kids holding hands atop schuss Blue

(Returning families will be given the option to renew.  If you renew, be sure to update your app to the latest version! Go to the App store and search WinterKids to see if you are up-to-date.)

Cold is Cool

4th and 5th Graders Ski ALL WINTER LONG with our App!

MSIA Cold is Cool Passport allows Fourth and Fifth Graders to Ski All Winter Long in Michigan! Families can obtain a Cold is Cool Ski & Ride Passport App for their 4th and/or 5th graders that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 29 participating ski areas, plus additional discounts on the slopes and in Michigan ski shops. MSIA charges $30 for the passport; $25 covers operating expenses and $5 goes to MIsnow, a new charitable organization that helps get underprivileged kids out on our slopes & trails in the winter.  MIsnow also works to preserve the strong cultural past of Michigan skiing and protect its future with sustainability education.

In addition to the lift tickets donated by the participating ski areas, Cold is Cool Passport also includes a coupon for 20% off a helmet purchase and $20 off the purchase of $100 at participating ski shops across the state. Some ski areas have also included coupons for equipment rental and free or discounted lessons.

The Passport is an app to download on your phone, making it contactless at the lift ticket window.

Once the application is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download the app.

To get a lift ticket, you will bring your child and your phone (or other device that you have loaded the app on) to the ski area. Show the offer you want to redeem to the ticket attendant and press the redeem button to receive your child’s lift ticket or other offer in the Cold is Cool App.  It’s that simple!

CHECK YOUR PASSPORT APP FOR EXCLUSION DATES AND THE SKI AREA’S WEBSITE before heading to the slopes.  Know before you go!

You can also show proof of grade at a participating ski shop and gain instant access to the Cold is Cool App. No need to wait for MSIA’s approval or upload proof of grade!

  • Proof of 4th or 5th grade status is required. One page of a report card or progress report iscold is cool logo michigansufficient. If the child is home schooled, the parent or guardian can include a note stating the child’s grade equivalent.
  • You must also upload a photo (headshot) of your child, which serves as an ID.
  • MSIA charges $30 for the Cold is Cool Passport App, which covers program costs, maintenance and a $5 donation to MIsnow.
  • The Passport is valid through the end of the 2022/23 ski season. Dates vary by ski area.
  • In order for fourth and fifth graders to use the free lift or trail passes, a paying adult must accompany them.
  • The Cold is Cool Passport cannot be used when an adult obtains a lift ticket with the White Gold Card or other discounted lift ticket programs.
2023 MSIA Cold is Cool Passport Redemption steps Page 1
2023 MSIA Cold is Cool Passport Redemption steps Page 2

Get a Passport immediately at these retailers!

Want to get your child’s passport app today? The Passport Application Kit, which contains download instructions and your own code to log in will be available at the ski shops listed below. We suggest calling in advance of your arrival, to check on their available supply. Make sure you bring proof of grade to the store for a store associate to verify it! You don’t pay at the store.  You pay once you download the app.

Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus
1200 E Paris RD SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 458-1684

Boyne Country Sports
Bloomfield Hills, (248) 338-0803
Boyne Highlands (231) 526-3006
Boyne Mountain (231) 549-6006
Grand Rapids, (616) 420-6060
Novi, (248) 347-3323
Petoskey (231) 439-4906
Traverse City, (231) 941-1999

Crystal Mountain Sports
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.
Thompsonville, Michigan 49683
(855) 995-5146

Don Orr Ski Haus
890 Munson Ave
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 946-8810

Marquette Mountain Ski Shop
4501 M-553
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 225-1155

Moosejaw Bike & Snow
284 W. Maple Rd.
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 212-0565

Moosejaw
410 Ionia Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 570-0135

Nichol’s Ski & Snowboard
Dearborn, (313) 565-0044
Waterford, (248) 674-5200

Schummer’s Ski Shop
20778 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
(313) 881-4363

Shumaker’s Ski & Snowboard
2342 S. Ballenger Hwy.
Flint, MI 48503
(810) 239-6931

Shumaker’s at the Stable
300 S. Hamilton St.
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 401-3430

Sun & Snow Sports
Ann Arbor, (734) 663-9515
Plymouth, (734) 927-0007

The Peak Ski & Sports
2867 Orchard Lake Road
Keego Harbor, MI 48320
(248) 499-8860

The Shop at Milham Park
4200 Lovers Lane
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 344-7639

Treetops Resort Ski Shop
3962 Wilkinson Rd
Gaylord, MI 49735
(855) 318-0678

Vertical Drop Ski Shop
6325 Sashabaw Rd., Suite E
Clarkston, MI 48346
(248) 241-6509

White Birch Outfitters
302 W Main St
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 732-2223

Cold is Cool Instructional Videos

Getting started
Redeeming an offer in person (at lift ticket window)
Using the PDF option (example: sending a child with another family)

Cold is Cool Passport Frequently Asked Questions

I forgot my password, how can I reset?
Please follow this link to reset your password: https://msia.winterkids.org/membership/password/new

You’ll receive an email with a link to create a new password. Please create a
password that is unique and that you can remember.

