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The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) wants to give Michigan kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter. This is why MSIA has established a state-wide program which provides every fourth grader in Michigan the opportunity to ski for free. Endorsed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and sponsored by Dasani Water, a product of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Michigan, fourth graders can obtain a “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 19 participating ski areas.

The “Cold is Cool” Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport is one of the elements of MSIA’s “Cold is Cool” program, which is dedicated to improving the health of the children in our state by offering winter outdoor activities for all Michigan kids and their families.Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and director of skiing at Shanty Creek, says the association wants Michigan kids to have the opportunity to ski or snowboard.

“Fourth grade is the perfect age to learn to ski. Nine- and ten-year-old kids have the coordination to pick up the sport quickly,” he adds.In order for fourth graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them. “We feel that fourth graders should be supervised by an adult while on the slopes and trails. Our intention is to make this a fun, affordable activity for the entire family,” says Mickey MacWilliams, MSIA executive director. With the Passport, up to two fourth graders can ski free with each paying adult. In October, Michigan elementary and middle school principals receive a “Cold is Cool” packet with information on a variety of MSIA programs including application forms for the Fourth Grade Passport.

Kids can also pick up the applications at participating MSIA ski shops and online at www.goskimichigan.com. Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $15 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered.

Participating ski areas include:

• Alpine Valley of White Lake
• Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs
• Boyne Mountain of Boyne Falls
• Caberfae Peaks of Cadillac
• Cannonsburg Ski Area of Cannonsburg
• Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Roscommon
• Crystal Mountain of Thompsonville
• Hanson Hills of Grayling
• Marquette Mountain of Marquette
• Mt. Brighton of Brighton
• Mt. Holiday of Traverse City
• Nubs Nob of Harbor Springs
• Shanty Creek of Bellaire
• Ski Brule of Iron River
• Snow Snake Ski & Golf of Harrison
• Swiss Valley Ski Area of Jones
• The Homestead of Glen Arbor
• Timber Ridge Ski Area of Gobles
• Treetops Resort of Gaylord

The Cold is Cool Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport has blackout dates at some of the participating ski areas. Dates are listed on the application and the passport itself. How to Obtain a 4th Grade Ski & Ride Cold is Cool PassportPassport applications are sent to all Michigan elementary schools in November, so be sure to ask your teacher for your application.

They are also available at MSIA Ski Shops in November, or you can also click here to obtain one.Once you receive your application, have your parents fill out all of the required information and return to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. Please be sure to include: A $15 processing fee - please call (248) 620-4448. Please make check payable to MSIA. Completed application (click here for application).

Proof of 4th grade status - a copy of most recent report card or birth certificate.

Mail your payment and information to:

Cold Is Cool Passport
7164 Deer Lake Court
Clarkston, MI 48346

Cold is Cool is brought to you by the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) and Dasani Water, a product of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Michigan.

Labels: Ski Free in Michigan, Ski Resorts in Michigan