Looking for a cheaper way for your children to ski? Get a passport

Passports from Ski New Hampshire and Ski Vermont offer families a way to sample mountains for a low rate.

For those with children, trying to save on lift tickets is a never-ending quest. Passports from Ski New Hampshire and Ski Vermont can be a big help to those who are looking for a cheaper way to ski and sample the best of what each state has to offer.

They offer a good way to try mountains before making a season-long commitment and allow someone who might not be able to go frequently because of other extracurricular activities to get time on the mountain at a cheap rate. One redemption pays for itself with both programs.

The Ski New Hampshire passport is good for all fourth and fifth graders and for $59 offers a lift ticket or trail pass to each participating ski area.

Blackout dates for the program are Dec. 26-Jan. 1, Jan. 18-19, Feb. 15-17 and Feb. 22, meaning the pass is valid for most of February vacation.

Ski New Hampshire assistant director Melody Nester said passport sales have started strong, and the group expects about 1,500 passports to be sold this winter.

The passports from Ski Vermont also recently went on sale. The program is limited to fifth graders and offers three vouchers for each participating area for $35, making it perfect for those weekend trips.

Blackout dates vary among resorts with some having no restrictions.

There is no residency requirement, but each program requires proof that the child is in the correct grade to finalize the purchase. Complete details on redeeming passes and vouchers can be found on their websites.