Winter in Canada can have some benefits. Really.
It’s a source of pride in our country to bundle up, brace for the lower end – the sub-zero – of the thermometer, and go outside and play in the cold white stuff. It’s almost a patriotic duty, though on the west coast we don’t feel quite the same bravery venturing out into our annual winter rains.
The Canadian Ski Council and the nation’s ski resort areas have made it easy for Canadian families with children in grades 4 and 5 (ages 9 and 10) to get the best out of winter and enjoy the marvelous snow sports of skiing and snowboarding. The Ski Canada SnowPass program is a nationwide initiative. The $29.99 purchase price of a Grade 5 Ski Canada SnowPass opens up more than 150 Canadian ski areas to kids in both grades 4 and 5. It essentially takes the place of buying a day’s lift ticket.
SnowPass holders can ski or snowboard three times in each participating ski resort. If parents purchase the pass when their child is in grade 4, it’s worth two seasons of ski resort access, which can equal big savings in the family ski holiday budget.
Some of the participating ski resorts include Whistler-Blackcomb, Sun Peaks, Big White, and Lake Louise in the west; to Blue Mountain, Hockley Valley, Mont-Sainte-Anne, and Mont Tremblant in eastern Canada.
Our family loved the SnowPass program. We took full advantage of the SnowPass when our kids were eligible. It allowed us to stretch our winter vacation budget, access some new ski areas in British Columbia, and helped the kids practice their ski school skills off the bunny hill. It’s a great way to introduce children to the fun of skiing and snowboarding at a young age, though equipment rentals aren’t included in the program.
Parents can apply online for their child’s SnowPass. It usually takes a few weeks to process the applications and issue the SnowPass, so if you’re thinking ahead to gift-giving season (and you should be!), apply today. Supplies of the SnowPass are limited.
Note: The writer didn’t receive compensation for this post. I just wanted to share this great program so your family can take advantage of it, or bookmark it for when your kids can apply. Happy skiing and riding!
Photo Credit: C. Laroye, Amy McDermid, Ski Canada
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