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Free skiing passports offered for fourth- and fifth-graders

IRON MOUNTAIN – Ski areas and resorts have teamed up to give kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter.

All fourth- and fifth-grade kids who apply for a Cold is Cool Passport can ski for free, up to three times, at participating ski areas.

When a child is in the fourth or fifth grade, they are at the perfect age to learn to ski or snowboard, said Steve Kershner, chairman of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. “They have the coordination and enthusiasm to pick up the sport quickly,” he said.

In order for fourth- and fifth-graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them.

“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,” said Mickey MacWilliams, MSIA president.

Up to two kids with passports can ski free with each paying adult. The passport is valid through April 30, or the end of the 2017-18 ski season.

Applications for the Cold is Cool Passport are available at ski shops across the state and online at goskimichigan.org. Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $20 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered.

In addition to the lift tickets donated by the participating ski areas, the Cold is Cool Passport also includes coupons for discounts at participating ski shops. Some ski areas have also included coupons for equipment rental and discounted lessons.

Participating ski areas in the Upper Peninsula include Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain; Big Powderhorn, Bessemer; Big Snow Resort (Blackjack and Indianhead), Wakefield; Marquette Mountain, Marquette; Mont Ripley, Hancock; and Porcupine Mountain, Ontonagon.

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