I’m in the app, trying to redeem an offer but it won’t let me. It says I have to
“Upgrade” my membership, but I’ve already paid and we’ve been approved.
This is our most common issue, and we apologize for the inconvenience! Please
log out of the app, click off of it and then log back in.

How do I redeem an offer in the App?
Check out this link for step-by-step instructions.

Help! I made a mistake with my information
Please contact MSIA staff at coldiscool@winterkids.org and let us know what
error was made. Please allow us 24 hours to reply to your email.

How do I log into the Cold is Cool App?
After downloading the WinterKids App, select ‘Cold is Cool’ for Michigan. You
can click the ‘sign in’ tab on the top right of the App, or you can click any offer
and click the ‘sign in to continue’ tab. Enter the email and password you used
when creating your membership. Check out this link for step-by-step instructions.

I didn’t receive my welcome email.
First, please check your spam or junk folder. The emails come
from coldiscool@winterkids.org. You can mark the email as ‘important,’ ‘star’ or
‘VIP’ so you will receive emails from that address in the future.
You can also click this link for a copy of the information that was sent in the
welcome email.

How do I download the App?
You can search for the WinterKids App in the Apple or Google Play stores or
follow one of the following links
Apple: WinterKids on the App Store (apple.com)
Google: WinterKids on the Google Play store

I redeemed an offer in error.
Please contact a MSIA staff member at coldiscool@winterkids.org. Provide the
name of the child, name of the offer and date redeemed.

We have two eligible kids. How do I include them both in our Cold is Cool
Passport account?
When you sign up initially, there is a dropdown bar to add and pay for a second
child. If you neglected to do this, please contact an MSIA staff member
at coldiscool@winterkids.org. We can add the child and take credit card
information over the phone.

  1. MSIA is providing only forth and fifth graders with a Cold is Cool Passport. The Passport is a non-transferable application which entitles the parent or guardian of the forth or fifth grader to whom it is issued (Holder) up to three complimentary children’s one-day lift tickets and/or trail passes at each of the participating Michigan Alpine and Nordic ski areas during the 2022-2023 ski season (subject to the terms and conditions set forth below).
  2. All participating ski areas reserve the right to withdraw from the program or change their offer at any time, and all Passport offers are subject to availability.
  3. The Passport may be used to obtain no more than one complimentary lift ticket per day. A photo of the child must be uploaded into the app in order for it to be valid and the child must accompany the adult to the lift window.
  4. The Cold is Cool Passport is nonrefundable.
  5. The Passport or lift tickets obtained by the Passport may not be transferred or sold to any other person, including family members. MSIA will immediately revoke the Passport if holder transfers use of the Passport or any lift ticket or trail pass obtained with the Passport to another person.
  6. The Passport may be used by the Holder only when accompanied by a paying adult. A maximum of two Passport Holders per each paying adult may obtain a complimentary one-day lift ticket.
  7. MSIA will revoke and cancel a passport without notice for any misuse. Holders and their parents or legal guardians are responsible for proper use of that Passport at all times. In the event of passport misuse and cancellation, MSIA may recover damages to itself and/or participating resorts arising from Passport misuse, including reasonable attorney fees. All Passport Holders agree to comply with all rules and regulations of participating ski areas and with all other applicable laws and regulations.
  8. MSIA reserves the right to modify or cancel the Program and all valid Passports at any time without notice. MSIA is not responsible for expenses incurred or opportunities forgone by cancellation or modification of the program.
  9. All information in the application is subject to verification by and becomes the property of MSIA. Information provided by Passport applicants may be used by MSIA and others.
  10. Each time a passport is redeemed, the email address and name(s) associated with the Passport family become listed in that ski area’s or shop’s Cold is Cool Passport account.  This is a requirement, so that the facility has proof of redemption.  Parents may then receive emails from the ski area or shop where the Passport was redeemed.
  11. Passport is not valid on dates noted by each ski area on the Cold is Cool app and those dates are subject to change.
  12. Passport is not valid with any other discount, including school programs, White Gold Card, or on the purchase of multi-day packages and is not redeemable in cash or trade. The passport is valid when the paying adult is a season pass holder at that particular ski area, except where noted on individual ski area pages in the Cold is Cool app.  Each ski area reserves the right to accept or deny passport use with a season pass.
  13. MSIA and its partners, their subsidiaries, franchisees, employees, members, officers and agencies are not liable for any claims, demands, actions or causes of action on account of any injury to participants which may occur from any cause in participating in this promotional activity.

If you have any questions, call (248) 620-4448.

Please Note: You must provide proof of 4th or 5th grade status. One page of a report card or progress report is sufficient. If the child is home schooled, the parent or guardian can include a note stating the child’s grade equivalent. Please bring this with you to the store, along with a completed Cold is Cool Application. Once you download the app, you will pay online and upload a photo of your child.

See participating ski areas and their offers below

Cold is Cool Ski Areas & Offers (Note!  This list is tentative and some blackouts may change.)

