hWHITE HAVEN, PA- It’s great to be a kid in PA! For generations, people have been learning to ski and snowboard in Pennsylvania. With over 20 ski areas that cater to beginners and experts alike, PA is where it all starts. Fourth and fifth graders who want to ski or snowboard are fortunate especially if they live in or near Pennsylvania. For the twelfth year, the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA) is making skiing or snowboarding free through their Snowpass program for youths in those two grade levels.

According to Linda Irvin, PSAA Executive Director, “Our Snowpass Program is designed to foster a child’s love of skiing or riding, as well as the great outdoors. The goal is give kids the skills, confidence and passion for skiing or snowboarding that will last a lifetime.”

Skiing and snowboarding offers families the opportunity to exercise outside together during the winter months. A ninety pound youth can burn between two and three hundred calories per hour skiing and/or snowboarding depending on their activity level. Skiing and snowboarding are listed among the activities included in the President’s Challenge organized by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Children and adults can earn points toward a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by skiing and snowboarding. The Snowpass program is designed to make it easy for parents to enjoy a day on the slopes as well, while professional instructors create a safe, fun, and educational environment.

Why a 4th & 5th Grade Snowpass Program?

To introduce 4th & 5th graders to the sports of skiing and snowboarding.

Also, to remind families that spending time on the mountains is a healthy and FUN family activity

Why Fourth & Fifth Grade?

This is a great age for children to learn a new sport with ease and to excel rapidly.

Through the Snowpass Program and on-mountain experience, students can see the lessons of their 4th & 5th grade science studies in action (such as water resources at work, geology structure, and the physics of lift mechanics).

Also, ski resorts are a part of Pennsylvania history.

What is Included?

* one Adult Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package (for accompanying adult) at 50% off retail value

* one complimentary Child’s Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package (includes beginner lift, lesson and equipment rental)

* three complimentary child’s day lift tickets to each of the 20 participating member resorts.

Where can a 4th or 5th grader Ski for Free?

Any Pennsylvania Ski Resorts below.

1. Alpine Mountain, Analomink

www.alpinemountain.com

2. Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie

http://www.skibearcreek.com

3. Big Boulder, Blakeslee | http://www.jfbb.com

4. Blue Knob Ski Area, Claysburg

http://www.blueknob.com

5. Blue Mountain, Palmerton

http://www.skibluemt.com

6. Camelback Mountain Resort,

Tannersville | http://www.skicamelback.com

7. Crystal Lake Cross Country Ski Center,

Hughesville | http://www.crystallakeskicenter.com

8. Elk Mountain, Union Dale

http://www.elkskier.com

9. Hidden Valley, Hidden Valley

http://www.hiddenvalleyresort.com

10. Jack Frost Mountain, Blakeslee | http://www.jfbb.com

11. Liberty Mountain, Carroll Valley | http://www.libertymountainresort.com

12. Montage Mountain, Scranton | http://www.montagemountainresorts.com

13. Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington

http://www.nemacolin.com

14. Roundtop Mountain Resort, Lewisberry | http://www.skiroundtop.com

15. Seven Springs Mtn. Resort, Seven Springs | http://www.7springs.com

16. Shawnee Mountain, Shawnee-on-Delaware

http://www.shawneemt.com

17. Ski Big Bear, Lackawaxen | http://www.ski-bigbear.com

18. Ski Sawmill Family Resort, Morris

http://www.skisawmill.com

19. Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg

http://www.tusseymountain.com

20. Whitetail Resort, Mercersburg

www.skiwhitetail.com

The Snowpass program is not restricted to

residents of Pennsylvania. Any fourth or fifth grade

student can participate by completing a simple application

and providing a report card or other document

verifying they are currently in the fourth or

fifth grade. Photos for students also are required.

There is a nominal administration/processing fee of

$30 if purchased prior to December 1st, or $35 after

December 1st for the Snowpass. There are some

basic rules that apply as well as some black-out dates

typically around busy holidays The application can

be found on the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association’s Web site at www.skipa.com

or call (570) 443-0963.

In Pennsylvania, nature’s bounty is the backdrop for big time recreation.
Tens of thousands of winter enthusiasts migrate to the Keystone State
Mountains every week to ski and snowboard on trails that offer cruising comfort
in a majestic setting or the excitement of pulse pounding challenge on a
downhill course.
Not knowing how to ski or board is no longer an excuse for sitting at home
on the sidelines.
January has been designated, “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” in
Pennsylvania.
It’s easier and more affordable than ever. For the entire month, the 19 member
resorts of the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association will offer a $5 discount
on already low midweek “Learn A Snow Sport” packages. These special tickets
include a first ski lesson, rental equipment, either skis or a snowboard and a lift
ticket for use on any of the beginner areas.
For folks who yearn to find a winter activity and a chance to make new
friends in the dynamic environment of a ski resort, Linda Irvin, director of the
Pennsylvania Ski Areas Associations says, “We’re thrilled that our ski areas have
united to offer an affordable “Learn to Ski and Snowbaord” program that will
open the door to the wonderful world of skiing for many winter enthusiasts,
throughout the entire season.”
Association member resorts are found in all regions of the state from the
Endless Mountains to the Philadelphia suburbs, central Pennsylvania from the
Maryland to New York borders and throughout the Alleghenies.

Pennsylvania Designates January as “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month”
In Pennsylvania, nature’s bounty is the backdrop for big time recreation. Tens of thousands of winter enthusiasts migrate to the Keystone State Mountains every week to ski and snowboard on trails that offer cruising comfort
in a majestic setting or the excitement of pulse pounding challenge on a downhill course.
Not knowing how to ski or board is no longer an excuse for sitting at home on the sidelines.
January has been designated, “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” in Pennsylvania.
It’s easier and more affordable than ever. For the entire month, the 19 member resorts of the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association will offer a $5 discount on already low midweek “Learn A Snow Sport” packages. These special tickets include a first ski lesson, rental equipment, either skis or a snowboard and a lift ticket for use on any of the beginner areas.
For folks who yearn to find a winter activity and a chance to make new friends in the dynamic environment of a ski resort, Linda Irvin, director of the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Associations says, “We’re thrilled that our ski areas have
united to offer an affordable “Learn to Ski and Snowbaord” program that will open the door to the wonderful world of skiing for many winter enthusiasts, throughout the entire season.”
Association member resorts are found in all regions of the state from the Endless Mountains to the Philadelphia suburbs, central Pennsylvania from the Maryland to New York borders and throughout the Alleghenies.
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME SKIERS/BOARDERS
Dress Warmly and in layers
Wear a good hat that covers the ears
Driving gloves are for driving – Ski gloves are for skiing
Take time for a short period of stretching exercises before going on the slopes
The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA), consisting of member ski areas statewide, is a non-profit association that was developed to promote and serve the Pennsylvania Ski Industry. PSAA works to encourage participation and enjoyment of skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and cross country skiing in Pennsylvania.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association visit:
www.SkiPA.com or call (570) 443-0963

Member Ski Resorts:
Alpine Mountain, Bear Creek Mt Resort, Big Boulder, Blue Knob Ski Area, Blue Mountain, Camelback Ski Area, Eagle
Rock Resort, Elk Mountain, Hidden Valley Resort, Jack Frost Mountain, Liberty Mountain Resort, Montage Mountain, Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin, Roundtop Mtn Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Shawnee Mountain, Ski-Big Bear, Ski Denton, Ski Sawmill, Tussey Mountain, Whitetail Resort.