The true spirit of skiing and snowboarding is to get outside and have fun in the outdoors, even during winter. But pricing out a family ski weekend can suddenly make a few days on the slopes feel like a luxury. Those days are melting away, thanks to industry leaders like Christy Sports who are reshaping the landscape of snow sports accessibility.
As the premier destination for skis, ski boots, snowboards, and bindings, Christy Sports isn’t just about equipment — they’re on a mission to make the slopes accessible and welcoming for everyone. Their latest initiative? A game-changing Kids Ski Free Program that’s helping families hit the slopes without breaking the bank.
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Kids Ski Free with Christy Sports Adult Rentals
Here’s the exciting part: When parents, grandparents, caretakers, babysitters, neighbors, etc. rent adult ski or snowboard gear for four or more consecutive days, one child in their life (12 and under) gets free gear rentals for the same duration per adult rental. And if you’re the planning type, you’re in luck — booking online at least 24 hours ahead saves you an additional 20%. The program runs through April 15, 2025 (with some blackout dates), giving families plenty of time to plan their winter adventures.
But Christy Sports’ commitment to accessibility doesn’t stop there. They’re the proud presenting sponsor of the Colorado Ski Country USA Kids Passport Program, a fantastic initiative that gives 3rd to 6th graders up to 80 days of skiing or snowboarding across 20 Colorado ski areas for just $67. The deal gets even sweeter with two free daily rentals and discounted season gear rentals included.
For the teens in your life, check out the Gems Teen Pass. At $199, it offers youth aged 12-17 two full days at each of 11 participating Colorado resorts. While the accompanying Gems Parent Pass is sold out for the 2024-25 season, keep it in mind for next year.
Courtesy of Christy Sports
Book Rentals Online to Save on Costs
Looking to maximize savings? Smart planning goes a long way.
Besides the Kids Ski Free offer, families can trim costs by booking gear rentals online in advance. These savings add up quickly, especially for multi-day adventures.
Take Advantage of Local Discount Programs
For newcomers to the sport, there are some brilliant ways to build confidence before hitting the main slopes. Indoor ski schools like Shredder and Snobahn offer controlled environments, perfect for mastering the basics. Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s Bob Beverly Free Learn-to-Ski program gives first-timers up to three free days of rentals, tickets, and group lessons. For a limited time each winter, guests who have never skied and never snowboarded can try up to three days of a single discipline with free rentals, tickets, and group lessons.
Colorado is not the only place offering programs to make skiing more accessible. Ski Utah offers 4th, 5th, and 6th graders 45 days of skiing across 15 resorts for $89. In Montana, kids 6 and under ski free at Big Sky and Whitefish Mountain Resort, while Lookout Pass Ski Area provides free lessons for kids 6-17. Washington’s Mt. Baker welcomes 5th graders with free lift tickets all season long.
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Discover the Hidden Gems
Many resorts offer hidden gems for beginners, like Winter Park’s Galloping Goose area, where you can practice without a lift ticket. At Keystone, booking two or more nights gets your kids (12 and under) free skiing for the duration of your stay.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or strapping in for the first time, Christy Sports is committed to making your family’s snow sports experience seamless, welcoming, and most importantly, fun — because everyone deserves to experience the joy of fresh powder and mountain air, regardless of their experience level or budget.