Cover photo courtesy of Lookout Pass
The Inland Northwest ski and snowboard scene is unique in that it still offers an affordable gateway for kids to learn to ski or snowboard. Parents can ski or snowboard with them, or even learn themselves for the first time, with relative affordability. These deals from the region’s five ski areas offer up a world of winter fun for the whole family on the mountain.
5th Graders Ski or Snowboard Free at Four Spokane-area Resorts
The Ski the Northwest Rockies Association’s 5th Grade Ski & Ride Passport allows parents of any 5th grader across the region to apply to the program, which grants three complimentary days at each participating hill. That includes familiar names like 49 Degrees North near Chewelah, Wash.; Lookout Pass near Wallace, Idaho; Mt. Spokane just north of Spokane; and Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho. The program opens up multiple options to introduce a 5th grader to different local ski areas without paying for the student’s lift ticket (gear and lessons not included).
To register, submit an application to Ski the Northwest Rockies and pay a $28 one-time processing fee. You’ll then receive a digital version of the passport that can be printed or shown on a phone at the ticket window (parent must be present). Blackout dates may apply; check participating resorts’ schedules for details. As a bonus, some ski areas include special deals on equipment rentals and lessons with the passport.
The 5th Grade Passport Program is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to introduce your child—or your whole family—to exploring four of our region’s resorts on skis or a snowboard. Find more information or apply starting Oct. 1, 2025, at Skinwrockies.com.
Free Skiing for 5th and 6th Graders at Schweitzer and Other Idaho Resorts
Parents can also take advantage of Ski Idaho’s Peak Season Passport program for 5th and 6th graders to ski or snowboard multiple mountains for free. For a one-time $29 processing fee, the passport provides 5th graders with three free lift tickets and 6th graders with two free lift tickets at each of 17 participating Idaho resorts, including Schweitzer, Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass (some blackout dates apply). Families don’t need to be an Idaho resident to take advantage of the program. Parents must be present with participating children and need to present their passport in print or on a phone. Find details and register at Skiidaho.us.
The Most Incredible Learn-to-Ski Deal for Kids and Adults
The four Ski the NW Rockies Association resorts around the Spokane area offer one of the most affordable and easy ways for kids or adults with no skiing or snowboarding experience to lock in an all-inclusive, total-beginner’s package. Sign yourself or your kids up and hit the slopes the right way for their first time. The EZ Ski 1-2-3 program is a three-visit package that bundles lessons, lift access and gear rental for one low price, typically $175-$300, depending on the resort.
The package is available at all four participating association resorts—49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, and Silver Mountain. Typically, the first two days focus on beginner terrain and learning the basics, while the third may include exploring other areas of the mountain. The structured pace serves beginners of any age well—building skills, confidence and enjoyment in rhythm with the slopes.
At the end of the program, some resorts offer a discounted season pass for participants to continue learning their new winter sport at a bargain rate. Each resort handles pricing, program details and scheduling availability slightly differently. Find program details and sign up at Skinwrockies.com.
Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies
