ALBANY, New York ??” Attention skiers: March 1 is the last day to apply for the 4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport, which introduces fourth-grade students to winter mountain recreation in New York State.

With the 4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport program ??“ a partnership between Empire State Development’s I LOVE NEW YORK campaign and Ski Areas of New York ??“ any fourth grade student ??“ from any state ??“ can take advantage of unmatched and unprecedented skiing and snowboarding values from the New York State mountain resort industry for the 2004-05 winter season. Eligible students receive a “Passport” book containing three coupons for free skiing and/or snowboarding at each of the participating ski areas in New York State. The only cost is a $15 processing fee.

For more information on the 4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport program dial (800) CALL-NYS or visit the I LOVE NEW YORK website at www.iloveny.com.