A few days ago, a child I know brought home a flyer from school and asked me, "Is it true that for $76 I can ski all winter?" I did some research to give a proper answer to that question.

To get straight to the point, it is true. The price for the Ski Passport for the 2026-27 season, sold by Colorado Ski Country USA, has been officially announced as $76.

This is available for students from kindergarten (K) through 6th grade. Last year, the prices were divided by grade, but this season's announcement only lists one price.

Here's how it works: You can ski for 4 days at each of the 19 participating ski resorts.

4 days multiplied by 19 resorts equals 76 days. That's how you get the calculation of 76 days for $76, which comes out to about $1 per day.

Honestly, when I first saw the numbers, I couldn't believe my eyes. Considering the price of adult lift tickets these days, it seems unbelievable.

The list of participating ski resorts is quite impressive. It includes places like Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Winter Park, Loveland, Eldora, and Echo Mountain, which are great for weekend trips from Denver.

It also includes four resorts in Aspen (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass), as well as Steamboat and Telluride. In total, there are 19 resorts including Cooper, Granby Ranch, Howelsen Hill, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, and Sunlight.

There's also a bonus. With one pass, you get two free junior equipment rentals from Christy Sports, so families without gear can start the season without any worries.

This program didn't just appear overnight. It started in 1996 with a pass for 5th graders and has now expanded to K-6th grade, marking its 30th season this year.

Now, let's address some common issues when applying. The most confusing part is usually the proof of grade.

You need to submit a document that shows the student's name, age, or grade. Acceptable documents include report cards, student IDs, class schedules, screenshots from school portals, birth certificates, or passports.

If it's a school document, it must show the school year, and handwritten notes or screenshots of texts from teachers are not accepted. Homeschooled children can use identification that shows their date of birth, like a birth certificate or passport.

Grade assignments follow the age criteria set by Denver Public Schools. If a student is repeating or skipping a grade, they cannot receive a pass for that grade again, so keep this in mind.

A photo is also required, but they won't accept pictures with hats, helmets, goggles, or sunglasses. There will definitely be families who submit a great photo taken on the slopes only to have it rejected.

There are no residency restrictions. This means that children living outside of Colorado can also apply, so if you have relatives visiting during the winter, it might be worth considering.

The sales deadline is January 31, 2027, or when they sell out, whichever comes first. The official page also states that prices may change during the season.

Activation can take time. Typically, it takes 3-5 business days, but it can take up to 3 weeks right before the season opens, so if you buy it after the first snowfall, it might be too late.

And this is the most important part: there are blackout dates. You cannot use the pass from December 25, 2026, to January 1, 2027, on January 16-17, or February 13-14.

These dates conveniently exclude Christmas break and holiday weekends. If you're planning a family trip during your child's break, you'll need to check the calendar again.

There are also rules for making reservations. You can confirm visits from up to 7 days in advance to the day of, but once confirmed, cancellations are not allowed.

The pass itself is non-refundable and non-transferable, and only one pass can be purchased per student. It's important to develop a habit of carefully choosing dates based on the weather.

So, what about parents? You can't send your child alone, which is a real concern.

Families that purchase the Ski Passport or Gems Teen Pass can buy a Gems Parent Pass for $350. This allows access to 10 Gems ski resorts for 2 days each, and the quantity is limited and released in batches.

The 10 Gems resorts are Arapahoe Basin, Cooper, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, and Sunlight. If you have a sibling in 7th grade or higher, the Gems Teen Pass for ages 12-17 is available for $210.

Of course, there may be opposing views. With many blackout dates and a limit of 4 days per resort, if your family frequently visits just one place, this pass may not be as efficient as it seems.

It's also true that when you add in the cost of a parent pass, gas, and lunch, the $76 doesn't end up being just $76. Just because the child's pass is cheap doesn't mean the overall family cost is low.

Still, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. I believe there's no better way to test whether your child enjoys skiing in their first year at such a low price.

You can apply at coloradoski.com, and I recommend checking the latest prices and conditions on that page before purchasing. I hope this winter, kids won't just be staring at screens indoors but will be rolling around in the snow outside.