Wilmington, NY – The ISkiNY free skiing program for third and fourth graders was one of the subjects Scott Brandi, President of Ski Areas of New York, Inc. tackled when he became a victim of my video camera earlier this month at Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid.
The program is available at most New York State resorts and is open third and fourth graders from anywhere, not just those who live in the Empire State. And it’s not exactly free – the child must be accompanied by a paying adult . . . and there is a one time application fee. For children who have never skied before there is a Learn To Ski or Ride Passport option, also kinda free at some of the resorts.
The Ski & Ride Passport gives the third or fourth grader three free tickets to use over the course of the 2015-16 season at each participating ski area.
The Learn To Ski & Ride Passport gives the third or fourth grader a beginner lift ticket, rental and beginner lesson at a participating ski area. This program is for kids who never skied or snowboarded or are beginners. No adult purchase is necessary so this Passport is more free – except for an application fee.
The passports are available through an online process at iskiny.com. There is a $26 processing fee per child per type of passport ($51 for both passports per child). For proof that a child qualifies, a digital photo or copy of his or her report card or progress report is required to be uploaded with the application.
Parents can also choose to fill out the form offline and mail it in with proof of grade and check.
2015-16 Participating Ski Areas / Resorts
- Belleayre Mountain
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Big Tupper
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Brantling
Participating in the 4th Grade Program only
Not participating in the Learn to Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Bristol
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not Accepted on Blackout Dates December 20 – January 4, January 17-19, February 14-22
- Catamount Ski Area
Participating in the 4th Grade Program Only
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Dry Hill Ski Area
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Gore Mountain
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Greek Peak Mountain
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Holiday Valley Resort
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Hunter Mountain
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Labrador Mountain
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - McCauley Mountain
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Mount Peter
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Oak Mountain
Participating in the 3rd and 4th Grade Programs – Buy one, get one
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Peek ‘n Peak Resort
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Plattekill Mountain
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Royal Mountain
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Ski Hickory
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Snow Ridge
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Song Mountain
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not Accepted on Blackout Dates Below - Swain Resort
Participating in 3rd and 4th Grade Programs
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime EXCEPT President’s Week Break - Thunder Ridge
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Titus Mountain
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted Anytime - Toggenburg Mountain
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - West Mountain
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not Accepted on Blackout Dates Below - Whiteface
Not participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Willard Mountain
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Accepted anytime - Windham Mountain
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below - Woods Valley
Participating in the 4th Grade Program Only
Participating in the Learn To Ski/Snowboard part of the program
Not accepted on blackout dates below
Black out dates for some ski areas, except where noted under the mountain description:
- Christmas Break: 12/25/15 – 1/2/16
- MLK Weekend: 1/16/16 – 1/18/16
- February Break: 2/13/16 – 2/21/16