The barrier to entry in snow sports can be challenging for families all across the world, and about 25 years ago, Colorado Ski Country USA took it upon itself to make that entry more approachable for children with the introduction of its Passport Pass.
The CSCUSA Passport Program allows children in grades 3-6 the opportunity to ski at 20 Colorado resorts, including Steamboat, for four days each at $65, entitling them to up to 80 days on the slopes.
For the last several years, CSCUSA has partnered with Christy Sports to also offer two free junior ski or snowboard rentals per season, which are available to be picked up at any Christy Sports store.
To sign up for the passport, parents can go to ColoradoSki.com, click on the “Passes” tab and hit “Kids’ Ski Passport.” From there, parents will need to provide information on their child’s name, age, gender, date of birth, a photo and proof of grade.
According to CSCUSA Communications Director Sarah Beatty, the uploaded information will take three to five business days to process and then children will be ready to go.
“Once it is processed and approved, that is an all-digital card, and parents don’t have to wait to get a card in the mail; they can manage the pass for their kids online in that portal,” she said. “The Christy rental voucher is loaded up in that pass portal so they can print that out and take it into Christy Sports to access their two free rentals.”
Anthony Martinez, Christy Sports marketing operations manager, recommends giving the store a call in advance to pick up rentals to help make the process run as smoothly as possible and ensure the right equipment is available.
“We understand that winter sports can be expensive, and we believe everybody deserves to have that experience and the joy and excitement skiing and snowboarding can provide,” Martinez said. “By partnering with Colorado Ski Country USA, we can reach a larger audience of sports folks who we can provide gear and stoke to at a lower entry point and really make these sports more accessible to everybody.”
Christy Sports has several locations on both the Front Range and the Western Slope. All locations are available for gear pick-up.
“To be able to enter at this price point and to help kids that never thought this was for them, we are able to show that winter sports are for everybody,” Martinez said.
The Passport Program is not limited to just Colorado residents. The program is available to those out of state or anyone around the world who may take a vacation to Colorado this winter. The only required proof is that the child being signed up is between grades 3-6. Proof can come in the form of a report card or a note from a teacher.
While there is no deadline for signing up, Beatty said there are a limited number of passports available so the sooner the better. She also recommends checking the snow reports on ColoradoSki.com so families can begin planning their trips to resorts now.
“To know we are partnering with Christy Sports to help make many more kids able to go out and enjoy skiing and enjoy snowboarding and get away from the phone, TV, computer and go spend time with friends and family, to me that is irreplaceable time,” Beatty said.
