Skiing is a great family activity. It’s nice to do an activity where the entire family can be outdoors and off their iPads, cellphones or TV! However, skiing is expensive with one day lift tickets for a family of four at $300 per day (that’s without lessons and ski rentals!) The good news is there are ways for you to save on lift tickets for adults and kids. Don’t pay full price on ski lift tickets!
If you have a 3rd, 4th or 5th grader, you are in luck, there are several states in the Northeast that offer Kids Ski Free Programs. If you have young children under 7 years old, your child can also ski free since many resorts don’t charge for lift tickets for children 6 and under. You can also get discount adult ski lift tickets if you plan in advance and they are usually available on a first come, first served basis. For example, ski lift tickets for a family of four at Mount Snow (Vermont) can be as low as $155.98 versus $340 (assuming you have a 6 year old and a 3rd grader).
Want to know how much your ski vacation will cost? Check out our ski vacation calculator
We did the research for you and below are ways for you to get free or discounted lift tickets for kids and adults. We updated this post for the 2022-2023 ski season.
- Northeast and New England Ski Resorts Discount Lift Tickets
- NY, VT, CT, PA Kids Ski Free Programs
- Free lift tickets from your seasonal ski and snowboard rental place
- Northeast and New England Ski Resorts Kids Under 7 years Old Ski Free Programs
- Pro Tip: How To Dress for Skiing
- Plan Your Family Ski Vacation
- You may also be interested in these Ski Related Articles:
- Want More Suburbs 101?
Northeast and New England Ski Resorts Discount Lift Tickets
If you plan ahead, you don’t have to pay full window lift ticket prices! You can buy discounted lift tickets from discount sellers like Liftopia, GetSkiTickets and REI. Please know that discount lift ticket offers may change as more supplies are released keep checking back since inventory may change. Click the links below for lift ticket availability by ski resorts.
New York Ski Resorts: Discount Lift Tickets
- Whiteface (NY) Single Day Lift Tickets from $38 (save 34%)
- Windham (NY) Single Day Ticket from $40 (save 26%)
- Thunder Ridge (NY) Single Day Ticket from $14 (save 30%)
- Plattekill (NY) Single Day Lift Tickets from $15 (save 74%)
- Greek Peak (NY) Lift Tickets from $44 (save 30%)
- Gore Mountain (NY) Lift Ticket from $33.99 (Save 35%)
- Catamount from REI (save up to 44%)
New Jersey Ski Resorts: Discount Lift Tickets
Pennsylvania Ski Resorts: Discount Lift Tickets
- Camelback (PA) Lift Tickets from $34.99 (Save 40%)
- Shawnee Mountain (PA) Single Day Ticket from $30.99 (save 31%)
Vermont Ski Resorts: Discount Lift Tickets
- Jay Peak (VT) Single Day Lift Ticket from $36.99 (save 50%)
- Mad River Glen (VT) 2-Day Pass from $36/day (save 35%)
- Mad River Glen (VT) Single Day Lift Ticket + $10 Lunch Voucher $46.99 (save 28%)
- Magic Mountain ski lift tickets from $74 for adult lift tickets and $54 for Youth lift tickets
- Middlebury Snow Bowl lift tickets from $40/day
- Smugglers’ Notch (VT) Single Day Ticket from $40.99 (save 40%)
- Stowe (VT) 2-day Lift Ticket + Rental from $117/day (save 14%)
- Stowe (VT) Lift Tickets from $86 (save 12%)
- Stratton Mountain (VT) Lift Tickets from $29 (Save 63%)
- Stratton Mountain Adult Lift Tickets from REI* at 39% discount
- Sugarbush (VT) Lift Tickets from $45/day (save 43%)
- Discount Sugarbush Lift Tickets from REI*
- Suicide Six Single Day Ski lift tickets from $40/day
- Killington Lift Tickets save up to 33%
- Killington Adult Lift Tickets from REI* at 35% discount or Killington Kids Ski Lift Tickets from REI* at 35% discount.
Note about REI Lift Tickets: REI sells discounted ski lift tickets to REI Co-Op Members only. That means, you will need to be an REI Co-op member to buy the REI discount lift tickets. REI Co-Op membership fee is $30 and the savings you get usually pay for the membership fee. Plus REI Co-Op membership is a lifetime membership that gets you many perks such as access to in-store REI semi-annual garage sales (50%+ off sales), members-only offers, 10% member dividend and special pricing on classes, rentals and events. Check out the REI Lifetime Membership page for more information.
