Finding things to do for the five long winter months in Idaho can be difficult, especially for parents. To help out, Ski Idaho is offering a deal to let fifth and sixth graders ski or snowboard their 18-member mountains for $18.

Fifth graders can visit any of the 18 mountains affiliated with Ski Idaho three times for free with the passport and for sixth graders they can go to 17 of the mountains two times for free.

Tony Harrison, publisher for Ski Idaho, says this is a great opportunity to help children get involved in a life-long sport.

“Ski resorts have found that kids in those grades are at an age where they can learn quickly and enjoy the sports of skiing and snowboarding,” Harrison said. “They are choosing healthy lifestyle activities including lifelong sports like skiing and snowboarding verses more sedentary activities.”

Harrison says this also creates an opportunity to let families ski or snowboard together for a good price and can give them the chance to try out other hills in Idaho. He has used the program with all of his children.

The program is open to all children even if they are not Idaho residents.

As far are teaching children how to ski or snowboard, Ski Idaho does not sell lessons, but every resort they are affiliated with is known for having good programs.

Harrison says Idaho is a great place for anyone looking for winter sports no matter what their skill level.

“We have breathtaking views, hundreds of inches of fresh powder, really short lift lines and incredibly inexpensive chair lift prices,” Harrison said.

Well-known for the great snow here, Harrison says Idaho has often been called “the Soul of Skiing,” with great resorts like Sun Valley and Grand Targhee.

“Something we are generally well-known for is not a lot of hype just great skiing, great snow, great terrain,” Harrison says.

To purchase the passports go to Ski Idaho's website at skiidaho.us

The affiliated resorts include: