Free Lift Tickets For Kids' Vaccines Or Boosters For Grownups

NEW YORK — Getting a vaccination shot for children between the ages of 5 and 11 or a booster shot for older kids and grownups could give the whole family a chance to take advantage of some of the best skiing in the Northeast for free.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the new 'Ski for Free' COVID-19 vaccine sweepstakes is now open for children ages 5 to 11 and all new booster shot recipients. The six-week sweepstakes - the first drawing of which will be on January 4th, 2022 - is intended to bolster vaccination rates among children ages 5-11 as well as individuals eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster dose. Eligible New Yorkers will be able to enter a random drawing for free lift tickets to participating mountains and resorts, thanks to Ski Areas of New York and the Olympic Regional Development Authority. You can enter any time to win here.

"The 'Ski for Free' sweepstakes for children and booster recipients allows New Yorkers to take full advantage of our state's incredible ski areas while at the same time boosting our vaccination numbers to fight the winter surge," Governor Hochul said in a statement announcing the new initiative intended to send COVID-19 infection numbers quickly downhill. "By getting vaccinated and a booster dose, you can protect yourself and those around you from getting seriously ill due to COVID-19. Don't delay."

Tickets awarded through the 'Ski for Free' Sweepstakes can be used during the 2021-2022 Winter season (some holiday blackout dates may apply). Entrants will be able to select their region of choice, in either the east or west of the state.

"We are proud to partner with Governor Hochul's administration for the 'Ski for Free' Covid Vaccine Sweepstakes," SKI NY President Scott Brandi said. "Resorts across the state are open and looking forward to a great season. We urge you to get your vaccine, enter the sweepstakes, and come join us at one of our ski areas."

Participating mountains/resorts in each region are:

West

• Holiday Valley
• Bristol
• Woods Valley
• Greek Peak
• Swain Resort
• Four Seasons Ski Center

East

• Whiteface
• Gore
• Belleayre
• Windham
• West

The 'Ski for Free' sweepstakes includes the following prizes:

Children ages 5-11: Winners for a total of 240 two-packs of tickets (one adult pass and one child pass) will be selected over the six-week sweepstakes period. 40 two-packs of tickets will be awarded per week, divided evenly between the two regions. Children ages five-to-11 who received their first vaccine dose after Nov. 3 are eligible to enter the sweepstakes. Entries must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, and the winners will receive an adult/child pair of ski tickets.

Booster recipients: Winners for a total of 120 single tickets (one adult pass) will be selected over the six-week sweepstakes period. 20 single tickets will be awarded per week, divided evenly between the two regions. Individuals ages 18 and older who received their booster dose after Nov. 3 are eligible to enter the sweepstakes. Entries must be completed by the individual who received the booster dose, and the winner will receive one adult ski ticket.

More info about the 'Ski for Free' sweepstakes is available here.