Rocky Mountain Travel How families save on lift tickets in Colorado — the big picture
Families can save on lift tickets in the 2025 / 2026 ski season in a few ways. When booking ski travel, keep the following in mind:
Kids Ski Free Promotions run by resorts or pass networks (seasonal weeks, lodging bundles, rental bundles). These often have age caps (commonly 12 & under).
Pass programs for students/children (third-/sixth-grader passports, K–6 Ski Passport, Gems Teen Pass) that give multiple days across many mountains for a low price.
Lodging + lift bundles where a paid adult lodging package includes a child ticket.
Rental-linked offers (rent kids’ gear, get their lift ticket free for the rental days).
Passholder family benefits — some season passes include “kids ski free” perks or family friend tickets.
Below I break down the specific opportunities at each ski resort.
A Resort-by-Resort Guide
What to expect & how to get the deal
Aspen / Snowmass
Aspen / SnowmassKids 12 & under ski free when you rent kid equipment from Four Mountain Sports (ages 7-12). A complimentary lift ticket will be provided for the same number of days. Lodging also must be booked for the same number of ski days or more. And children 6 and under ski free as well. This program is called the “Kids Ski Free + Rent Free” package for the winter 2025–26 season. Book early and check the stay/package terms (some require booking by certain dates and minimum nights).
Booking tips:
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Kids Ski Free deal is valid January 1 – April 19, 2026 and must be booked by the 15th of the prior month.
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Reserve Four Mountain Sports rentals early (kids sizes move fast).
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Free kids lift ticket requires booking lodging via Stay Aspen Snowmass.
Breckenridge
BreckenridgeKids 4 and under also ski free at Breckenridge. The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a free program for Kindergarten through 5th graders that provides four days of skiing and riding at each of the Vail Resorts Colorado destinations; Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte. Registration begins in the early spring and ends October 8, 2025. Kids 4 and under ski free.
Booking tips:
- The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a FREE program, but grade verification is not available online. It must be done in person at Front Range Epic Mountain Gear locations.
- You must go to the ticket window to get a free ticket for kiddos ages 4 and under.
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If you’re comparing Breck to nearby resorts, factor in parking/shuttle fees and ski-school cost.
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Look for early-season and holiday family bundles. Kids 4 and under are often free at many resorts (verify age cutoffs before purchase).
Eldora
EldoraEldora is part of the Colorado Ski Country Ski Passport that give kids several days at participating mountains. Eldora’s proximity to Boulder and the Front Range and transit perks (RTD youth fare reductions / free transit programs) make it a very low-cost option for families. The ski resort offers a flat $29 per ski day for kids 4 and under. Kids 5 – 14 lift tickets run $99 – 149 per ski day.
Booking tips:
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Eldora is easiest for single-day trips from Denver and Boulder; the cheapest route can be public transit on RTD (youth fare programs apply).
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Wednesdays are the least expensive ski day.
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Look for family lesson + rental packages (often better value than separate purchases).
Keystone
KeystoneKeystone has a very family-friendly Kids Ski Free lodging perk: when you book two or more nights of lodging direct with Keystone, kids 12 & under ski free (one free day per two nights, plus additional days added for more room nights) with no blackout dates in many promotions. The resort often markets this specifically for families and it’s a great value if you plan overnight stays.
Booking tips:
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Book lodging direct with Keystone to get the kids ski free days applied.
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Must book at least two nights of lodging. There are no blackout dates.
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Combine with evening/night-skiing options Keystone sometimes offers to stretch value.
Steamboat
SteamboatSteamboat runs explicit Kids Ski Free Week(s) promotions where children 12 and under ski free during that week. They also have family packages where buying an adult 5-day (or more) lift ticket can get a kids’ ticket free for the same days. The offer is good for grandparents bringing their grandkids too!
Booking tips:
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Kids Ski Free Week is December 6 -12, 2025. If you can travel early in the season, Kids Ski Free Week is one of the best opportunities for families.
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Kids receive 50% off lessons and rentals during Kids Ski Free Week.
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One free child per qualifying adult is a common restriction.
Telluride
TellurideKids under 4 ski free at Telluride Ski Resort. participates in statewide programs like the Colorado Ski Passport which offers deep discount pass to kids grade K – 6. That’s 76 days of skiing for $67 (K–2)! Or 76 days of skiing for $72 (3–6)
Booking tips:
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Telluride’s terrain is more advanced in places — for families with small kids, beginner lesson are highly recommended.
Vail
VailKids 4 and under also ski free at Vail. The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a free program for Kindergarten through 5th graders that provides four days of skiing and riding at each of the Vail Resorts Colorado destinations; Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte. Registration begins in the early spring and ends October 8, 2025. Kids 4 and under always ski free.
Booking tips:
- The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack is a FREE program but grade verification is not available online. It must be done in person at Front Range Epic Mountain Gear locations.
- You must go to the ticket window to get a free ticket for kiddos ages 4 and under.
Winter Park
Winter ParkWinter Park participates in statewide programs like the Colorado Ski Passport which offers deep discount pass to kids grade K – 6. Winter Park Resort also offers in December “Kids Ski Free Week.” Other discounts offered at the resort are Kids Rent Free with an adult equipment rental.
Booking tips:
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Kids Ski Free Week is December 6 – 12, 2025.
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Proof of age is required.
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Kids Rent Free is only available on Junior Rental packages at the Winter Park rental located at the base of the mountain.
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Winter Park is convenient from Denver — consider day trips and buy tickets in advance; look for family lesson bundles.
Multi-resort programs to know about (these unlock the best value)
Colorado Ski Country — Ski Passport (K–6)
The Colorado Ski Country Ski Passport (K–6) gives elementary-aged kids multiple days across 19 Colorado resorts (including Aspen/Snowmass, Copper, Eldora, Snowmass, Steamboat, Telluride, Winter Park, and more). This is an outstanding multi-mountain value — the pass gives four days at each participating mountain so you can mix and match. If you have kids in grades K–6, this often beats buying single-day tickets. Colorado Ski Country USA
Gems Teen Pass (12–17)
Teens can get an affordable multi-resort pass as well (Gems Teen Pass) for many days at participating resorts — useful if you have multiple kids or plan many ski days. Colorado Ski Country USA
Epic School Kids / Local School Packs (Vail Resorts)
Epic’s School Kids packs provide free days for registered K–5 kids at Epic resorts in the region. Check eligibility and registration deadlines on EpicPass.com — it’s often free but requires registration. Epic Pass
Ikon / Alterra “Kids Ski Free Week” (and partner offers)
Both Ikon and Alterra have run early-season kids-free weeks in recent seasons (kids 12 & under often ski free during a specified week in early December at participating resorts). These week-long promotions are worth watching and can be combined with lesson deals. Alterra Mountain Company+
