Kids in Grade 5 or age 10 can ski for free

THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO - Children who are 10 years old or in Grade 5 can take advantage of a ski-for-free program this winter, courtesy of the 11th edition of the Canadian Ski Council's Grade 5 SnowPass.

Kids can get up to three free days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the 150 participating resorts, including most of the major ones across the country. The SnowPass booklet also includes coupons for discounts on lessons and equipment rentals.

Four resorts in Alberta - Ski Norquay, Tawatinaw Valley ski centre, Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort and Long Lake Ski Area - have been added to the program this year. Two in Quebec - Mont Orford and Val Neigette - have dropped out.

Last year about 32,000 Canadian kids took advantage of SnowPass, and this year the ski council hopes to reach 35,000.

Age 10 is an ideal time to attract youngsters to the sport, said Colin Chedore, ski council president.

"It's kind of the magic age" as kids make more of their own decisions and contribute to decisions by their parents, said Chedore.

As well, a child who takes advantage of the SnowPass brings others with him to the hills. "It's attracting the whole family," said Chedore.

For details on getting a SnowPass booklet, visit www.snowpass.ca. Applications for SnowPass are also available from Grade 5 teachers across the country.

© The Canadian Press, 2007