FARMINGTON — The Farmington Ski Club Board of Directors recently adopted a goal to increase children’s participation in winter outdoor recreation.

The first step in their goal includes a Pass Blast prepurchase of passes.

This season the club has lowered membership prices for children by 20 percent for downhill passes and even more for cross-countryb skiing. To receive the preseason discount membership, passes must be purchased by Oct. 22. 

Pass Blast events for purchasing passes are planned at Titcomb Mountain from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13; from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, and from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17.

The new early purchase rates allows for children ages 6 to 12 to get an alpine, or downhill, pass at $125 instead of $155; ages 13 to 18 can buy the pass at $150 instead of $199. Similar discounts are also available for combined alpine-Nordic passes and Nordic–cross-country ski passes.

The club has always offered discounted prices for families based on the number of individuals, and a few years ago lowered rates for children 6 to 12.

Club members believe outdoor winter sports help children establish healthy lifestyles. The club wants all children from Farmington and surrounding communities to use and enjoy Titcomb Mountain.

To accomplish their goal, the board has developed a plan to increase participation of children in club membership, children’s programs, day tickets and club events.

Another step in the plan is to increase awareness and use of scholarships. In the past, the Titcomb Ski Education Foundation had some scholarship funds available, but they were not all used.

Through the generosity of the community, the club will provide scholarships to cover equipment and tuition for many of the learn-to-ski programs for any child who is eligible for federal free or reduced-price lunches at school.

Along with the Pass Blast discount, there is an optional payment plan available to help families spread out the expense. More information is available at www.titcombmountain.com or call 778-9031.

Titcomb Mountain in West Farmington has been owned and operated by the Farmington Ski Club since 1948.