Ski Free in New England
Skiing in New England doesn’t have to be expensive—especially when there are ways to master the slopes without spending a fortune and, in some cases, without spending at all. For families looking to introduce their kids to skiing or for anyone eager to get outside this winter, free or affordable skiing options are just waiting to be discovered.
At Boston Ski + Tennis, we’re passionate about making skiing easy and accessible for everyone. Whether it’s outfitting your little ones with gear or helping you find the perfect setup for your own adventures, we’re here for every step of your ski journey. So, let’s jump right into how you can ski free in New England and make the most of this winter season.
Skiing Local in Massachusetts: Perfect for Beginners
When you’re starting out or introducing young kids to skiing, it makes sense to keep things simple. Smaller resorts in Massachusetts, like Ski Ward, Nashoba Valley, and Wachusett Mountain, make it easy to get out there without committing to a full day on the slopes—or paying for one.
Ski Ward
Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, MA, offers a range of beginner packages that are designed specifically for kids and families. Whether you’re there for a quick lesson or a couple of hours on the snow, it’s an ideal spot for younger children.
And with programs like “Little Leaf Gliders” (for ages 3-4), you can give your preschooler a chance to test out skiing in a fun, supportive environment.
Nashoba Valley
Another fantastic option is Nashoba Valley, located in Westford, MA. With flexible ticket pricing, you can choose just how much time you want to spend skiing—whether it’s an afternoon on the slopes or a shorter visit to see how your child takes to the snow.
Nashoba’s Kids Club (for ages 3-4) introduces skiing through games and activities, making it a low-pressure, high-fun way for your child to fall in love with the sport.
Wachusett Mountain
And if you’re looking for a bit more terrain, Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA, offers affordable beginner packages that include lift tickets, rentals, and group lessons. Their “Polar Kids” program is perfect for young skiers, and with shorter lift sessions available, you can decide just how long your family wants to stay on the mountain.
Expand Your Journey in New Hampshire and Vermont
Once your family is comfortable on skis, it might be time to explore larger resorts in New Hampshire and Vermont for full-day ski trips. These states offer fantastic options for families, with many resorts providing free lift tickets for younger children.
Pat’s Peak
Pat’s Peak in Henniker, NH, is a favorite for families. Its manageable terrain makes it great for beginners, while affordable lift tickets for kids (just $20 for ages 5 and under) make it easy to plan a full day on the mountain without worrying about the cost.
It’s also nice that it’s only about an hour and a half from Boston, so it’s the perfect distance for a quick family getaway.
Ski Vermont
Over in Vermont, the Ski Vermont Fifth Grade Passport is a deal you don’t want to miss. For a small $35 fee, your fifth grader gets up to 90 days of skiing at participating Vermont resorts.
That’s right, 90 days of skiing for less than the price of a single lift ticket at most major resorts. This program is ideal for families who want to explore multiple mountains while keeping costs down.
Free Skiing for Kids: Across New England
Here’s something you might not know—many ski areas across New England offer free or deeply discounted lift tickets for young children. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to the slopes without breaking the bank.
Pat’s Peak
Pat’s Peak offers free skiing during the week for kids 5 and under and only $20 on weekends.
WinterKids
Meanwhile, over in Maine, the WinterKids App (downloaded on parent’s phone) provides a variety of deals, including free junior lift tickets at many Maine ski areas, like Black Mountain and Camden Snow Bowl. It’s a simple way to get your kids on the slopes while taking advantage of local deals.
SkiNH
Don’t forget about SkiNH’s 4th and 5th Grade Passport, which is another fantastic deal for elementary school-aged children. For just $59, your child will get one free trail pass or lift ticket to any of Ski New Hampshire’s 30 member skiing locations.
It’s an amazing opportunity to explore different mountains and keep the whole family skiing all season long.
Gear Up with Boston Ski + Tennis: Seasonal Rentals Made Easy
Now, let’s talk gear. We know that kids grow fast—and that’s why our seasonal lease program is such a hit with families. It’s designed to make skiing easier and more affordable, especially for young kids who are just getting started.
New this season, we’re offering a $99 ski or snowboard package for kids aged 2-5. This package includes everything your little one needs to get out on the slopes, including skis, boots, and more. It’s the perfect way to try skiing without the upfront cost of buying gear they’ll outgrow in a season.
For older kids and adults, we have seasonal rentals that take the hassle out of finding the right fit every year. And when you’re ready to invest in your own gear, our team will help you choose the equipment that matches your needs and style.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, we’ve got the gear and expertise to make sure you’re fully prepared for your ski season.
Get Ready for the Best Ski Season Yet!
If you’re looking for ways to ski free in New England, there are so many opportunities to take advantage of. Whether it’s free lift tickets for your little ones or discounted season passes for older kids, there’s no reason to miss out on family fun in the snow this winter.
At Boston Ski + Tennis, we’re committed to making sure you’re ready for the season. From our $99 ski package for kids to seasonal rentals for the whole family, we’ve got the gear you need.
So, whether you’re heading to a local hill for a couple of hours or planning a full day at one of New England’s top resorts, we’ll help you get the most out of your ski adventures.