Massachusetts Ski Resorts: Discount Lift Tickets
- Jiminy Peak (MA) Single Day Ticket from $43.99 (save 34%)
- Berkshire East Mountain Resort (save up to 44%)
Mont Tremblant Ski Resorts: Discount Lift Tickets
NY, VT, CT, PA Kids Ski Free Programs
If you have a 3rd, 4th and 5th grader, you should check out these kids ski free programs. Vermont has a 5th graders ski-free passport program, New York has a 3rd and 4th graders Ski Free program and Pennsylvania has a 4th and 5th grader ski-free program.
Vermont 5th Grade Ski Free Passport Program
If you have a 5th grader and are planning to ski in Vermont then you are in luck! Vermont has a 5th Grade Passport program where 5th graders ski and snowboard for free (you just pay a $20 processing fee). The Vermont 5th Grade passport program is valid for up to 88 days of skiing and riding at Vermont’s alpine and cross-country resorts. Vermont ski resorts participating in the Vermont 5th Grade Passport program are Burke Mountain, Bromley Mountain, Bolton Valley, Cochran’s Ski Area, Killington, Jay Peak, Lyndon Outing Club, Mad River Glen, Magic Mountain, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Mount Snow Resort, Northeast Slopes, Okemo Mountain Resort, Pico Mountain, Quechee Ski Area, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, Stratton Mountain, Sugarbush Resort and Suicide Six. It’s important to note that there are blackout dates so you should check before you go with your 5th grader. You don’t have to be a Vermont resident to qualify for Vermont’s 5th Grade Ski Free Passport Program. Check out Vermont’s 5th Grade Ski Free Program to apply.
Vermont Ski Resorts Participating in the 5th Grade Ski Free Passport Program during 2022-2023 Ski Season
| Vermont Ski Resorts participating in Vermont’s 5th Grade Passport Program | 5th Grade Ski Free Blackout Dates |
| Burke Mountain | Yes |
| Bromley Mountain | Yes |
| Bolton Valley | Yes |
| Cochran’s Ski Area | None |
| Killington | Yes |
| Jay Peak | Yes |
| Lyndon Outing Club | None |
| Mad River Glen | Yes |
| Magic Mountain | Yes |
| Middlebury Snow Bowl | Yes |
| Mount Snow Resort | Yes |
| Northeast Slopes | None |
| Okemo Mountain Resort | Yes |
| Pico Mountain | Yes |
| Queechee Ski Area | Yes |
| Smugglers’ Notch Resort | Yes |
| Stowe Mountain Resort | Yes |
| Stratton Mountain | Yes |
| Sugarbush Resort | Yes |
| Saskadena Six Ski Resort/ Woodstock Inn & Resort | Yes |
New York 3rd and 4th Grade Kids Ski Free Passport Program
If you have a 3rd and 4th grader, your child can ski for free at New York ski resorts participating in the New York Kids Ski Free Passport Program! The New York Kids Ski Free Passport Program allows 3rd and 4th graders to ski for free at participating New York ski resorts/ski areas. You have to apply your child to the passport program. 3rd or 4th graders participating in the New York Kids Ski Free Passport program will ski for free with an adult ticket purchase! Note that you need to purchase an adult lift ticket to receive the free child lift tickets and the adult lift tickets must be purchased directly from the ski resort and not from 3rd party ticket sellers. There is a $41 processing fee (must purchase an adult lift ticket to be eligible)! Black out dates do apply to the New York Kids Ski Free Passport Program so you should check with the ski resort before you go! You don’t have to be a New York resident for your 3rd and 4th grader to participate in the New York Kids Ski Free Passport Program. Check out the table below to learn which New York resorts are participating in the New York Kids Ski Free Program. Check out New York Kids Ski Free Passport Program to apply.
New York Ski Resorts and New York Ski Areas Participating in the New York 3rd and 4th Grade Kids Ski Free Program for the 2022-2023 Ski Season
| NY Ski Resorts participating in the NY Kids Ski Free Passport Program |
| Belleayre Mountain |
| Bristol Mountain |
| Catamount Ski Area |
| Dry Hill Ski Area |
| Four Seasons |
| Gore Mountain |
| Greek Peak Mountain Resort |
| Holiday Valley Resort |
| Kissing Bridge |
| McCauley Mountain |
| Mount Peter |
| Oak Mountain |
| Peek n Peak Resort |
| Plattekill Mountain |
| Skaneateles Ski Club |
| Snow Ridge Resort |
| Swain Resort |
| Thunder Ridge Ski Area |
| Titus Mountain |
| West Mountain |
| Whiteface Mountain |
| Windham Mountain |
Pennsylvania 4th and 5th Grade Snowpass
Pennsylvania’s 4th and 5th Grade Snowpass program is no longer available.
Connecticut Kids Ski Free for 4th Graders
Unlike New York and Vermont, Connecticut does not have a Kids Ski Free Program.
