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 and safe 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.
Click here to download a Cold is Cool Application form.
You may also order the Cold is Cool Passport online if you can scan or photograph your child's report card and email it to MSIA at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Click the button below to order online.
Here is a list of participating ski areas with their offers:
(DH Means Downhill Skiing, XC Means Cross-country skiing)
Alpine Valley Ski Area (DH) White Lake, (248) 887-2180
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13, 1/19/13-1/21/13 and 2/16/13-2/18/13. Valid Mon.-Fri only. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket.
Big Powderhorn (DH) Bessemer, (906) 932-4838
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13, 1/19/13-1/21/13 and 2/16/13-2/18/13.
Blackjack Resort (DH) Bessemer, (906) 229-5115
Valid all season, no blackout dates!
Boyne Highlands (DH, XC) Harbor Springs, 1-800-GO BOYNE
Valid all season, no blackout dates!
Boyne Mountain (DH, XC) Boyne Falls, 1-800-GO BOYNE
Valid all season, no blackout dates!
Caberfae Peaks (DH) Cadillac, (231) 862-3000
Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket.
Valid all season, no blackout dates!
Cannonsburg Ski Area (DH) Cannonsburg, (616) 874-6711
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Not valid after 5 p.m.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters (XC) Roscommon, (989) 821-6661
Valid all season, no blackout dates!
Crystal Mountain (DH, XC) Thompsonville, 1-800-YOUR-MTN
Valid with purchase of adult all-day or 9-9 ticket.
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13, 1/19/13-1/21/13 and 2/16/13-2/18/13. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket.
Hanson Hills (DH, XC)) Grayling, (989) 348-9266
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Call for hours of operation.
The Homestead (DH) Glen Arbor, (231) 334-5000
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13 and 2/16/13-2/17/13. Call for hours of operation.
Mt. Brighton (DH) Brighton, (810) 229-9581
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13, 1/19/13-1/21/13 and 2/16/13-2/18/13. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket.
Mt. Holiday (DH)Traverse City, (231) 938-2500
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13, 1/19/13-1/21/13 and 2/16/13-2/18/13. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket.
Mulligan’s Hollow (DH) Grand Haven, (616) 842-0634
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Call for hours of operation.
Nubs Nob (DH, XC) Harbor Springs, 1-800-SKI-NUBS
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13 and 2/16/13-2/17/13. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket.
Shanty Creek Resorts (DH, XC) Bellaire, 1-800-678-4111
Valid all season, no blackout dates!
Snow Snake Ski & Golf (DH) Harrison, (989) 539-6583
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13.
Swiss Valley Ski Area (DH) Jones, (269) 244-5635
Valid all season, no blackout dates!
Timber Ridge Ski Area (DH) Gobles, 1-800-253-2928
Not valid on Saturdays.
Treetops Resort (DH, XC) Gaylord, 1-888-TREETOPS
Not valid: 12/24/12–1/1/13, 1/19/13-1/20/13 and 2/16/13-2/17/13. Call for hours of operation.
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