For a while it looked like a spat between Colorado Ski Country U.S.A. and Vail Resorts would take four of the most popular ski resorts in the state out of the free 5th Grade Ski Passport. But Vail just released plans of its own passport and it is even better.

Kids get four free days at each resort, instead of three, and sixth graders are eligible too!  

Sixth graders in Colorado will now be able to ski (or snowboard) for free just like the state’s fifth graders for four days at each of the Centennial State’s four most popular resorts – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone - thanks to a change announced today by Vail Resorts regarding its new “School of Shred” pass program.

“Vail Resorts has always been committed to giving Coloradoans great deals and accessible ways to enjoy the slopes at its top-rated resorts,” said Heidi Kercher-Pratt, vice president of Vail Resorts corporate marketing. “That’s why we launched the newly named Vail Resorts fifth and sixth grade “School of Shred” ski program in September to ensure that Colorado students still get the same benefits from Vail Resorts as in years past, just with a new name, a new photo “easy scan” pass and a new

redemption procedure. Now, we’re offering both products free of charge.”

From $99 fee to Free for Colorado 6^th Graders. Plus Extra Days for 5th Graders

To celebrate the start of the season with the Nov. 7 opening of Breckenridge and Keystone, Vail Resorts is sweetening the “School of Shred” program by changing the sixth grade pass program from a $99 pass to a free pass starting today. The Company will refund the $99 amount for those who have already registered for the sixth grade “School of Shred” program (888-215-3867).

In years past, Vail Resorts has offered fifth graders three days of skiing and riding as part of the student ski program. This year, the Company is adding an extra day of skiing at each of its four Colorado world-class resorts – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone - for a grand total of 16 days on the slopes this year (vs. 12).

“In these challenging economic times, we need to do whatever we can to help Colorado residents and especially Colorado kids enjoy what our great state has to offer,” Kercher-Pratt added. “We feel that our resorts provide Colorado kids with the best opportunity to learn a new sport or improve their skills, to learn about nature in the Colorado Rockies and, in many cases, to boost their self esteem and to spend quality time with friends and their family on our top-rated slopes. Our ‘School of Shred’ program is a win-win situation.”

How to redeem the 5th or 6^th grade “School of Shred”

To receive the fifth or sixth grade “School of Shred” pass, a parent or guardian must present documentation proving eligibility – a report card or school ID that indicates grade level or a valid birth certificate - at any Front Range Vail Resorts’ pass sales l

ocation** through Nov. 9 during the fall pass sales time period or throughout the season at any resort season pass office. Student/s must be present at time of purchase to get their photo taken for their Vail Resorts “School of Shred” pass. The Company will refund the $99 amount for those who have already registered for the sixth grade “School of Shred” program (888-215-3867).

Passes will be loaded with four ski days (for each resort = 16 total days) and will also be enabled with radio frequency technology to allow for a hassle-free “easy scan” process, eliminating the need to physically present the pass in the lift lines this season. Passes are non-transferable.

For details and pass pick-up locations, visit www.coloradopass or call 888-215-3867.

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