Ski Idaho is changing the pricing structure for one of its most popular youth programs starting this winter. The Idaho Peak Season Passport, which gives fifth and sixth graders free ski days across the state, will now cost more depending on when families sign up.
The Idaho Ski Areas Association board voted on the change during its annual meeting June 2nd at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg. Registration for the passports opens in October at the current price of $29. After December 20th, the fee jumps to $49 each winter.
The passport allows fifth graders three free ski or snowboard days at 18 participating Idaho resorts, including Grand Targhee, Sun Valley, Schweitzer, and many more. Sixth graders get two free days at each location. Rotarun in Hailey is the only Ski Idaho member that doesn’t take part, since the nonprofit area already offers its own low-cost options, including $10 youth lift tickets and a free Community Ski Night every Wednesday.
The passport initiative began in northern Idaho in 1998 and expanded statewide in 2005. It isn’t limited to just Idaho residents, either. Any fifth or sixth grader from any state can apply along with kids ages 10 to 12 from anywhere in the world.
Silver Mountain Resort general manager and ISAA board president Jeff Colburn said the program remains a major value for families even with the new pricing. He estimated the total worth of the passport at more than $2,600 for fifth graders and around $1,800 for sixth graders.
“Idaho offers some of the most incredible skiing and snowboarding on Earth. You’d be hard pressed to find a more family friendly destination or a better value in North American skiing and snowboarding.” – Jeff Colburn
Families can find more information and apply through skiidaho.us/passports once registration opens in October.