Q: Why a 4th Grade Snowpass Program?

A: To introduce 4th graders to the sports of skiing and snowboarding. Also, to remind families that spending time on the mountains is a healthy and FUN family activity.

Q: Why Fourth Grade?

A: This is a great age for children to learn a new sport with ease and to excel rapidly. Through the Snowpass Program and on-mountain experience, students can see the lessons of their 4th grade science studies in action (such as water resources at work, animal predator/prey relationships, geology structure, and the physics of lift mechanics). Also, ski resorts are a part of Pennsylvania history.

Q: How does the Pennsylvania Snowpass work?

A: Snowpass Holders (that’s you!) will be given a booklet that contains one (1) FREE Learn to Ski/Board Package and three (3) coupons for a complimentary children’s day lift ticket at each of the 22 participating resorts in Pennsylvania. You must be accompanied by a paying adult (as determined by member resorts) Please see back of coupon for member resorts with paid adult lift restrictions or check on our website at www.skipa.com. A maximum of two 4th Grade Snowpass holders per paying adult may obtain a complimentary one-day lift ticket using their Snowpass. Not to be used as a multi-day lift ticket or a children’s open to close lift ticket.

Q: Can I apply for my Snowpass online or at the ski areas?

A: NO, you cannot apply for your Snowpass online or at the ski areas because we need the following information: a completed application signed and initialed by your parents; a copy of your 4th grade report card, school ID or any other document verifying your in the 4th grade for the 2007/2008 school year; a 2” x 1-1/2" color photo of yourself to be used in your Snowpass and a $15 non-refundable processing fee. All applications must be sent via mail as we do not have a drop-off or pick-up location. It is very important that you plan accordingly especially around holiday periods when the volume of requests significantly increases.

Q: When can I use my Pennsylvania Snowpass?

A: Your Snowpass is valid from December 1, 2007 through May 1, 2008, excluding the Program’s Blackout Dates, which vary by ski resort. Please see back of coupon for ski resorts with blackout dates or check on our website at www.skipa.com.

Q: What if I do not own equipment?
A: No worries! Every resort has equipment that you can rent.

Q: Never skied or boarded before?

A: No problem, your first time is on us! Your Snowpass booklet contains one (1) FREE Learn to Ski/Board Package, which includes your lift ticket, lesson and equipment when accompanied by a paying adult. Please see back of coupon for ski resorts with paid adult lift restrictions or check on our website at www.skipa.com.

Q: What if my parents do not ski or snowboard?
A: Now would be a great time for them to discover skiing or snowboarding, too! All ski resorts offer beginner packages that include a lift ticket, lesson, and equipment at a discounted rate. You can check out our website at www.skipa.com as a portal or call the ski resorts and ask them about their beginner packages.

Q: How much does it cost to get a Pennsylvania Snowpass?

A: There is a $15.00 non-refundable application fee to cover the cost of processing the application and mailing of your Snowpass.

Q: Can my friends or relatives who are in 4th grade apply for a Pennsylvania Snowpass as well?

A: YES, you can print out more application forms, for your friends and relatives, off our website at www.skipa.com. Make sure you introduce your friends to the sports of skiing and snowboarding this winter too!

Q: Do I have to live in Pennsylvania?

A: NO. The Snowpass program is available to all 4th graders no matter where they reside.

Q: I will have a fourth grader next year. Can I complete the application and send it in now?

A: We would prefer that you wait until September to complete an application for the 2007-2008 ski season. We would like to have a break between the two so that the applications do not get mixed up.

Q: I sent my child's application in over 10 days ago but it's not showing up in the system. Should I send in another application?

A: If you have sent in one application, please do not send in another until you confirm it with us first. Sometimes the server fails and may not show your child's info in the database even though we have received the application. Call us at 570-443-0963 to double check first.

Q: What if people still have questions about the program?

A: Call the Snowpass information line at 570-443-0963.

Q: Is there an application deadline?

A: Applications must be postmarked by February 28, 2008 in order to be processed. The processing time is approximately 2 weeks. All applications must be sent via mail as we do not have a drop-off or pick-up location. It is very important that you plan accordingly especially around holiday periods when the volume of requests significantly increases.

Q: Which resorts are participating in the Snowpass program?

A: PSAA has 22 participating member resorts. They include: Alpine Mountain, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Big Boulder, Blue Knob Ski Area, Blue Mountain, Camelback Ski Area, Eagle Rock Resort, Elk Mountain, Hidden Valley Resort, Jack Frost Mountain, Liberty Mountain Resort, Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Woodlands, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear, Ski Denton, Ski Roundtop, Ski Sawmill Family Resort, Sno Mountain, Tanglwood Ski Area, Tussey Mountain Ski Area and Whitetail Mountain Resort

Q: How do 4th graders enroll?

A: Applications are sent to Pennsylvania elementary schools, public and private, in late September. You can also download a copy online at www.skipa.com. To enroll, please return a completed application signed and initialed by your parents; a copy of your 4th grade report card, school ID or any other document verifying your in the 4th grade for the 2007/2008 school year; a 2” x 1 1/2" color photo of yourself to be used in your Snowpass and a $15 non-refundable processing fee. Two weeks later you’ll be on your way to a winter of fun!

Q: Does an adult season pass qualify as an "adult lift ticket purchase"?

A: Please refer to your Snowpass Booklet; please see back of coupon for ski resorts with paid adult lift restrictions or check on our website at www.skipa.com.

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