Kids Ski Free Week Is Back: Here’s When and Where You Can Take Advantage

Looking for an affordable way to take the family skiing? Kids Ski Free Week is returning for another season at 15 major Alterra Mountain Company ski resorts in North America.

The program, scheduled December 6 through December 12, 2025, offers kids 12 and younger up to seven free lift tickets at participating ski resorts. At Stratton, Vermont, and Schweitzer, Idaho, the deal applies to youth 17 and younger.

The participating mountains include Steamboat, Winter Park Resort and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Snow Valley in California; Stratton and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Schweitzer in Idaho; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain (subject to opening date) in Ontario, Canada.

To score the free tickets, Alterra said in a press release, skiers and snowboarders can visit their chosen mountain’s official website or Guest Services area. Many of the resorts have their own accompanying deals, like a $199 kids’ lesson and rental bundle at Mammoth Mountain, California.

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“The snow is already falling in the high country, and we are excited to once again inspire families to get on the slopes this season with Kids Ski Free Week throughout Alterra mountain destinations,” said Jared Smith, Alterra’s president and CEO, in the release. “With free lift tickets and other added discounts, families can take advantage of the early season and start a lifelong spark for a love of the mountains.”

Kids already get a steep discount on Alterra’s flagship ski pass, the Ikon Pass. Youth pricing between ages five and 12 is $449, about $1,000 less than the adult alternative. 

Alterra isn’t the only mountain group to offer youth-focused deals ahead of the 2025-26 season.

The Power Pass, Mountain Capital Partners’ multi-mountain pass, is free for kids 12 and under, offering access to Purgatory, Colorado; Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona; Brian Head and Nordic Valley, Utah; Sipapu, Sandia Peak, and Pajarito, New Mexico; Lee Canyon, Las Vegas; and Willamette Pass, Oregon.

The 2025-26 Power Kids Pass also included unlimited 2025 access to Chilean ski resorts Valle Nevado and La Parva.

Related: Colorado’s Race To Open Is Officially On—Arapahoe Basin & Keystone Begin Snowmaking