Colorado’s Passport Programs Introduce Colorado Kids to Skiing and Snowboarding

Colorado Ski Country USA’s Passport Programs Introduce Colorado Kids to Skiing and Snowboarding

First Class Program and Lift Access to Twenty Resorts an Unmatched Value for Families

Aspen Snowmass Jeremy Swanson

Monarch

Photo credits: (L-R) Aspen/Snowmass, Jeremy Swanson; Scott Markewitz; Monarch Mountain

Denver, Colo. – September 2, 2013 – Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) announced today the Association’s popular 5th and 6th Grade Passport Programs are available for the 2013/14 ski season. The Passport Programs introduce fifth and sixth grade kids to skiing and snowboarding by giving fifth graders free access, and sixth graders discounted access, to twenty of Colorado’s finest ski resorts.

As the industry’s most influential program, the CSCUSA 5th Grade Passport allows fifth graders three days of free skiing at each of the twenty CSCUSA participating member resorts. The 6th Grade Passport allows sixth graders four days of skiing at the same twenty resorts for $99, which amounts to 80 days on the slopes for less than $1.25 each day.

Additionally, CSCUSA will offer First Class Lessons to complement the 5th Grade Passport Program. First Class provides fifth graders who are new to skiing and snowboarding the opportunity to learn the sport from some of the best instructors in the industry. Registered 5th Grade Passport holders who have never skied nor snowboarded, and are therefore considered “never-evers”, are eligible to receive a free ski or snowboard lesson and rental equipment during the month of January, which is also Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Fifth graders who qualify for First Class have the option of seventeen different resorts to have their introductory experience on snow. Advance reservations are required for First Class Lessons.

“Colorado Ski Country’s Passport Programs have introduced an entire generation of youngsters to skiing and snowboarding,” said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA. “By giving 5th and 6th graders the opportunity to ski and ride, we’re helping kids to become lifelong skiers and snowboarders. The First Class Lesson program ensures that novice young skiers and snowboarders will enjoy their introductory on-snow experience and grow to become ambassadors of the state’s signature sports.”

To register kids for the Passport Programs, parents can visit www.ColoradoSki.com/Passport. Details on the First Class Program can also be found at ColoradoSki.com/Passport. The CSCUSA Passport Programs enjoy the support of presenting sponsor, Chipotle, and of program partners Christy Sports and Credit Union of Colorado.

Participating resorts in the 2013-14 Passport programs include: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, Eldora, Howelsen Hill, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Ski Cooper, Ski Granby Ranch, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park and Wolf Creek.