Know a 4th or 5th grader in Michigan? Here’s how they ski or board free all winter this year.

Photo: Ski Leavenworth

We Michiganders know that our winter can be long and rough, so you might as well give yourself something to look forward to this go-around. If you know a 4th or 5th grader, take them skiing or boarding — for free!

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) wants to give Michigan kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter. They established a state-wide program called Cold is Cool that provides every 4th and 5th grader in Michigan with a “passport” that gives them the opportunity to get on the slopes for free. Even homeschooled students who are at the 4th or 5th grade level can get up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 27 participating ski areas, plus additional discounts on the slopes and in Michigan ski shops.

The Cold is Cool activities are endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and they qualify for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign.

Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and director of skiing at Shanty Creek, says “Fourth and fifth graders are the perfect age to learn to ski. They have the coordination to pick up the sport quickly”.

In order for 4th and 5h graders to use the free coupons, a paying adult has to accompany them. “We feel that fourth and fifth graders should be supervised by an adult while on the slopes and trails. Our intention is to make this a fun, affordable and safe activity for the entire family,” says Mickey MacWilliams, MSIA executive director.

With the Cold is Cool Passport, up to two kids can ski or board free with each paying adult. The Passport is valid through April 30, or the end of the 2014/15 ski season, whichever comes first.

The Passport also includes a coupon for 20% off a helmet purchase and $15 off the purchase of $100 at over 50 participating ski shops. Bonus: some ski areas have also included coupons for equipment rental and free or discounted lessons. Super bonus: free lift tickets in New Hampshire, Northwest Rockies, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont are also included. Family spring break has never been cheaper!

Proof of 4th or 5th grade status is required, but just one page of a report card or progress report is fine. If the child is home schooled, the parent or guardian can just include a note stating the child’s grade equivalent.

You can start to order online soon (at the date of this publication, orders were still not being taken yet). For now, you can download this application form and fill it out. If you have more than one child in 4th or 5th grade, you must order each passport separately.

Check out the list of participating ski areas with their offers: