Vail Resorts’ Epic SchoolKids offers four free ski days for Colorado K-5 students

Vail Resorts announced today that it has re-imagined its program for fifth and sixth graders, formerly known as School of Shred, to now include all kindergarten through fifth graders. Renamed “Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack”, the program provides four days of free skiing and riding at each of the best resorts in their backyard – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone.

In addition to four free days, Epic SchoolKids also get the opportunity to hone their skills at the ivy league of ski schools with a free full-day beginner lesson and equipment rentals at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge or Keystone in the month of January, outside of holiday periods, as part of Learn to Ski & Ride Month.

“Colorado kids are in a most enviable position having the Rocky Mountains on their doorstep”, said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “As a Colorado-based company, Vail Resorts is providing a tremendous opportunity for our community, our families and our kids, to get outside, explore the mountains, and learn and play in the outdoors. Opening up the possibility for kids’ participation in snowsports – some who may never before have dreamed that they could enjoy such an experience – is an important effort in ensuring that Colorado is the healthiest state in the country for generations to come.”

“Fostering a love for skiing and snowboarding in kids is a top priority for Vail Resorts,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “As a Colorado-based company, it is incredibly important that we continue to find ways to connect kids and families in our local communities and around the state with the mountains and the many benefits of snow sports. The Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack gives kids the opportunity to experience the thrill of skiing and riding at the best resorts in Colorado. We’re excited to extend such an unprecedented opportunity to families and to share the mountains in which we work, live and play with so many children who have not before had the opportunity to experience them in the winter,” she explained.

Eligible Epic SchoolKids simply need to bring their mom, dad or guardian in to participating Front Range Colorado Ski & Golf, Colorado Ski & Sport and Boulder Ski Deals locations to register for an Epic SchoolKids Pack, beginning Monday, March 23, through Memorial Day. Epic SchoolKids must present a copy of their report card, school ID or birth certificate, as well as a photo for their pass. A parent or guardian will be asked to sign a release and then watch the mailbox for the Epic SchoolKids Colorado Pack.

“There’s no better way to ignite a child’s passion for snowsports than in the fun and safe environment of ski school,” said Fred Rumford, director of the ski and ride school for Keystone Resort. “In the spirit of Learn to Ski & Ride Month, we wanted to extend the opportunity for kids who’ve not had the opportunity to ski or ride before to experience our world-class ski and ride schools with a free beginner lesson and full day of equipment rentals, so they can learn from a pro and hopefully make some new friends at the same time. Getting kids outside, participating in snow sports and being active in the outdoors is beneficial for a whole host of reasons, including building self-esteem, encouraging active family play and a respect and care for the environment,” he added.

To learn more about the program, visit EpicSchoolKids.com