Whether your 4th, 5th, or 6th grader is new to skiing or snowboarding, already skiing black diamonds, or anywhere in between, the Ski Utah Passport is THE pass to have. With three ski days at each of Utah’s 15 resorts for just $69 (you read that right, no missing zeros to that price), this is hands down one of the best ways to stretch your dollar and create unforgettable memories together skiing with your kiddos.
You might be thinking, “But 15 resorts in one winter?” It’s absolutely possible with some planning. Here’s how I’m planning to map out and tackle this awesome challenge and make the most of the season and passport with my 4th grader.
Step 1: Buy the Passport
Getting a Passport for your 4th, 5th, or 6th grader is simple. You can find all the information and buy on the passport page on Ski Utah’s website here.
*Pro-Tip: Subscribe to Ski Utah’s newsletter to make sure you get the latest news and happenings, local events, steals and deals, industry news, and of course, when passes like this one are on sale.
Step 1B: Don’t Forget About the Adults
That’s right, don’t forget about the adults who will surely want to experience these resorts with their kiddos. If you don’t already have an Epic or Ikon Pass, the Ski Utah Yeti Pass is worth considering. The Yeti Pass gives you one day at each of Utah’s 15 resorts, which pairs perfectly with your child’s passport. Together, you can check every resort off the list while exploring new mountains you might not otherwise visit.
Step 2: Gear Up Early and Save
Buying gear for kids in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade can be tough since many experience growth spurts during this time. Local ski shops like Utah Ski Gear and Ski 'N See Sandy typically have early-season and passport-specific deals on equipment rentals. You can also get more details on different kids' rental packages from my blog on this very topic here.
Step 3: Make a Game Plan
With 45 days of skiing up for grabs at 15 resorts throughout the entire state, you’ll want to schedule things out that work best for schedules (school and work) and geography. Here are a few ways to think about your season:
- Weekend Warriors: Don’t worry if you’re not able to get in ski days mid-week. Work schedules and after-school activities can fill up a calendar quickly. With about 20 weekends between late-November and mid-April, you can hit every Utah resort by picking a new resort every Saturday and keep a running checklist.
- School Break Adventures: Use holidays or long weekends to hit resorts farther from home. Think fall break, ski week, winter and spring breaks. With the Southern Utah resorts being the farthest from me, my family will be heading down to Brian Head Ski Resort and Eagle Point during winter break. No better way to wrap 2025 and usher in the new year!
*Pro-Tip: You can do a winter ski trip to Southern Utah with ski-in/ski-out lodging options for a fraction of the cost compared to some of the larger resorts in Northern Utah. Passport holder or not, kids 12 and under ski free at Brian Head and Eagle Point.
- Trip Chain: If you’re okay skiing a couple of runs at each resort (and aren’t able to spend on lodging), bundling several in the same geographical area together in a single day would be efficient. I’ll be using this tactic for the resorts that are 45 minutes or more away. I’ll be fueling up to hit Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak (both resorts near Logan, Utah) in one day, and again for Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley, and Snowbasin Resort (all near Ogden, Utah).
Step 4: Know the Rules Before You Go
Not all resorts process the Passport the same way, and blackout dates can sneak up on you. Before you start penciling in your ski day calendar, read the official Passport FAQ here. This page will give you all the important info, including:
- Which resorts require you to redeem tickets at the ticket window
- Blackout dates when the passport isn’t valid
- Any other fine print you need to know before showing up
You’ll want this info handy to avoid any surprises on a powder day.
Final Tips
- Start planning early so you don’t waste those three days at each resort.
- Mark blackout dates on your calendar now.
- Pack snacks – always.
- Don’t stress. The Passport is about making skiing easy, accessible, and fun for your child (and for you, too).
- Team up with another family with kiddos the same age and take turns taking the crew!
This winter, your 4th, 5th, and 6th graders will be collecting stories, building confidence, and discovering the beauty of Utah’s mountains one resort at a time. With a little planning, you’ll all look back on this as the season that started a lifelong love of snow sports.