Free lift tickets from your seasonal ski and snowboard rental place
Many ski and snowboard rental locations give free lift ticket vouchers to their junior seasonal ski rental customers. For example, Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton, Connecticut offers free lift ticket vouchers to New England Ski Resorts like Jiminy Peak, Kilington, Windham, Berkshire East and Catamount.
Tip: If you think you will be skiing a few times this season, you should definitely consider seasonal ski and snowboard rentals. The whole ski rental process is daunting (filling out the forms, lining up, picking up rentals, and getting fitted!) And to make it worse, you are going through the ski rental process with kids (imagine picking up ski rentals with a hot child who wants to remove their snow pants or maybe a hungry or thirsty child who has had enough of the long lines!) By the time you are done, you and your child(ren) are exhausted! Save yourself the aggravation and exhaustion by doing it only once this season! It’s also more economical to rent for the season if you are planning a long weekend ski trip. Don’t waste your time waiting in line for rentals, get your ski rentals out of the way!
Northeast and New England Ski Resorts Kids Under 7 years Old Ski Free Programs
Many ski resorts in the Northeast and New England offer free lift tickets or discounted lift tickets for young children under 7 years old. However, every ski resort differ in the age cut-off for children to ski free. Some ski resorts offer free lift tickets to children 4 years old and under, while some ski resorts offer free lift tickets to children 5 years old and under while others offer free lift tickets to children 6 year old and under. Here are ski resorts in the Northeast and New England that offer free or discount lift tickets for children age 7 years old and under.
Kids 4 Years old and Under Ski free at these Northeast Ski Resorts
| Ski Resorts Offering Free Lift tickets for Children 4 Years Old and Under | Details |
| Stowe Mountain Resort | Children 4 years old and under ski free at Stowe Mountain Resort. Note that you have to collect a $0 lift ticket from the ticket window. |
| Mount Peter Ski Area | Children 4 years old and under ski for $20 or free when accompanied with a paying adult at Mount Peter Ski Area. |
| Mohawk Mountain | Children 4 years old and under ski for $15 or free with the purchase of an adult lift ticket at Mohawk Mountain. |
Kids 5 Years Old and Under Ski Free at these Northeast Ski Resorts
| Ski Resorts Offering Free Lift tickets for Children 5 Years old and Under | Details |
| Smugglers’ Notch | Children 5 years old and under ski free at Smuggler’s Notch |
| Bromley Mountain | Children 5 years old and under ski free at Bromley Mountain |
| Jiminy Peak | Children 5 years old and under ski free (valid for Lower Moutain only) at Jiminy Peak |
Kids 6 Years Old and Under Ski Free at these Northeast Ski Resorts
| Ski Resorts Offering Free Lift tickets for Children 6 Years old and Under | Details |
| Gore Mountain | Children 6 years old and under ski free at Gore Mountain. |
| Whiteface Mountain | Children 6 years old and under ski free at Whiteface Mountain. |
| Okemo Mountain | Children 6 years old and under ski free at Okemo Mountain. |
| Belleayre Mountain | Children 6 years old and under ski free at Belleayre Mountain. |
| Hunter Mountain | Children 6 years old and under ski free during the week and for $10 on weekends and holidays with the purchase of an adult lift ticket at Hunter Mountain |
| Killington | Children 6 years old and under ski free at Killington. |
Other Northeast Ski Resorts Offering Discount Lift Tickets for Children under 7 years old
| Discount Lift Tickets for Children Under 7 Years Old | Details |
| Mount Snow | Children 6 years old and under ski for $10 everyday of the season at Mount Snow. |
| Stratton Mountain | Children 4 years old and under ski for $10 at Stratton Mountain |
| Windham Mountain | Children 6 years old and under ski for $15 at Windham Mountain. |
| Jay Peak | Children 5 years old and under ski for $25 (toddler season pass available for $50 or $30 if purchased before 10/14) at Jay Peak. |
Pro Tip: How To Dress for Skiing
The secret to being comfortable on the slopes is to dress in layers. You start with the thermo base layer and leggings. Then you layer over a thin moisture-wicking turtleneck or mid-weight fleece (your choice depending on the temperature). Then you top the layers off with a ski jacket, ski pants and ski gloves. You need to take care of your neck too with a neckwarmer. If it’s cold, you will want a balaclava instead of a neckwarmer. Then for safety, you need to wear a ski helmet. I suggest buying your own ski helmet instead of renting (it’s more sanitary). You can usually buy discounted ski helmets from Backcountry.com. You won’t feel bad buying kids ski helmets because they are adjustable, so it will last you a few seasons. For your feet, don’t use regular socks, you will need ski socks because they are moisture wicking. I suggest keeping a few toe warmers and hand warmers handy for cold days. Below is a list of all our recommended ski gears for a comfortable day skiing.
