Kids · Canada
Kids' Skiing and Snowboarding in Canada: Passes, Lessons and Gear Leasing
Kids' skiing in Canada costs least when you sort out three things before the snow: lift access, lessons and gear. For 2026-27, the Canadian Ski Council's SnowStart Kidz Pass gives children aged 6 to 12 up to three visits at each of more than 60 participating Canadian ski areas for $39.99 plus tax, which replaced the old Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass. Families who ski often should price an early season pass. Multi-week lesson programs cost less per lesson than single lessons, and a seasonal gear lease can beat daily rentals and buying gear a child will outgrow.
Key takeaways
- SnowStart Kidz Pass for 2026-27: $39.99 plus tax, ages 6 to 12, up to three visits at each of 60+ participating ski areas. Rentals, lessons and adult tickets are extra.
- Season passes are usually cheapest when bought early. Count the days you will really ski.
- Multi-week lesson programs cost less per lesson than drop-in lessons.
- A seasonal gear lease covers a growing child for one winter. Swaps and used sales cover the rest; buy helmets that meet a recognized standard.
- Example with made-up inputs: six ski days for a 9-year-old cost $590 with day tickets and daily rentals, or $260 with the Kidz Pass and a seasonal lease.
Lift access: the Kidz Pass, day tickets or a season pass
The SnowStart Kidz Pass from the Canadian Ski Council is sold for the 2026-27 season at $39.99 plus tax for children aged 6 to 12. It gives up to three lift-ticket visits at each participating ski area, of which there are more than 60 across Canada, for one season. Rentals, lessons and adult tickets are not included, and each area sets its own rules for using it. Check the participating list for the hills you can reach.
If your family skis many days at one hill, an early-bird season pass for each child may cost less per day. Divide the pass price by the number of days you realistically ski, not the number you hope to. Some hills offer reduced passes for young children; read the age rules.
| Option | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| SnowStart Kidz Pass | Ages 6 to 12 trying several hills | Up to three visits per area; extras not included |
| Day tickets | A few days a season | Highest price per day |
| Early-bird season pass | Many days at one hill | Deadlines; blackout days |
Lessons
Most hills sell multi-week lesson programs, often on weekends, that cost less per lesson than drop-in lessons and include the lift ticket for the lesson. Some include rentals. School ski clubs and community programs can cost less again. Book early, because popular times sell out.
Gear: lease, buy used or buy new
Children outgrow skis, boots and snowboards quickly. A seasonal lease from a ski shop gives a child a fitted set for the whole winter, often with the option to trade up the next year. Ski swaps in the fall sell used gear, and selling outgrown gear back helps pay for the next size. Boots matter most for comfort; have them fitted.
Buy a helmet that fits and meets a recognized safety standard for skiing or snowboarding, and replace it after a significant impact. The secondhand gear guide covers what to buy new.
Clothing and the rest of the day
Warm layers matter more than ski-branded clothing. The kids' winter gear guide covers coats, mitts and boots. Pack lunch and snacks; food at the lodge adds up quickly for a family.
Example with made-up inputs: six ski days
These numbers are an example with made-up inputs, apart from the Kidz Pass price. A 9-year-old skis six days at two participating hills, three each. Day tickets at a made-up $55 plus daily rentals at a made-up $40 cost $570, plus a $20 lunch budget, for $590. With the $39.99 Kidz Pass covering the six visits and a made-up $200 seasonal lease, plus the $20, the season is about $260.
| Approach | Lift access | Gear | Lunch | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day tickets and daily rentals | $330 | $240 | $20 | $590 |
| Kidz Pass and seasonal lease | $39.99 | $200 | $20 | About $260 |
Sources
- Canadian Ski Council, SnowStart Kidz Pass, snowpass.ca and the Council's store, as of 1 Oct 2026. $39.99 plus tax for ages 6 to 12; up to three visits at each of 60+ participating ski areas; 2026-27 season; rentals, lessons and adult tickets extra.
- Ticket, rental, lease and lunch prices in the example table and chart are made-up inputs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SnowStart Kidz Pass?
It is the Canadian Ski Council's pass for children aged 6 to 12, sold for 2026-27 at $39.99 plus tax. It gives up to three lift-ticket visits at each of more than 60 participating Canadian ski areas for one season. Rentals, lessons and adult tickets are extra.
Does the Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass still exist?
The Canadian Ski Council's former Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass has been replaced by the SnowStart Kidz Pass for ages 6 to 12 for the 2026-27 season.
Is a season pass worth it for kids?
Divide the pass price by the days you will realistically ski. Early-bird passes are usually cheapest, and families who ski many days at one hill often come out ahead.
Should I lease or buy kids' ski gear?
Children outgrow gear quickly, so a seasonal lease or used gear from a fall ski swap usually costs less than new. Have boots fitted, and buy a helmet that fits and meets a recognized standard.
How can I save on kids' ski lessons?
Book multi-week lesson programs, which cost less per lesson than drop-ins and often include the lift ticket for the lesson. School ski clubs and community programs can cost less again.
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and fact-checked against official Canadian sources. How we create content.
Disclosure: Ski hills, shops and lease programs are described as offer types; none is ranked. The SnowStart Kidz Pass is named as a public program, not a partner. Saving Optimizer may earn a commission if a partner link is added later; no partnership is claimed. Education only.