For the past 11 years the Canadian Ski Council (CSC) has run a SnowPass program for grade 5 students. This season, the program has been revamped to now include 4th graders!

Anyone in grade 4 or 5 (or who was born in 1998 or 1999) can now apply for a SnowPass. Every SnowPass booklet provides the child with the up to three free lift ticket coupons at each of the participating ski/snowboard areas. That means this season you have hundreds of chances to ski/ride for Free! With over 150 different participating ski/snowboard areas - 97 in the East (Ontario to Newfoundland) and 56 in the West (Manitoba to B.C) - every child in Grade 4 or 5 can take advantage of this amazing deal.

"Through our Grade 5 SnowPass program, we have been encouraging kids and their families to have fun and stay active outdoors," says Colin Chedore, President of the Canadian Ski Council (CSC). "This year we are very excited to include 4th graders in our program. We hope to see many more students and their families out there on the slopes!"

Depending on where you live in Canada, each student who applies will receive either an Eastern or Western SnowPass Booklet. Your Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass Booklet includes up to three ski-free coupons for each and every participating ski/snowboard area and is your personal ticket to winter fun. And if you think that's great, you also get coupons for great deals on lessons and rentals at more than 30 ski/snowboard areas! Some participating areas even offer a bonus grade 6 coupon that can be used next season - just another way that this program keeps on getting better!

And what can be more fun than skiing/riding for free? Skiing/riding for free with a friend! Students who tell their friends to apply for a grade 4 and 5 SnowPass can be entered into our "Tell a Friend Contest". Once their friend applies, the student's name will be entered into a draw giving them a chance to win cool prizes like Sport Chek gift certificates, ski/snowboard lift passes, equipment and apparel.

Grade 4 and 5 SnowPass information and applications are available online at www.snowpass.ca or www.passeportdesneiges.ca. You can also pick up an application form from Grade 4 or 5 elementary school teachers and at Sport Mart, Sport Chek, Sports Experts, and Intersport stores Canada-wide. This year's program begins December 1st, 2008 and SnowPass booklets will be mailed out to applicants beginning the week of November 17, 2008.