- Ski gloves
- Ski pants
- Ski jacket
- Thermo Base Layer
- Leggings
- Thin moisture-wicking turtleneck
- Mid-weight Fleece
- Ski socks
- Neckwarmer
- Balaclava
- Toe warmers and Hand warmers (for cold days)
- Ski Helmets (You can rent ski helmets but I recommend buying your own. You can usually buy discounted ski helmets from Backcountry.com)
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Plan Your Family Ski Vacation
We put together a list of popular Northeast ski resorts that are family friendly. To make it easier for you, we also included hotel recommendations. Enjoy!
Family Friendly New York Ski Resorts
We’ve made planning your family New York ski vacation easier by putting together a list of family friendly ski resorts. Check out our article: Best Family Ski Resorts in New York (according to locals)
| New York Ski Resorts | Hotels near Ski Resorts |
|---|---|
| Whiteface Mountain | Whiteface Lodge and Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa are family friendly hotels near Whiteface Mountain |
| Greek Peak | Hope Lake Lodge is a family friendly hotel with an indoor water park located across from Greek Peak. |
Family Friendly Vermont Ski Resorts
Below is a list of family friendly ski resorts in Vermont. These are the most popular Vermont ski resorts that families go to year after year. To make it easier for you, we have accommodation recommendations for Bromley Mountain, Killington, Jay Peak, Stratton Mountain, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smuggler’s Notch and Stowe. Some of these Vermont ski resort accommodations are ski in/ski out, some are condo style and some are hotel room units.
| Vermont Ski Resorts | Hotels near Ski Resorts |
|---|---|
| Bromley Mountain | The Lodge at Bromley is a family friendly ski in/ski out hotel on Bromley Mountain. |
| Killington | Killington Grand Hotel is a family friendly accommodation on Killington. |
| Jay Peak | Jay Peak Resort is a family friendly ski in/ski out resort with water park on Jay Peak. |
| Stratton Mountain | Long Trail House and The Black Bear Lodge are family friendly accommodations just steps away from Stratton Mountain ski lifts. Vantage Point Villas is also another family friendly accommodation on Stratton Mountain. |
| Mount Snow | Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort is a family friendly ski in/ski out accommodation on Mount Snow. The Lodge at Mount Snow is another accommodation option on Mount Snow. |
| Okemo Mountain | Jackson Gore Village is a family friendly ski in/ski out accommodation on Okemo Mountain. |
| Smuggler’s Notch | Smuggler’s Notch Resort and Wyndham Smuggler’s Notch are family friendly ski/ski out resorts with condo-style accommodation on Smuggler’s Notch. |
| Stowe Mountain | The Lodge at Spruce Peak are family friendly ski in/ski out resorts on Stowe. Trapp Family Lodge is another family friendly resort near Stowe Mountain. |
Family Friendly Massachusetts Ski Resorts
Below are popular family friendly ski resorts in Massachusetts. These are ski resorts that families go to year after year. Check out our Complete Guide to Jiminy Peak.
| Massachusetts Ski Resorts | Hotels near Ski Resorts |
|---|---|
| Jiminy Peak | Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort and Wyndham Bentley Brook are family friendly, ski in/ski out condo-style accommodations on Jiminy Peak. Vacation Village Berkshires are condo-style accommodations near Jiminy Peak. |
| Ski Butternut | Fairfield Inn and Suites is a family friendly hotel near Butternut. |
Family Friendly Pennsylvania Ski Resorts
Below you will find our favorite family friendly ski resort in Pennsylvania.
| Pennsylvania Ski Resort | Hotels near Pennsylvania Ski Resort |
|---|---|
| Camelback Mountain | Camelback Lodge is a family friendly ski in/ski out resort with an indoor waterpark on Camelback Mountain. |
You may also be interested in these Ski Related Articles:
- How Much Does it Cost to go on a Family Ski Vacation? Use our Ski Vacation Calculator to Find out!
- Check out our ski trip packing shortcuts: What to Pack for a Family Weekend Ski Trip: The Ultimate Packing Guide
- Best Family Ski Resorts in New York (according to locals)
- Are you thinking of skiing out West? Check out our article: Where are the Best Places to Ski in Colorado?
- Do you need a good laugh? Do you know we have a column that takes a lighter look at suburban life? Sam takes us through her love hate relationship with skiing. Seriously, Sam? Mountain Mama
- Want to know the best places to ski within driving distance from NYC? Top 5 Family Ski Destinations near NYC
- Are you thinking of skiing in Mont Tremblant? Here is everything you need to know to plan a family vacation to Mont Tremblant: Why I Love Mont Tremblant
- Check out our tips on How to Find the Perfect Ski Resort
- We also have a Ski Resort Finder with user-friendly search filters. For example: Looking for a Nut-Free Ski School for your 3 year old? Find it using our Ski Resort Finder!
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