by Terri Wiebold

Colorado unquestionably has the landscape for some amazing outdoor sports, especially in the winter months. Colorado Ski Country USA offers fifth and sixth graders incentive to learn to ski or snowboard through free and reduced-rate programs this season.

A “Fifth Grade Passport” provides three child lift tickets for fifth graders to each of twenty-one Colorado Ski County USA member resorts, absolutely FREE! That is 63 days of skiing or snowboarding and additional coupons for lessons, lift tickets, equipment rentals, lodging and other activities that can be used by the entire family. The “Sixth Grade Graduate Pass” is just $99 for sixth graders and is the perfect follow-up to the Fifth Grade Passport.

Applications for the 2008-2009 Passport will be mailed to public and private fifth grade classrooms throughout Colorado by the end of September. Please check with local schools for an application or visit any of the following locations after October 5, 2008: Colorado Ski and Golf, Boulder Ski Deals, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, or Online at
www.passport.coloradoski.com.

A few basic rules apply to the program. Passport holders are required to have adult supervision, and black out periods when the passport is invalid may apply. Black out dates will be noted in the passport information packet, and Wolf Creek is the only resort with black out dates this year.

Participating resorts: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Copper, Crested Butte, Durango Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Howelsen Hill, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Ski Cooper, Snowmass, SolVista, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park, and Wolf Creek. Please note that the 5th & 6th Grade Passports will NOT be valid at Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone or Breckenridge for the 2008-09 season.

Online applications and retail applications require an application form, a photo for the Passport, and proof of fifth or sixth grade status; like a report card, birth certificate, or school ID card. Passport quantities are limited and are issued on a first come, first served basis.

Additional information is available at www.coloradoski.com/5passport. For specific questions, email or call 303-866-9707. Take advantage of the magnificent skiing and snowboarding Colorado has to offer.