Skiing with kids · Guide 2026/27
Skiing in the USA with kids
Family ski resorts where kids ski free
The short answer: At many ski resorts in the USA, kids ski free up to age 12, much longer than in the Alps. The catch is that the deals often only apply in certain weeks, with a parent's lift ticket or with a stay at the resort. Go in early December and you'll find the most free days.
Updated November 4, 2026. All details come from the official resort websites for the 2026/27 season.
How free lift tickets for kids work in the USA
Up to age 12
Many deals apply to kids up to age 12, a lot longer than in the Alps. But they often only run in certain weeks or come with conditions.
Book online ahead of time
Many free tickets are only available online and in advance, like at Mammoth and with Kids Ski Free in Steamboat, where you buy your ticket before the season.
One child per adult
Usually one paying adult gets a free ticket for one child. In Sun Valley, it's up to 2 kids per day.
Watch for blackout dates
Many deals don't apply over Christmas, New Year's and long weekends, like in Sun Valley and with the passports for school-age kids.
Four highlights for families
At these resorts, kids ski free up to an older age in 2026/27. Every detail comes with an official source.
Colorado
Steamboat
Kids Ski Free up to age 12
Official source ↗Kids 12 and under ski free for as many days as a paying adult, as long as the adult buys a ticket for 5 days or more before the season. One child per adult, and season passes like Ikon don't count. From November 21 to December 15, 2026, kids 12 and under get a free ticket online, no adult ticket needed.
Utah
Powder Mountain
Free up to age 6
Official source ↗Kids 6 and under ski free every day, no purchase needed. When a parent buys a 2026/27 Unlimited season pass, you get up to 2 free season passes for kids 12 and under.
Idaho
Sun Valley
Free up to 12 with 3+ nights
Official source ↗With 3 or more nights at a Sun Valley Resort property, kids 12 and under ski free, up to 2 per day with a skiing adult. Kids 4 and under always ski free with a paying adult. It doesn't apply over Christmas and during a few weeks in February and March.
California
Mammoth Mountain
Kids Ski Free Week
Official source ↗From December 5 to 11, 2026, you reserve a $0 day ticket online for each child 12 and under for each day. You don't need a ticket for yourself.
Free Ski Pass List
All 17 deals in the USA
With conditions, dates and official sources, from California to Vermont. Unlock the full list for free with your email.
Free weeks and passes for kids
On top of that, there are free days in December and affordable passes for school-age kids that visitors can buy too.
Jackson Hole: Kids on Snow
From December 11 to 13, 2026, kids 12 and under ski free with an adult who has valid lift access, including a season pass, Ikon or Mountain Collective. Kids get free rentals too. Official source ↗
Power Kids Pass
Kids 12 and under get a free season pass for 12 resorts, with no adult purchase and no blackout dates, like Purgatory in Colorado, Arizona Snowbowl and Brian Head in Utah. Official source ↗
Colorado Kids Ski Passport
For $76, kids from kindergarten through 6th grade ski 4 days at each of 19 resorts in Colorado, no Colorado residency needed. On sale until January 31, 2027, with blackout dates over the holidays and on a few weekends. Official source ↗
Ski Utah Passport
Kids in 4th through 6th grade ski 3 days at each participating resort in Utah, for $69 until December 1, 2026, then $99. Open to all visitors, with blackout dates at 9 resorts. Official source ↗
Tips for the ticket office
Go in early December
In the first half of December, kids 12 and under ski free in lots of places: in Steamboat until December 15, at Mammoth from December 5 to 11 and in Jackson Hole from December 11 to 13, 2026.
A season pass doesn't count everywhere
With Kids Ski Free in Steamboat, season passes like Ikon don't count. You need a ticket for 5 days or more, bought before the season.
Grade, not age
The passports go by grade, not age. In Colorado and Utah, visitors can buy them too.
Manu, dad and founder of dry movesMy tip: if you're flying to the USA anyway, plan for early December. That's when kids 12 and under ski free at Mammoth, Jackson Hole and Steamboat, which makes up for part of the flight.
Practice at home first
The first day on skis is easier when skis already feel familiar
With drySki, kids ages 2 and up learn their first steps and moves on skis at home through play, so they're perfectly prepared for their first days on the snow. Handmade in Munich.
FAQ
Up to what age do kids ski free in the USA?
Often up to age 12, like in Steamboat, Sun Valley, Mammoth and Jackson Hole, usually with conditions like a parent's lift ticket, a stay at the resort or only in certain weeks. At Powder Mountain, kids 6 and under ski free every day.
Do I need a ticket myself?
Not always. During Kids Ski Free Week at Mammoth and from November 21 to December 15, 2026 in Steamboat, kids 12 and under get a free ticket with no adult ticket. The Power Kids Pass doesn't require an adult purchase either.
Can visitors buy the passports for school-age kids?
Yes, in Colorado and Utah, for example. The Colorado Kids Ski Passport doesn't require Colorado residency, and the Ski Utah Passport is open to all visitors.
Skiing with kids in other countries
Everything you need to plan, with a packing checklist: Family ski trip with kids
Have fun in the snow!
Cheers, Manu