cold is cool boyne mountain

(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, and a paying adult!

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!

  • Proof of 4th or 5th grade status is required. One page of a report card or progress report ishappy mom and daughter bright pink ski pantssufficient. 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 an $8 donation to MIsnow and Share Winter Foundation.
  • The Passport is valid through the end of the 2024/25 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 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

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.

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.

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.

  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 2024-2025 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 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.
  4. 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.
  5. The Cold is Cool Passport is nonrefundable.
  6. 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.
  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 (the “Released Parties”) are not liable for any claims, demands, actions, or causes of action (the “Claims”) on account of any injury to participants which may occur from any cause in participating in an activity related to this grant. Applicant, intending to be bound by the terms and conditions of this application, have caused this application to be signed by its duly authorized representative.
  14. All parties must abide by Your Responsibility Code (2022):
    1.  Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
    2.  People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
    3.  Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
    4.  Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
    5.  You must prevent runaway equipment.
    6.  Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
    7.  Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
    8.  You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
    9.  Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
    10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

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.

See participating ski areas and their offers below

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

SKI AREAREGIONCITYPHONEVISITSBLACKOUTBLACKOUT DATESDETAILS
Marquette MountainUpper PeninsulaMarquette(906) 225-11553 DHcheck2/15-16/25Valid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Mont RipleyUpper PeninsulaHancock(906) 487-23403 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Norway MountainUpper PeninsulaNorway(906) 970-20403 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Pine MountainUpper PeninsulaIron Mountain(906) 774-27472 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Porcupine MountainUpper PeninsulaOntonagon(906) 885-52092 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Snowriver Mountain ResortUpper PeninsulaWakefield(800) 346-34263 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Boyne Mountain ResortNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaBoyne Falls(866) 931-31913 DH or 3 XCcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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 PeaksNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaCadillac(231) 862-30003 DHcheck12/28/24 – 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 HeadquartersNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaRoscommon(800) 832-26632 XCcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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 MountainNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaThompsonville(888) 968-76863 DHcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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 CornersNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaGaylord(989) 889-28433 XCxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Hickory HillsNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaTraverse City(231) 947-85662 DH / 2 XCxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
The HomesteadNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaGlen Arbor(231) 334-50003 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Mt HolidayNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaTraverse City(231) 938-25002 DHcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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 NobNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaHarbor Springs(800) SKI-NUBS2 DH / 2 XCcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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 ResortsNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaBellaire(231) 533-3000 X 33833 DH / 3 XCxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Cold is Cool participants are eligible for a discounted season pass for the following year.
The HighlandsNorthwestern Lower PeninsulaHarbor Springs(855) 448-85823 DH or 3 XCcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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 HillsNorth Central Lower PeninsulaGrayling(989) 348-92663 DH / 3 XCxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Otsego ResortNorth Central Lower PeninsulaGaylord(800) 752-55102 DHcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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 & GolfNorth Central Lower PeninsulaHarrison(989) 539-65832 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Treetops ResortNorth Central Lower PeninsulaGaylord(866) 348-52492 DH / 2 XCcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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 ResortWest Central and Southwestern Lower PeninsulaOtsego(269) 694-28203 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket. Due to high demand, rentals may be limited.
CannonsburgWest Central and Southwestern Lower PeninsulaBelmont(616) 874-67112 DHcheckVALID MONDAY - FRIDAY ONLYValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard AreaWest Central and Southwestern Lower PeninsulaJones(269) 244-56352 DHcheckNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Timber Ridge Ski AreaWest Central and Southwestern Lower PeninsulaGobles(269) 694-94492 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.
Mt. BrightonSoutheastern Lower PeninsulaBrighton(810) 229-95812 DHcheck12/24/24-1/5/25,
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. HollySoutheastern Lower PeninsulaHolly(248) 634-82692 DHxNO BLACKOUTSValid with purchase of all day adult ticket. Season Pass does not count as paid ticket.

“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.