Many of the top-rated family-friendly ski resorts across the US and Canada offer kids ski and/or stay free programs for families with young children. This is a great way to cut some of the brutal expense out of skiing with kids.
We published a Where Can Kids Ski Free in 2010 list last year and it was so popular that I just updated it with 2011 promotions. Good news, many resorts are still offering great programs for families. A special shout out to Mt. Bachelor in Oregon where kids under 18 (!) can ski free all season long when accompanying a full paying adult with a multi-day pass.
Skiing at super family-friendly Steamboat Springs
California
Mammoth Mountain
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 6 and under
Rules: Must accompany a full paying adult. Available at ticket window. Link with more information.
Colorado
Aspen/Snowmass
What: Kids ski and stay for free from March 1-31 or April 1-24
Who: Kids 7-12
Rules: Must accompany a full paying adult with comparable adult ticket of 4+ days. Must be booked by February 28th. Available from Stay Aspen/Snowmass 877-308-8703. Link with more information.
Beaver Creek
What: Kids ski free plus get free ski school and ski/snowboard rentals from February 27-March 11
Who: Kids 12 and under
Rules: Available from Vail/Beaver Creek Reservations 800-953-0844. Link with more information.
Steamboat Springs
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 12 and under
Rules: Must accompany a full paying adult. 5 or more lift day purchase required.
Available from Steamboat Central Reservations 970-871-5252. Link with more information.
Oregon
Mt. Bachelor
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 18 and under
Rules: Must accompany an adult who purchases a 3 of 5 or 5 of 7 multiday ticket. The child will get the same. Must be purchased online 4 days in advance of trip. Link with more information.
Idaho
Sun Valley
What: Kids stay and ski free most of the season
Who: Kids 15 and under
Rules: Available for one child per skiing parent staying in the same room. Must stay within Sun Valley resort. Not available from from December 24 – January 2, 2011 or February 19-27, 2011. Available from Sun Valley Reservations 800-894-9931.
Utah
Snowbird
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 6 and under
Rules: Ski chairs for free only. Tram upgrades are $15 per child but complimentary for Snowbird lodging guests. Available at ticket window. Link with more information.
Brighton
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 7 and under
Rules: Available at ticket window. Link with more information.
Deer Valley
What: Kids ski free
Who: Kids 12 and under
Rules: Receive up to two free tickets for kids with purchase of two adult lift tickets in conjunction with a Lodges at Deer Valley Exceptional Family Package. Available January 3-13, January 19-February 9, and March 27-April 10. Available at ticket window with voucher.
Vermont
Killington
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 5 and under and kids 6-12 and under rules below.
Rules: Must accompany a full paying adult who pre-purchases a 5-day Ski Week lift ticket. Minimum 5-night lodging required. Purchase online. Link with more information.
Okemo
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 6 and under
Rules: Must accompany a full paying adult. Available at ticket window. Link with more information.
Wyoming
What: Kids fly, ski, and stay for free
Who: Kids 12 and under
Rules: Must accompany a fare-paying adult who purchases a lift ticket and lodging. Valid for travel on American Airlines. Available from January 5-February 16 and February 27-March 10. Available through Jackson Hole Central Reservations on 888-838-6606. Link with more information.
Canada
Banff, Alberta
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 12 and under
Rules: Must accompany a full paying parent. Minimum 5-day lift ticket required. Up to 4 children per paying parent. Available from UltimateSki.ca or call 866-440-1083.
Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia
What: Kids ski free all season
Who: Kids 6 and under
Rules: Must accompany a full paying adult. Available from Whistler/Blackcomb Reservations 866-218-9687. Link with more information.
**
Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe gets an honorable mention for their package where kids 12 and under ski for $12 every day of the season. Tickets available at the ticket window with a purchase of an adult all-day lift ticket. This is a great value. Link with more information.
Relevant Links:
Ciao Bambino recommended ski hotels and resorts
Tips for planning a family-friendly ski vacation
Finding family ski resorts and accommodations
Steamboat vacations with kids
Family-friendly recipes for ski weekends
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Topics: Deals, Skiing