Where can you ski for free at 70? Your ultimate guide

Oct 26, 2025 2 min read •

Senior Discounts Skiing Ski Travel

According to a July 2025 Ski Magazine article, numerous North American resorts offer free skiing for seniors aged 70 and over, or at a slightly higher age. This guide answers the question, "Where can you ski for free at 70?" by highlighting specific locations across the country that honor and reward lifelong skiers with complimentary access to the slopes.

Quick Summary

This article lists ski resorts throughout the United States that offer free or deeply discounted lift tickets for skiers aged 70 and older. It covers details on specific resorts in regions like New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and more, including eligibility requirements and regional variations.

Key Points

Check Resort Policies: Eligibility rules for free senior skiing can change, so always confirm age requirements and any associated fees with the resort directly before visiting.
East Coast Options: Several resorts in New York and Pennsylvania offer free skiing for individuals aged 70 and over, including Maple Ski Ridge (NY) and Shawnee Mountain (PA).
West Coast & Midwest Choices: Senior skiers can find free or heavily discounted passes at resorts like Bald Mountain in Idaho and Bluewood in Washington.
New Hampshire Resident Perks: Cannon Mountain, a state-owned ski area, offers free midweek passes for New Hampshire residents aged 65 and older.
Be Mindful of Fees: Some resorts with a "free" pass may charge a small, one-time processing or RFID card fee.
Safety First: Regardless of age, skiing safely is paramount. Consider lessons to maintain good technique and always ski within your limits.

Northeast Resorts with Free or Discounted Senior Skiing

The Northeast offers several resorts with free or highly affordable access for senior skiers.

New York

New York provides multiple options for seniors aged 70 and over:

Maple Ski Ridge: Offers free lift tickets for seniors 70+.
McCauley Mountain: Provides free skiing for those 70+.
Mount Peter: Offers free lift tickets for seniors 70+.
Oak Mountain: Provides free skiing to seniors 70 and older.
Thunder Ridge Ski Area: Also offers free skiing to seniors 70+.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania also features resorts with complimentary lift access for older skiers.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area: Offers free skiing for individuals ages 70+ and is known for its wide slopes suitable for senior skiers.
Ski Sawmill Family Resort: Provides free skiing for seniors aged 70 and up.

Comparison of Northeast Senior Ski Passes


Resort	State	Senior Age for Free Pass	Resident Requirement?	Additional Notes
Maple Ski Ridge	NY	70+	No	.
McCauley Mountain	NY	70+	No	.
Mount Peter	NY	70+	No	.
Oak Mountain	NY	70+	No	.
Shawnee Mountain	PA	70+	No	Known for wide, groomed slopes.
Cannon Mountain	NH	65+	Yes (NH Residents)	Midweek only.

West Coast and Midwest Senior Ski Deals

Resorts in the Western U.S. and Midwest also offer options for senior skiers.

West Coast

Bald Mountain Ski Area (Idaho): Seniors 70+ ski for free.
Mt. Hood Skibowl (Oregon): Offers free skiing for seniors aged 71+.
Mountain High (California): Skiers 70+ can get a season pass valid daily for a processing fee.
Bluewood (Washington): Seniors 70+ can ski for free.

Midwest

Terry Peak Ski Area (South Dakota): Provides free skiing for seniors 70+.

Important Considerations for Senior Skiers

Finding where you can ski for free at 70 requires planning and attention to safety.

Always Verify Policies

Resort policies, including age requirements and fees, can change. Always check the resort's official website or call to confirm current policies before visiting.

Stay Safe on the Slopes

Safety is crucial for senior skiers. Warm up, wear appropriate gear, and ski within your abilities. Benefits of senior skiing include improved health and balance. Consider lessons to enhance technique.

Other Ski Deals and Resources

Many ski areas offer discounts for seniors aged 60+ or 65+. SeniorsSkiing.com is a good resource for finding additional deals.

Conclusion

Multiple resorts across the country offer free lift tickets for seniors, making it possible to ski for free at 70. Destinations from New York to Idaho provide affordable options for seniors to continue enjoying the sport. With proper research and a focus on safety, these offers can extend skiing opportunities for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the age varies by resort, a common threshold for free skiing is 70 years old. Some resorts offer it at 65+, while others may require skiers to be 75+ or even 80+.

Sometimes. Some resorts may charge a small, non-refundable processing fee for issuing the pass or for the RFID card, so it is always best to check with the resort beforehand.

For most resorts, residency is not a requirement. However, some, like Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire, offer free passes exclusively to state residents.

The most reliable method is to check the resort's official website or call their ticket office directly. Policies can change annually, so it is always wise to confirm for the upcoming season.

Some free passes have restrictions, such as being valid only on certain days of the week (e.g., midweek, non-holidays) or at specific resort properties. Be sure to understand any limitations.

While some famous Colorado resorts like Telluride offer free skiing at 80, the age requirement is often higher than 70. However, other resorts in the Mountain West, such as Bald Mountain in Idaho, do offer free skiing at 70+.

Yes. Many resorts offer deeply discounted day tickets or season passes for seniors aged 65-69, even if they don't offer free passes for those 70 and older.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.