Cold is Cool - 4th Graders Ski Free!

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) wants to give Michigan kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter. This is why MSIA has established a state-wide program which provides every fourth grader in Michigan the opportunity to ski for free. Fourth graders can obtain a “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 20 participating ski areas.  Click here for “Cold is Cool” application.

The “Cold is Cool” Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport is one of the elements of MSIA’s “Cold is Cool” program, which is dedicated to improving the health of the children in our state by offering winter outdoor activities for all Michigan kids and their families. Plus, the Cold is Cool activities qualify for First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign.

Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and director of skiing at Shanty Creek, says the association wants Michigan kids to have the opportunity to ski or snowboard. “Fourth grade is the perfect age to learn to ski. Nine- and ten-year-old kids have the coordination to pick up the sport quickly,” he adds.

In order for fourth graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them. “We feel that fourth graders should be supervised by an adult while on the slopes and trails. Our intention is to make this a fun, affordable activity for the entire family,” says Mickey MacWilliams, MSIA executive director. With the Passport, up to two fourth graders can ski free with each paying adult.

In the Fall, Michigan elementary and middle school principals receive a “Cold is Cool” packet with information on a variety of MSIA programs including application forms for the Fourth Grade Passport. Kids can also pick up the applications at participating MSIA ski shops and by clicking here. Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $15 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered.

The Cold is Cool Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport has blackout dates at some of the participating ski areas. Dates are listed on the application and the passport itself.

How to Obtain a 4th Grade Ski & Ride Cold is Cool Passport

Passport applications are sent to all Michigan elementary schools in November, so be sure to ask your child's teacher for your application. They are also available at MSIA Ski Shops in November, or you can also click here for a Cold is Cool Application.

• A $15 processing fee. Please make check payable to MSIA.
• Completed application
• Proof of 4th grade status - a copy of most recent report card, student I.D. or progress report.

Mail or fax your payment and information to:

Cold Is Cool Passport
7164 Deer Lake Court
Clarkston, MI 48346

Fax:  (248) 620-9238

 - Or - Apply online and pay with a credit card

Your credit card will be automatically charged, but you won't receive the passport until late October.

We encourage you to click here to print an application, which provides information on the rules, restrictions of the program and blackout dates at individual ski areas. IMPORTANT!!  We must have proof of your child's 4th grade status.  When applying online, you can provide it by:

• Faxing 4th grade report card, student ID or progress report to (248) 620-9238
• Emailing a scan of the report card, student ID or progress report to info@goskimichigan.com
• Easiest! Take a photo of your child's report card with your smart phone and email it to info@goskimichigan.com

Please include your child's name on the fax or email and the name of the person on the credit card.

*Some restrictions apply. See 4th grade Cold is Cool application for more details.  If you have questions, please call (248) 620-4448.

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