116 ski resorts where seniors can ski free
The post-World War II baby boom is swelling the ranks of senior citizens in the U.S. Citizens over the age of 65 will make up 20% of the nation's population within a decade.
But reaching a golden age doesn't mean that senior skiers have to stay home and pack away their equipment. The ski industry in the United States is certainly not writing off the enthusiasts who helped build and sustain their business for the last 50 years. Rather, they are encouraging them to stay on the slopes by reducing lift ticket prices for seniors.
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There seem to be multiple reasons for this trend. Lower prices can be, in part, a recognition that most senior citizens are well past their prime earning years and highest income levels.
Reduced ticket rates can also be an acknowledgment of the support seniors offered the ski industry in their previous decades. And lift ticket deals for seniors can simply be an incentive to keep skiing or good PR based on the hope that the senior skier is accompanied by generations of family members. If you go that route, here are places where kids can ski free.
Related: 6 mistakes to avoid when planning a ski trip
Lift ticket price breaks start as early as 60 years of age, but most seem to kick in starting at 65. Financial savings can vary from just $5 off to a $50 discount or more.
Related: Tips for skiing after 70
Free skiing for seniors
There are deals, however, that go all the way to free lift tickets for seniors. We combed the web (and even made a few calls on a real landline) to find as many places as possible within the U.S. that offer free skiing for seniors.
Some are hills with single Poma lifts and just a few hundred feet of total vertical on a couple of runs, but there are also major resorts with hundreds of runs and thousands of feet of vertical served by dozens of lifts including high-speed quads, gondolas and magic carpets.
We found ski resorts in 27 of the 50 states -- including Alabama! Of those, here are 116 mountains, hills and resorts that offer free lift tickets for seniors, usually beginning at age 70, though some hold out for octagenarians and a few optimistically start their "free" skiing at the ripe young age of 90.
Related: Ski free with your airline boarding pass
COVID-19 impacts
All of that said, unless you are on a secret mission to Mars or you are reenacting Rip Van Winkle’s sleep, then you are fully aware that life on our beautiful planet has been dramatically altered in this year of 2020.
Virtually everything is different than it was pre-pandemic and normalcy is still a very elusive goal. Like most other facets of life, the ski industry quickly shut down last spring well before its originally scheduled closing date. Since then, the ski industry has been hard at work finding the best and safest path to getting the lifts running and skiers turning on the approaching winter snow.
While each ski resort is approaching COVID-19 adjustments in its own way, some common themes involve mandatory face coverings, distancing in lines and while indoors, reduced capacity on each lift or gondola and reliance on advance ticket purchases or even advance ski reservations. Cash transactions and day-of lift ticket sales will become an even more rare occurrence.
Ski areas will largely continue their own policies for “Seniors Ski Free” but with a few more caveats than usual. While the skier may qualify for the specific age requirement, the new world order may require adjustments for advanced planning and reducing touchpoints. Many resorts are suggesting age-appropriate seniors seek out their season passes to provide the most “hassle-free” avenue to the slopes in this transitional year. While the skiing will still be free, there is likely to be a one-time registration fee attached to the season passes with fees ranging from $5 to $50.
We have done our best to update the list below, but highly recommend that you follow-up with your preferred mountain for their specific suggestions, policies and updates that may still be evolving this season.
Related: What to know if you are skiing at a Vail Resort this year
Where seniors ski for free
| State | Resort | Age Requirement |
|---|---|---|
Alaska | Arctic Valley Moose Mt. | 70+ |
Alaska | Eaglecrest | 75+ |
Alaska | Hill Top | 80+ |
Arizona | Arizona Snow Bowl
Mount Lemmon | 70+ |
California | Mountain High
Snow Valley | 70+ |
California | Bear Mt., June Mt., Mammoth
Snow Summit Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows | 80+ |
California | Dodge Ridge | 82+ |
California | Alta Sierra | 90+ |
Colorado | Cranor | 62+ |
Colorado | Monarch | 69+ |
Colorado | Ski Hesperus | 70+ |
Colorado | Cooper Purgatory Sunlight Wolf Creek Telluride | 80+ |
Idaho | Bald Mt. | 70+ |
Idaho | Schweitzer | 80+ |
Maine | Titcomb | 70+ |
Maine | Big Rock Black Mt.
