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 (when accompanied by a paying adult), plus additional discounts on the slopes and in Michigan ski shops. MSIA charges $30 for the passport; $22 covers operating expenses, $8 goes to Share Winter Foundation and 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 additional programs or discounts.
The Passport is an app to download on your phone, making it contactless at the lift ticket window. A paying adult (full-price lift ticket) must accompany the child.
Once the application is approved (which may take up to 2 business days), 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!
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 Resort – Mountain Sports
12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
Thompsonville, MI 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
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 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
Getting started
Redeeming an offer in person (at lift ticket window)
Using the PDF option (example: sending a child with another family)
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.
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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.
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How do I redeem an offer in the App?
Check out this link for step-by-step instructions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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How can I add a passport holder to my account?
If you have a current passport for your child and you would like to purchase another for your additional child, you can do so online here: www.msia.winterkids.org/my_account Use your email address and password to sign in. Below your account information, click the ‘ADD’ button. Enter the passport holder and payment information to apply. MSIA will review the passport application within 2 business days and you will receive a welcome email once the passport has been approved.
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How do I send my child to a ski area with PDF vouchers for multiple days?
Each offer in the Cold is Cool Passport can be redeemed once per passport, per day. If you would like to send your child with multiple PDF vouchers to the same ski area you will have to redeem the desired offer on two separate days. (i.e. I redeem the offer on Monday for Saturday and then again on Tuesday for Sunday. Then I print and give the vouchers to my child to bring with them for the weekend.) Please plan ahead in these cases. Boyne Mountain is the exception to this rule. You’ll only have to redeem their offer once, in order for your child to receive three lift tickets that will be loaded to that child’s RFID card at Boyne.
Can I use a season pass, White Gold Card or other pre-purchased multi-day, multi area card as the adult lift ticket?
Please check the information on blackouts and restrictions at each ski area. Many allow the parent to be a season pass holder. Others do not. In general, White Gold Cards, Epic or Icon passes are considered discounted lift tickets and are not eligible to use as the paying adult. It is best to check each ski area’s restrictions in the passport and below on this web page for clarification.
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.
SKI AREA | REGION | CITY | PHONE | VISITS | BLACKOUT | BLACKOUT DATES | DETAILS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marquette Mountain | Upper Peninsula | Marquette | (906) 225-1155 | 3 DH | 2/15-16/25 | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Mont Ripley | Upper Peninsula | Hancock | (906) 487-2340 | 3 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Norway Mountain | Upper Peninsula | Norway | (906) 970-2040 | 3 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Pine Mountain | Upper Peninsula | Iron Mountain | (906) 774-2747 | 2 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Porcupine Mountain | Upper Peninsula | Ontonagon | (906) 885-5209 | 2 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Snowriver Mountain Resort | Upper Peninsula | Wakefield | (800) 346-3426 | 3 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Boyne Mountain Resort | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Boyne Falls | (866) 931-3191 | 3 DH or 3 XC | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | Boyne Mountain uses RFID for lift access. In the Passport there is ONE offer, for three days downhill or ONE offer for three days cross country, blackout dates: 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25. Parents should purchase their tickets in advance and on the first visit only, take your child to the ticket window and redeem the offer in front of the attendant. Boyne will check credentials and then print an RFID card for the student with three days loaded on the card, with restricted days blacked out. The student then may go direct to lift each visit! Upon their first scan at the chairlift each visit, a single day is automatically deducted. Valid 3 times downhill or 3 times cross-country. Valid with the purchase of an Adult Open to Close Ticket. | |
Caberfae Peaks | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Cadillac | (231) 862-3000 | 3 DH | 12/28/24 – 1/1/25, 1/18/25, 2/16/25 | Valid with purchase of an ADULT, ALL DAY lift ticket. Season Passes, Indy Passes, Punch Passes, and White Gold Cards do not qualify as a paid ticket. | |
Cross Country Ski Headquarters | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Roscommon | (800) 832-2663 | 2 XC | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Crystal Mountain | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Thompsonville | (888) 968-7686 | 3 DH | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Forbush Corners | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Gaylord | (989) 889-2843 | 3 XC | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Hickory Hills | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Traverse City | (231) 947-8566 | 2 DH / 2 XC | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
The Homestead | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Glen Arbor | (231) 334-5000 | 3 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Mt Holiday | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Traverse City | (231) 938-2500 | 2 DH | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Nub's Nob | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Harbor Springs | (800) SKI-NUBS | 2 DH / 2 XC | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Shanty Creek Resorts | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Bellaire | (231) 533-3000 X 3383 | 3 DH / 3 XC | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Cold is Cool participants are eligible for a discounted season pass for the following year. | |
The Highlands | Northwestern Lower Peninsula | Harbor Springs | (855) 448-8582 | 3 DH or 3 XC | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | The Highlands uses RFID for lift and trail access. In the Passport there is ONE offer, for three days downhill or ONE offer for three days cross country, blackout dates: 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25. Parents should purchase their lift tickets in advance. Then, on their first visit only, take your child to the lift ticket window and redeem the offer in front of the attendant. The Highlands will check credentials and print an RFID card for the student with three days loaded, and restricted days blacked out. The student then may go direct to lift each visit! Upon their first scan at the chairlift each visit, a single day is automatically deducted.Valid 3 times downhill or cross-country. Valid with the purchase of an Adult Open to Close Ticket. | |
Hanson Hills | North Central Lower Peninsula | Grayling | (989) 348-9266 | 3 DH / 3 XC | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Otsego Resort | North Central Lower Peninsula | Gaylord | (800) 752-5510 | 2 DH | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Snow Snake Ski & Golf | North Central Lower Peninsula | Harrison | (989) 539-6583 | 2 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Treetops Resort | North Central Lower Peninsula | Gaylord | (866) 348-5249 | 2 DH / 2 XC | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. Due to high demand, rentals may be limited. | |
Bittersweet Ski Resort | West Central and Southwestern Lower Peninsula | Otsego | (269) 694-2820 | 3 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. Due to high demand, rentals may be limited. | |
Cannonsburg | West Central and Southwestern Lower Peninsula | Belmont | (616) 874-6711 | 2 DH | VALID MONDAY - FRIDAY ONLY | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area | West Central and Southwestern Lower Peninsula | Jones | (269) 244-5635 | 2 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Timber Ridge Ski Area | West Central and Southwestern Lower Peninsula | Gobles | (269) 694-9449 | 2 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Mt. Brighton | Southeastern Lower Peninsula | Brighton | (810) 229-9581 | 2 DH | 12/24/24-1/5/25, 1/18-1/20/25, 2/15-2/17/25 | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. | |
Mt. Holly | Southeastern Lower Peninsula | Holly | (248) 634-8269 | 2 DH | NO BLACKOUTS | Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. |