Taking the Kids: Having some fun in the snow

About this time each year, I can’t wait to get out on a bluebird day and ski down a perfectly groomed trail. But it’s going to be a while. Multiple knee surgeries have kept me off the slopes for more than two years (no, it wasn’t a ski injury!) My physical therapist asked me what goals I have after my most recent surgery this past month, and I said to get back on the slopes later this season.

Maybe your kids are begging for a getaway to the snow. Maybe your idea of a snow vacation is sitting by the fire with a good book or a spa treatment (or two). Maybe you are embarrassed your kids out ski you. (Mine did long before they were in middle school.) Maybe there is someone with special challenges in your family.

The good news is there are plenty of options in snow country for your family without breaking the budget. The key is to plan smart and read all of the fine print.

Consider that many ski areas from Vermont to Colorado to Utah to California offer adaptive programs and equipment with discounted pricing. Those going to Park City, Utah, may be eligible for a $400 Delta credit voucher, as long as they book a minimum three-night stay at a participating lodging company by June 30, 2025. (There are some blackout dates.)

To stay on budget, consider smaller ski areas that are cheaper and less crowded, including in the Midwest, Pennsylvania and New York state. Colorado Ski Country, for example, offers Gems Discount Cards for $48 that enable you to either get a free same-day adult lift ticket at 11 ski areas or 30 percent off for two days each at areas, including Cooper, Purgatory and Sunlight. (You can also get a discount at Arapahoe Basin.)

There are also multi-mountain passes ($67) for kids that include rentals; a teen pass for those 12 to 17 for $199 with 22 days of skiing and riding and a Gems Parents Pass for $325.

Consider that at many resorts, one day of skiing can cost upwards of $200. You can also save on lift tickets and lodging by opting for a midweek getaway.

There are many kids’ passport options across the country. (Check DiscoverSnow.org to link to programs around the country. Just be prepared that you need to get them in advance and each state has slightly different requirements: Another plus: You don’t necessarily have to live in that state. However, they may not be valid during holiday times.)

In Utah: the Ski Utah Passport is available to all fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders offering 45 days on the slopes at all 15 snow resorts, three Ski NY passports are days at each resort, for $69 (price goes up Dec. 1, 2024).

In New York state, Ski NY passports are for kids in third, fourth and fifth grades but only two passport holders can redeem lift tickets per paying adult.

In Vermont, the Ski Vermont passport is for kids in fifth grade with access to more than 90 days of skiing or riding at participating alpine and cross- country ski areas for $35.

You can save by booking a package from websites like ski.com or www.getskitickets.com.

At many snow resorts, it’s all about the passes. If you plan to hit the slopes often at the same resort, see what deals that resort is offering or if you plan to ski and ride often, look into a season pass. Book a season pass at Copper Mountain in Colorado and get one free kid’s pass for kids 15 and under, for example.

For those wanting to hit iconic resorts, including Alta, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley and more, consider a Mountain Collective pass that gives you two days at 25 resorts, plus 50 percent off at additional days for $659 and $259 for kids 12 and under. (No blackout days!) If you are thinking of a once-a-year snow getaway, get an Ikon Pass for three days of skiing at 43 destinations, plus discounts on gear and lodging for less than $500; Vail Resorts offers a variety of Epic Passes that allow you to choose from one to seven days and 20 percent off lodging, group lessons, rentals and more.

There are also ski resorts where kids ski free if you are just planning a few days on the snow. For example, book two or more nights at Keystone in Colorado and kids 12 and under get a day of free skiing (an additional day for each room night booked ). We love their mountaintop snow fort!

At Aspen Snowmass, kids ski free with lodging (valid Jan. 1 to April 20, 2025 ). Get a complimentary child lift ticket for every day of Four Mountain Sports equipment rentals when you book with at least two nights of participating lodging through Stay Aspen Snowmass.

At Brian Head Ski Resort in Utah, kids 12 and under ski free with a Power Kids pass good at any Power Pass Mountain. Check Ski Utah to see other resorts where kids, especially those under six ski free.

Ski in Jeans Day makes its return on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with $25 lift tickets, 50 percent off rentals, and a full lineup of après-ski events, including a mechanical bull! Receive up to $400 off your airfare per person when you book your round-trip flights, lodging and a qualifying activity through Jackson Hole Resort Reservations by Nov. 30, 2024.

Buy a 3-of-3-day lift ticket at least a week in advance for Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon, kids 12 and under will ski free (one kids’ ticket per paying adult).

Book a lesson for kids and teens (age 4 to 14) by Nov. 29 at Winter Park in Colorado and kids will get a free lift ticket – a savings of more than $159, $259 for teens 13 and up).

A tip: Consider travel insurance wherever you plan to visit snowy climes. Allianz OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier plans cover kids 17 and under for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). What if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace gear? What if one of you gets sick or injured? What if your flights are canceled and you can’t get a refund for your lodging? There’s no question that travel insurance can de-stress a family trip to the mountains.

See you on the slopes (I hope!)

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The fourth edition of The Kid’s Guide to New York City and the third edition of The Kid’s Guide to Washington D.C. are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)