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FTF's Free Travel Fun columnist takes to the snow so school-age children can use free lift tickets to instill a life-long love of snowsports.

You don’t have to be rich to enjoy skiing, but it helps: there are few family activities that offer such a variety of money-blowing opportunities. A family of four can easily spend $200 per day at the slopes, and that does not include food or accommodation.

The good news is that there are money-saving offers for kids and families allowing you to plan for a healthy, fun family vacation without going broke in the process. Several ski-friendly states allow youngsters of a certain age to ski for free, either for a certain number of days or all season long. In most cases, these programs are available to both residents and nonresidents of the state, but sometimes the child must be accompanied each day by an adult who is paying for a lift ticket.

Each state’s program is different, so check for specific rules and regulations. Most simply require that you fill out a form and submit a small registration fee. The objective is to encourage kids to try skiing and snowboarding, and keep them interested, and not just for the excitement and experience of outdoor recreation but so they will bring their (full-paying) parents and family members to the slopes.

To get your ski freebies check out some of the best programs, listed alphabetically below:

Colorado

Ski Country USA was the first to create a free ski program for fifth graders called the 5^th Grade Passport. The program allows students hit 21 world class resorts each offering three days of free skiing or snowboarding.  Plus a recent addition to the program is the new 6^th Grade Passport.  Although these older kiddies do not get a completely free pass, 6^th graders do get a whopping four days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the 21 participating resorts for a mere $99. More details on www.coloradoski.com; (303/866-9707).

Maine

In Maine, the Winter Kids Passport program offers all fifth, sixth, and seventh graders an entire season of free winter fun opportunities including downhill, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and ice skating, along with free or discounted lessons and rentals. No blackout dates. Only state residents can participate. Apply at www.winterkids.org; (207/871-5700).