Big Squaw | 75+ |
Maine | Mt. Abram Sugarloaf Sunday River | 80+ |
Maryland | Wisp Ski Resort | 70+ plus $5.00 process fee |
Massachusetts | Otis Ridge | 70+ |
Massachusetts | Berkshire East | 80+ |
Michigan | Mt. Holiday | 65+ |
Michigan | Nubs Nob Snow Snake Homestead | 70+ |
Michigan | Pine Mt. Big Powderhorn | 75+ |
Michigan | Boyne Highlands Boyne Mt., Crystal Mt . | 80+ |
Montana | Bear Paw Bridger Bowl | 80+ |
Nevada | Diamond Peak | 80+ |
New Hampshire | Cannon Mt. McIntyre | 65+ ( Cannon Mt.- state residents only and only on weekdays ) |
New Hampshire | Gunstock | 70+ |
New Hampshire | Bretton Woods, Dartmouth Skyway, King Pine, Loon Mt., Ragged Mt., Tenney Mt. Watersville Valley | 80+ |
New Jersey | Mountain Creek | 72+ |
New Mexico | Cloudcroft Red River* Ski Apache. | 70+ ( Red River appears to be charging $5 -$10 for 70+ to ski ) |
New Mexico | Sandia Peak Santa Fe | 72+ |
New Mexico | Pajarito Angel Fire Sipapu | 75+ |
New Mexico | Taos | 80+ |
New York | Maple Ski Ridge, McCauley Mt. Peter Oak Mt. | 70+ |
New York | Swain | 75+ |
New York | Catamount Toggenburg | 80+ |
North Carolina | Wolf Ridge | 65+ |
North Carolina | Cataloochee Ski Beech Sugar Mt. | 70+ |
Oregon | Anthony Lakes Cooper Spur Mt. Ashland | 70+ |
Oregon | Mt. Hood SkiBowl, Summit Ski Timberline | 71+ |
Oregon | Mt. Hood Meadows | 75+ |
Pennsylvania | Bear Creek Blue Mt Shawnee Mt., Ski Sawmill Spring Mt. | 70+ |
Pennsylvania | Hidden Valley Laurel Mt. Seven Springs | 80+ |
South Dakota | Terry Peak | 70+ |
Tennessee | Ober Gatlinburg | 70+ |
Utah | Nordic Valley Powder Mt. | 75+ |
Utah | Alta | 80+ |
Vermont | Cochran's | 72+ |
Vermont | Killington Pico Mt. | 80+ |
Vermont | Sugarbush | 90+ |
Virginia | Massanutten | 70+ |
Washington | Bluewood | 70+ |
Washington | White Pass | 73+ |
Washington | Crystal Mt. Mt. Spokane 49 Degrees N | 80+ |
Washington | Stevens Pass | 90+ |
West Virginia | Canaan Valley | 70+ |
Wisconsin | Whitecap | 75+ |
Wisconsin | Granite Peak | 80+ |
Wyoming | Hogadon Jackson Hole Snowy Range | 70+ |
Related: Best credit cards to use on ski trips
Bottom line
If you're headed to one of the mountains on this list, double-check before making travel plans based on free senior lift tickets. If you're eligible, you'll likely need to complete some steps in advance of heading to the slopes.
But if you're healthy, willing and able to take advantage of a free-skiing offer, a reduced rate or, Jack Frost forbid, a full fare -- put your smile on and enjoy the day!
Related reading:
- Transitioning from checks to rewards credit cards in retirement
- 6 tips for taking big family ski trips
- Plan a ski trip using miles and points
- Best ski resorts for families in North America
- 10 best credit cards for Baby Boomers
- 5 National Parks to visit when you retire
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.