorado Ski Country Resorts Serious About Family Savings

There’s no question skiing puts a dent in your wallet, but this season Colorado Ski Country USA resorts provide affordable fun for families looking to hit the slopes, including kids-ski-free programs with complimentary or discounted lift access.

The good news, deals are available for every skill level from newbie to expert, and for skiers or snowboarders. Here is a sampling of what’s available.

Got a middle schooler in the house? The fifth- and sixth-grade Passport Program offers fifth graders the chance to ski or ride three days (for free) at any of the 22 participating member resorts across the state. Meanwhile, sixth graders can ski for four days at the same 22 resorts for $110. All passport holders receive one complimentary junior rental from Christy Sports.

At Arapahoe Basin Ski Area children under age 5 ski free every day. Families can obtain a free 5 and under lift ticket by bringing their child to the ticket window.

Aspen Snowmass offers free lift tickets with equipment rentals from Four Mountain Sports for children aged 7–12. The package must be booked with lodging through Stay Aspen Snowmass and is valid Jan. 1–April 21. Kids aged 6 and under always ski free at Aspen Snowmass.

Copper Mountain offers the One, Two, Free! package for children aged 12 and younger, including free skiing with purchase of a two-day adult lift ticket. Kids aged 4 and under always ski and ride free at Copper. Copper also offers free lift tickets to try the Easy Rider magic carpet in Center Village. You can get your complimentary ticket at the ticket window.

At Loveland Ski Area, children 5 and under can ski and snowboard for free. For children ages 6–14, Loveland offers a free season pass with the completion of the Three-Class Pass. Children’s full-day lesson packages include a lesson, lift access, ski and snowboard equipment rentals, helmet and lunch.

Loveland Basin Ski Area. Photo: Arinahabich08 | Dreamstime.com

Purgatory Resort participates in the Power Kids program, which offers a free season pass valid at Purgatory Resort and Hesperus Ski Area to children ages 10 and younger. Purgatory also gives free lessons to those who have never skied or snowboarded before.

At Steamboat Resort the Kids Ski Free and Grandkids Ski Free programs give children aged 12 and younger free lift tickets and free rentals for the same number of days as their parent, grandparent or legal guardian with the purchase of a five-or-more day adult lift ticket and a five-or-more day rental package.

Telluride Ski Resort offers free daily lift tickets at the lift ticket window for children aged 5 and younger, as well as season passes for $25. Discounts also are available for those aged 6–24 on daily lift tickets and season passes.

Winter Park Resort’s Kids Ski Free program offers free skiing and riding for children 12 and younger with the purchase of Winter Park lodging and a three-day adult lift ticket.

Don’t see your favorite Colorado Ski Country USA resort listed here? Check out the association’s website for more deals.