This post is sponsored by MN Ski Areas Association
The Minnesota Ski Association’s 4th Grade Ski Passport program is a fantastic initiative that opens up a world of winter adventures for fourth graders across the state. This program not only introduces kids to the enjoyment of skiing but also fosters a love for outdoor activities and encourages a healthy, active lifestyle.
Ski Passports are Available until Early February
Ski Passports are Available until Early FebruaryThe 4th Grade Ski Passport offers every 4th-grade student the opportunity to ski and snowboard all season for $34.95! The Minnesota Ski Areas Association and its members offer the 4th Grade Ski Passport, free lift tickets for the passport holder. The Passports go on sale each year in late summer and remain available until early February.
Mission
The program operates on a simple yet impactful premise: providing fourth-grade students with the opportunity to experience the joy of skiing at participating resorts across the state. Each passport grants students access to multiple ski areas, allowing them to explore diverse terrains and skiing experiences. This not only exposes them to the sport but also helps them discover their favorites – whether it’s downhill skiing, cross-country trails, or snowboarding.
Skiing is an incredible experience that fosters physical fitness, confidence, and a love for the outdoors. As kids learn to ski – they develop balance, coordination, and strength while learning essential skills like navigating varied terrains and following safety guidelines. Beyond that, skiing cultivates resilience and a deep appreciation for nature’s winter wonders, creating lasting memories and instilling a passion for an active lifestyle.
The 4th Grade Ski Passport is a great opportunity for any child who already loves to ski – or who has not yet had the opportunity to hit the slopes!
2023/24 Ski Areas & Offers
| Area | 2023/24 Season Offer |
| Afton Alps | Unlimited lift tickets
Not valid with group reservations or school field trips |
| Andes Tower Hills | Limit 2 daily lift tickets for season. Not available for school, club or other group trips; not valid with any other offer, special or coupon. |
| Buck Hill | 3 Daily Lift Tickets for the pass holder only. 1 ticket available per day. Cannot be combined with another discount, special or programs. |
| Buena Vista Ski Area | 3 Daily Lift Tickets for the pass holder only. 1 ticket available per day. Cannot be combined with another discount, special or programs. |
| Chester Bowl | Unlimited daily lift tickets, no daily rental available |
| Coffee Mill Ski Area | 3 Daily Lift Tickets for the pass holder only. 1 ticket available per day. Cannot be combined with another discount, special or programs. |
| Detroit Mountain Recreation Area | Unlimited daily lift tickets. Not valid for D Team events |
| Elm Creek Winter Recreation Area | 3 Daily Lift Tickets for the pass holder only. 1 ticket available per day. Cannot be combined with another discount, special or programs. |
| Giants Ridge | Unlimited number of lift tickets for the pass holder |
| Hyland Hills Ski Area | 3 Daily Lift Tickets for the pass holder only. 1 ticket available per day. Cannot be combined with another discount, special or programs Blackout Presidents Day & Martin Luther King Day |
| Loppet Foundation | Unlimited daily lift tickets per passport holder – alpine ski & snowboard only |
| Lutsen Mountains | Lutsen Mountains Offer: Passport is valid for 3 days at Lutsen. Saturdays require a 2-day minimum for redemption. The holiday periods of 12/26/23 – 12/31/23 and 1/13 – 1/14/24 require a 3-day minimum for redemption. The passport is not valid for redemption 2/17 – 2/18/24. Reservations are required, please click here to view reservation policy. |
| Mount Kato | 3 Daily Lift Tickets for the pass holder only. 1 ticket available per day. Cannot be combined with another discount, special or programs. |
| Mount Ski Gull | Unlimited daily lift tickets per passport holder – blackout 12/23 to 1/2 & Race Days |
| Mt. Itasca | 3 Daily Lift Tickets for the pass holder only. 1 ticket available per day. Cannot be combined with another discount, special or programs. |
| Powder Ridge | 4 daily lift tickets, valid Monday – Friday. |
| Spirit Mountain | 2 lift tickets per season (no blackout dates) Add on a rental for the 4th grade passport holder for $5 Parents/Siblings $10 off full-day lift ticket Add on Spirit Kids – two-hour beginner group lesson for $18 or a 4 hour full day Spirit Kids lesson for $36 (does not include lunch) (Advanced reservations required for lessons. Mention 4th Grade Passport when registering. Lesson specials only valid on Saturdays and Sundays) (Please call the Snow Sports Center at 218-624-8516 for a promo code before reserving tickets or lessons online.) |
| Welch Village | Passport holders will be issued 3-days at Welch Village Season, Monday – Friday ONLY (non-holidays )with the exception of the the following black out dates below: Tuesday, Dec 26 through Saturday, Dec 30, 2023; Monday, January 15, 2024 and Monday, February 19, 2024. |
| Wild Mountain | Unlimited number of lift tickets for the pass holder only (1 ticket available per day). Not available for roving ski schools or D team events |
| The Alpine Factory |
50% off lessons for the pass holder (group or private rate), and 25% off for immediate family (group lesson rate; must be in same lesson group as pass holder). Offer valid between Dec. 11, 2023 – May 26, 2024, except for Blackout dates: Dec. 21, 2023 – Jan 1, 2024; Jan. 15, 2024; Feb. 19, 2024 and March 11-31, 2024. |
Twin Cities Guide to Skiing & Snowboarding
Check out our 2024 Twin Cities Guide to Skiing & Snowboarding. We are fortunate to have so many ski areas right here in the Twin Cities Metro!
How to Purchase your 2023/24 Ski Passport
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR 2022-23 SKI PASSPORT!
**The e-passes are issued by E4Soft and are sent to the parents email address, sometimes they are marked as spam.
All applications require the following: a photo of the child, proof of grade. Proof of grade can be a syllabus, 3rd grade report card showing progression to 4th grade, letter for school or teacher. For home-school students a copy of your letter of intent to home-school along with a statement that the child is a 4th grader.
For usage questions please call (218) 409-7809 or email passport@skiandboardmn.com.
