Life can be difficult for fourth and fifth graders. The amount of homework begins to increase to unimaginable levels, and it becomes an ever-increasing struggle to balance a social life with the demands of school and house chores. But, there is one thing fourth and fifth graders can look forward to: free skiing and snowboarding at Pennsylvania ski areas.

For the fourteenth year, the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA) is offering a Snowpass program that allows fourth and fifth graders to his the slopes free, up to three times each at each participating Pennsylvania resort. Fourth and fifth graders can also take advantage of a free beginner lift, lesson, and rental package, while their accompanying adult can receive a 50% discount on the same.

This program is not restricted to Pennsylvania residents; any fourth of fifth grade student can participate by providing a report card, photo, and completing an application. Applications can be made on-line at www.skipa.com or by downloading an application and mailing it in. There is a small administration fee for the pass: $35 prior to December 1, 2017 and $40 after. Some additional fine print: the number of passes sold is limited, and there are black-out dates when the pass is not valid.

“We have found that fourth and fifth graders are at the ideal age to learn a new sport with ease and to excel rapidly,” explained PSAA Executive Director Linda Irvin.