Free passes get youngsters on the slopes

This winter, the Canadian Ski Council and its partner resorts across Canada are once again taking a stand against childhood obesity through the Grade 5 SnowPass program. Designed to help kids stay active through the long Canadian winter, the SnowPass program offers Grade 5 or ten-year-old children up to three free days of skiing or snowboarding at each participating ski area in their region.

The Canadian Ski Council is launching this year's annual SnowPass program in an effort to expose kids to winter sports, and in particular to skiing and snowboarding. Skiing and snowboarding can provide a full day of fun and exercise for the entire family. In fact, a day on the hill can burn up to 2000 calories. Studies also show that involving kids in outdoor sports leads to active lifestyles later in life.

"We want children to learn that you can have fun while being active in the wintertime," says Colin Chedore, President of the Canadian Ski Council. "The Grade 5 SnowPass is not only a great program for the kids, but it helps make it affordable for the whole family to get out and enjoy a day on the slopes."

Childhood obesity rates in Canada continue to grow. During the winter, Canadian kids are particularly vulnerable to falling into an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. When given the choice between an afternoon in front of the tv playing video games and an afternoon out-of-doors in the cool, fresh, winter air, many choose the videogames. It is becoming increasingly important that these children and their families are given exciting reasons to get up and get outside.

The Grade 5 SnowPass booklet includes up to three ski-free coupons for each ski area in the province or region where they live, as well as coupons for discounts or rebates on lessons and equipment rental. Some participating areas also offer a bonus Grade 6 coupon that can be used next season. Each Grade 5 student who applies will receive either an Eastern or Western SnowPass booklet, depending on where they live in Canada. This amazing deal is available at 154 different ski areas, including 101 in the East (Ontario to Newfoundland) and 53 in the West (Manitoba to B.C., including the North).

Grade 5 SnowPass applications are available online at www.snowpass.ca and www.passeportdesneiges.ca .

Applications are also available Canada-wide from Grade 5 elementary school teachers and at Sport Mart, Sport Chek, Sports Experts, and Intersport stores.

Over 28,000 children have already applied for a Grade 5 SnowPass this season. Winter is just beginning so there is lots of time to have fun on the slopes with the great snow conditions all across Canada. Sign a 10 year old up for a SnowPass today by visiting www.snowpass.ca