About CSD Youth Free Passes
Who qualifies for a free membership?
All students enrolled in the Cascade School District — including Homelink — qualify for a free LWSC season membership for the 26–27 season. We're also extending this to the Summit Christian Academy. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
How do CSD families redeem free passes?
You'll purchase your CSD Youth Membership the same way you always have via our online system. You'll select the correct membership level and will be asked for information about your child's school and grade so we can confirm eligibility.
What does the free youth membership include?
The same unlimited access as any LWSC membership: all trails, tubing, and sledding for the full season.
Who is paying for the free passes?
We have been working hard over the last several years to extend outdoor activities and opportunities to the youth in our community. Even though we had a challenging 2025-2026 winter season, we feel this is the right time. While the passes don't "cost" us much (other than administrative time and physical pass printing) we expect to see a slight decline in season pass/membership sales as families will no longer need to purchase these passes.
What about ski team kids?
Yes! All students who participate in the LWSC Nordic or Alpine ski team qualify for free passes as part of this program. Stay tuned for a separate ski team announcement with full program details and registration information.
About the Pricing Tiers
What is the Earliest Bird special?
From July 1–31, memberships are available at last year's prices with sales tax covered — the lowest price of the year. After July 31, prices go up by tax only. After November 1, Individual pricing increases to $375.
Why are you charging tax now when you didn't before?
In previous seasons, LWSC absorbed sales tax as a member benefit. We're continuing that through July as the Earliest Bird promotion. Starting August 1, tax is added at checkout — bringing us in line with standard retail practice. This is a small adjustment that helps us operate responsibly as a nonprofit, which our members also told us was important in the strategic planning survey.
Why will prices increase after November 1?
The only pass that increases in cost is the individual pass. Operating costs like insurance, staffing, maintenance, equipment increase every year. We work hard to keep memberships as affordable as possible while remaining fiscally responsible. The early windows are designed to reward members who commit early and help us plan for the season.
Will prices keep going up every year?
In short, yes, at a reasonable percentage to keep pace with rising operating costs. We are committed to balancing affordability with fiscal responsibility. Next season, tax and credit card processing fees will be added to all products at checkout.
What happened to the family pass?
We eliminated the family pass for the 26–27 season. With CSD youth skiing free and individual pass pricing the way it is, family pass pricing no longer made sense structurally as the math essentially added up to two individual passes anyway. Families with CSD kids now have a better deal than any family pass offered before. We recognize that this does mean an increase in membership fees for families outside the CSD but this pricing also aligns us with how most ski areas manage their passes and memberships - at the individual level and based on age.
What if I don't ski but want to support the club?
We have a Supporting Member option! For $85 you financially support LWSC and get to vote in the annual board elections!
What do I get?
What does a membership include?
Unlimited access all season: all ski trails (Nordic and alpine), tubing, sledding, . Plus:
Thursday night member discount at the Lodge
Indy XC Partner Resort access — lower pricing and early Indy Pass purchase access
25% off Plain Valley Ski Trails day tickets (unlimited)
25% off Stevens Nordic day tickets
3 free day tickets each at 12+ nonprofit ski areas nationwide
Xevo goggle and sport glasses discount
Why are you calling it a membership instead of a season pass?
Because that's what it is. An LWSC membership is more than access. Your membership connects you with your community whether you're enjoying a beverage the Ski Hill Lodge, swapping stories in the parking lot at IRT, or attending one of our events. "Pass" undersells it. The language change reflects the full value of what you're getting and what we plan to continue building on in terms of year-round programming and options!
What is the Valley Pass?
The Valley Pass adds access to Plain Valley Ski Trails (PVST) on top of your LWSC membership. Valley Pass holders get 25% off PVST day tickets. Kids 18 and under always ski PVST free. CSD students can add the Valley Pass for a $10 processing fee.
What if we have another low snow year?
Every season involves some uncertainty with snowpack — we know that better than anyone. What your membership purchase does is provide LWSC with critical early-season revenue that covers insurance, staffing, maintenance, and grooming before a single flake falls. That financial foundation is what allows us to open each season, maintain the hill, and keep LWSC viable for future generations. LWSC is approaching its 100th anniversary — your membership is part of that story.
All season passes are non-transferable and non-refundable. There will be no refunds on season pass purchases, including the possibility of a season with limited or no operations due to low snowfall.
How do I pay?
How do I avoid the credit card processing fee?
Pay by check. Download the paper form here and mail it with your check (payable to Leavenworth Winter Sports Club) to:
LWSC | PO Box 573 | Leavenworth, WA 98826
