Skiing in Colorado is expensive for a family. The cost of ski tickets, ski gear, ski lessons and lodging can really add up. There’s no way around that. But, here are some resources to help minimize the hit to your wallet when signing your kids up for ski lessons. Vail Resorts offers an EPIC Schoolkids program for Colorado residents and many of the smaller resorts offer affordable ski lessons for kids.
Epic Schoolkids
If you are reading this later than around mid-October or later, you’ve missed the boat on this one for the current ski season. So, make sure to put it on your calendar for next season. If your child is a Colorado resident and in kindergarten through 5th grade they qualify. Take them to a front range Colorado Ski & Golf location prior to October 9 to sign them up for 4 free days of skiing at a Vail Resorts mountain. The deal also includes a free lesson and ski rental for first timers through Vail Resorts EPIC Schoolkids program. Vail Resorts has similar programs in other states where they have resorts.
Ski Cooper
Smaller ski resorts tend to have more affordable ski lessons. And, they can be easier to get in and out of too with free parking in lots adjacent to the hill. Ski Cooper between Minturn and Leadville offers a session of 5 group lessons for ages 3 to 5 for $199 to $239. This equates to only about $40 per lesson! And, ski tickets for ages 5 and under are free. So no need to worry about that cost. Parents can nordic ski or snowshoe across the parking lot at Tennessee Pass while the kids take their lessons.
Sunlight Mountain
Sunlight Mountain near Glenwood Springs offers a “Learn to Shine” package of 3 group lessons and a free 5-day ski pass once you’ve completed the lessons for $395.
Granby Ranch
Granby Ranch, past Winter Park, offers a set of three half day group lessons from $280 to $482 depending on age.
Powderhorm Mountain
Powderhorn Mountain, outside of Grand Junction, offers a 6 pack of lessons for ages 8 and up for $300.
Other Colorado Ski Deals for Families
Ski passes are also expensive but if you have a 5th grader or 6th grader Colorado Ski Country has a deal for you. Their 5th grade Passport Program provides participants with three free days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the 22 member resorts. Ski all 66 days, or just a few. Colorado Ski Country USA’s 6th grade Passport Program provides participants with four days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the 22 member resorts for only $105. That amounts to 88 awesome days on the slopes. There is no better ski deal for 6th graders!
Affordable Skiing in California
The Lake Tahoe area also has a couple of resorts that offer more affordable skiing for families. Be sure to check out Granlibakken-Tahoe Ski Resort is you are thinking of skiing California with your family.
Where has your family skied? Any other ski resorts in the United States that you would recommend for families? Tell us in the comments below!