Upper Peninsula
Big Powderhorn
Bessemer, (906) 932-4838
Blackout 12/24/22 – 1/1/23, 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times
Marquette Mountain Resort, Marquette, (906) 225-1155Blackout 12/24/22-1/2/23, 1/14-1/16/23 and 2/18-2/20/23. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times
Mont Ripley
Hancock, (906) 487-2340
Blackout 12/24/22 – 1/5/23. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times
Pine Mountain
Iron Mountain (906) 774-2747
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times
Porcupine Mountain
Ontonagon, (906) 885-5209
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Valid 2 times
Snowriver Mountain Resort, Wakefield 1-800-346-3426Blackout 12/24/22 – 1/1/23, 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times
Northwestern Lower Peninsula
Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Falls, 1-866-931-3191
Blackout 12/26/22-12/31/23, 1/14-1/15/23, 2/18-2/19/23. Boyne is treating the Passport as a "Pass" so parents should purchase their tickets online in advance. Valid 3 times downhill and 3 times cross-country.
Caberfae Peaks
Cadillac, (231) 862-3000
Valid with purchase of an Adult Open-to-Close lift ticket ($79 Saturdays, $64 Sundays, $49 Weds, Thurs & Fridays, and $39 on Mondays and Tuesdays). Not valid 12/26/22-1/1/23, 1/14-1/16/23 and 2/18-2/20/23. Not valid with season pass tickets. Valid 3 times.
Cross Country Ski Hqts.
Roscommon, 1-800-832-2663
Blackout 12/24/22 – 1/1/23, 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. (Cross-country skiing only.) Valid 2 times
Crystal Mountain Resort
Thompsonville, 1-888-968-7686
Valid w/purchase of adult open-close ticket. Blackout 12/24/22 – 1/2/23, 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. Passport is treated like a season pass, so parents should purchase their ticket in advance. Valid 3 times.
Forbush Corners
Gaylord (989) 889-2843
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Valid 3 times cross country skiing or snow shoeing.
Hickory Hills
Traverse City 231-947-8566
Valid all season, no blackout dates. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times downhill and 2 times cross country.
The Homestead
Glen Arbor, (231) 334-5000
Valid with purchase of adult all-day ticket. Blackout 12/26/22 - 1/2/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/2023. Valid for downhill 3 times. Visit www.thehomesteadresort.com for hours of operation.
Mt. Holiday
Traverse City, (231) 938-2500
Blackout 12/24/22 – 1/2/23, 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times
Nub's Nob
Harbor Springs, 1-800-SKI-NUBS
Blackout 12/24/22-1/1/23, 2/18 - 2/19/23 Valid 2 times downhill and 2 times cross country
Shanty Creek Resorts
Bellaire, (231) 533-3000 x 3383
Valid all season, no blackout dates! You will need an adult lift ticket or a season pass in order to redeem a passport lift ticket. Valid 3 times downhill & 3 times cross country
The Highlands at Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs, 1-855-448-8582
Blackout 12/26/22-12/31/22, 1/14-1/16/23, 2/18-2/20/23. Parents are encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance, then pick up their child's Passport at the ticket window. Valid 3 times downhill and 3 times cross-country.
North Central Lower Peninsula
Hanson Hills
Grayling, (989) 348-9266
No blackouts, valid all season long! Valid 3 times downhill and 3 times cross country.
Otsego Resort Gaylord, 1-800-752-5510Blackout 12/24/22 – 1/1/23, 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. Valid 2 times
Snow Snake Ski & Golf
Harrison, (989) 539-6583
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Valid 2 times
Treetops Resort
Gaylord, 1-866-348-5249
Blackout 12/24/22-1/2/23, 1/14-1/15/23 and 2/18-2/20/23 Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Due to high demand, rental equipment may be limited. Valid 2 times
West Central and Southwestern Lower Peninsula
Bittersweet Resort
Otsego, (269) 694-2820
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times. Due to high demand, rental equipment may be limited.
Cannonsburg Ski Area
Belmont, (616) 874-6711
Blackout 12/24/22 – 1/1/23, 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, school club card or season pass. Valid 2 times
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, Muskegon (231) 744-9629Blackout 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. (Cross-country skiing only.) Valid 2 times
Swiss Valley Ski Area
Jones, (269) 244-5635
Blackout 12/24/22-1/1/23, 1/14-1/16/23 and 2/18-2/20/23.
Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times
Timber Ridge Ski Area
Gobles, (269) 694-9449
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Valid 2 times
Southeastern Lower Peninsula
Alpine Valley Ski Area
White Lake, (248) 887-2180
Blackout 12/22/22 – 1/2/23, 1/14 - 1/16/23 and 2/18 - 2/20/23. Not valid on weekends (Sat - Sun) Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times
Mt. Brighton
Brighton, (810) 229-9581
Not valid on weekends (Fri.-Sun.) Blackout 12/20/22 – 1/2/23, 1/16/23 and 2/20/23. Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times.
Mt. Holly
Holly, (248) 634-8269
Valid all season, no blackout dates! Season pass does not count as a paid adult ticket. Valid 2 times

“We feel that fourth and fifth 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 kids can ski free with each paying adult.