hWHITE HAVEN, PA- It’s great to be a kid in PA! For generations, people have been learning to ski and snowboard in Pennsylvania. With over 20 ski areas that cater to beginners and experts alike, PA is where it all starts. Fourth and fifth graders who want to ski or snowboard are fortunate especially if they live in or near Pennsylvania. For the twelfth year, the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA) is making skiing or snowboarding free through their Snowpass program for youths in those two grade levels.
According to Linda Irvin, PSAA Executive Director, “Our Snowpass Program is designed to foster a child’s love of skiing or riding, as well as the great outdoors. The goal is give kids the skills, confidence and passion for skiing or snowboarding that will last a lifetime.”
Skiing and snowboarding offers families the opportunity to exercise outside together during the winter months. A ninety pound youth can burn between two and three hundred calories per hour skiing and/or snowboarding depending on their activity level. Skiing and snowboarding are listed among the activities included in the President’s Challenge organized by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Children and adults can earn points toward a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by skiing and snowboarding. The Snowpass program is designed to make it easy for parents to enjoy a day on the slopes as well, while professional instructors create a safe, fun, and educational environment.
Why a 4th & 5th Grade Snowpass Program?
To introduce 4th & 5th graders to the sports of skiing and snowboarding.
Also, to remind families that spending time on the mountains is a healthy and FUN family activity
Why Fourth & Fifth Grade?
This is a great age for children to learn a new sport with ease and to excel rapidly.
Through the Snowpass Program and on-mountain experience, students can see the lessons of their 4th & 5th grade science studies in action (such as water resources at work, geology structure, and the physics of lift mechanics).
Also, ski resorts are a part of Pennsylvania history.
What is Included?
* one Adult Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package (for accompanying adult) at 50% off retail value
* one complimentary Child’s Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package (includes beginner lift, lesson and equipment rental)
* three complimentary child’s day lift tickets to each of the 20 participating member resorts.
Where can a 4th or 5th grader Ski for Free?
Any Pennsylvania Ski Resorts below.
1. Alpine Mountain, Analomink
2. Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie
3. Big Boulder, Blakeslee | http://www.jfbb.com
4. Blue Knob Ski Area, Claysburg
5. Blue Mountain, Palmerton
6. Camelback Mountain Resort,
Tannersville | http://www.skicamelback.com
7. Crystal Lake Cross Country Ski Center,
Hughesville | http://www.crystallakeskicenter.com
8. Elk Mountain, Union Dale
9. Hidden Valley, Hidden Valley
http://www.hiddenvalleyresort.com
10. Jack Frost Mountain, Blakeslee | http://www.jfbb.com
11. Liberty Mountain, Carroll Valley | http://www.libertymountainresort.com
12. Montage Mountain, Scranton | http://www.montagemountainresorts.com
13. Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington
14. Roundtop Mountain Resort, Lewisberry | http://www.skiroundtop.com
15. Seven Springs Mtn. Resort, Seven Springs | http://www.7springs.com
16. Shawnee Mountain, Shawnee-on-Delaware
17. Ski Big Bear, Lackawaxen | http://www.ski-bigbear.com
18. Ski Sawmill Family Resort, Morris
19. Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg
20. Whitetail Resort, Mercersburg
www.skiwhitetail.com
The Snowpass program is not restricted to
residents of Pennsylvania. Any fourth or fifth grade
student can participate by completing a simple application
and providing a report card or other document
verifying they are currently in the fourth or
fifth grade. Photos for students also are required.
There is a nominal administration/processing fee of
$30 if purchased prior to December 1st, or $35 after
December 1st for the Snowpass. There are some
basic rules that apply as well as some black-out dates
typically around busy holidays The application can
be found on the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association’s Web site at www.skipa.com
or call (570) 443-0963.
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