Kid Friendly Skiing Programs in the Western Catskills

DELHI, NY (12/08/2008)(readMedia)-- Kids love winter so why not give them what they want while going gentle on your pocketbook? The State of New York is ready to help, with their 4th Graders Ski & Ride Passport program! With the Passport, your 4th grader can ski or ride FREE at over 25 participating New York State ski areas - including Ski Plattekill in Roxbury, part of the Great Western Catskills.

Skiing and snowboarding are great ways for kids to stay active in the colder months. Plus, the Passport makes a family outing all the more affordable. The program works like this. When you fill out the application form and send it in with a copy of your 4th Grade report card, progress report or letter from the school stating that your child is in 4th grade along with the $19 processing fee, you will receive a booklet of coupons back in the mai. You are limited to 3 visits to a per participating ski area. When an adult lift ticket is purchased the child presents the 4th Grade Passport booklet and a coupon for that ski area is removed and the child receives a FREE lift ticket for the day. You can use the passport at any and all areas that participate in the program. Note: Redemption rules on season passes and other special passes vary by ski area, please contact the ski area ahead of time for more information.

So pick up a Passport and hit the slopes this winter! Visit 44free.com for details and to download an application.

If you have other children not in fourth grade and are staying overnight in the Plattekill area, you can still get free lift tickets. A number of nearby lodging facilities and private home rentals have partnered with Plattekill Mountain to offer money-saving packages. When visitors stay with a participating lodging facility, children 17 and under will receive one free lift ticket for each paid adult ticket (limit two). For families with more than two kids or with no kids Plattekill has a great new buy one get one BOGO discount. Buy a full day lift ticket for Saturday and get Sunday's lift ticket free. Kids under 5 always ski free.

Plattekill maintains its charm as a challenging mountain that is incredibly family friendly. The ski area is open Friday-Sunday from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Plattekill will also be open daily during the week between Christmas and New Years as well as in February for the Presidents' Week holiday. Saturday nights are especially exciting with snow tubing available from 5-9 p.m and extra nights during holiday weeks. For more details visit their website at plattekill.com.

For winter lodging packages visit the getaways section of the county tourism website at: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. While you're on the website, sign up for monthly e-blasts for travelers.

Learn more about the Western Catskills.

Delaware County is located conveniently to the NYC / Albany / Binghamton areas for weekend or day trips. For more information on travel to the Great Western Catskills visit greatwesterncatskills.com. For information on events, visit delawarecountytoday.com. For a free travel guide call 866-775-4425.