Vail Resorts extended its Epic Season Pass early bird deadline but only until April 19. Alterra’s Ikon Pass deadline is more generous at May 27. It is no wonder that dedicated skiers and snowboarders are reluctant to purchase a season pass so far in advance when no one knows what may or may not happen due to Covid-19. Even some ski clubs are dragging their feet lining up their 2020-21 winter trip programs since they do not want to get stuck making a deposit that they might lose if resorts cannot honor plans. And resort communities already are reeling from a disastrous loss of revenue due to early closings this spring as pointed out in an article posted by The Snow Industry Letter.
Decision-making regarding passes is tricky at best in the current environment but there are many options aside from Epic and Ikon from which to choose. For example, the Indy Pass is half the price of either Epic or Ikon and the purchase date is not until September. Mountain Collective is another “national program” that is far less expensive but a bit more restrictive.
Ski Utah’s web site features a number 11 season pass programs for adults and children that are specific to resorts in that state. Some are specifically targeted to Utah resident-only but the national programs also are listed. Currently, the Ski City Pass is not on sale yet due to complications stemming from Coronavirus issues. It includes Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude.
Of course, individual resorts have their own season pass programs for those lucky enough to live near one. A season pass also can make sense for those planning a week to 10 day vacation at a specific location. Like some of the national programs, many have posted their information and also offer installment plans to ease the payment pain.
Colorado’s Monarch is charging $449 for adults and $329 for seniors registering for the first time and $399 (adults) and $269 (seniors) for renewals. Elsewhere in Colorado, the first-time season pass purchase price for A-Basin is $449; renewals are $419. A-Basin also has a steep discount for seniors 70 and over and also the military personnel. The cost for both is $179.
On the other hand, one of the priciest resort season passes is Jay Peak at $729 for adults age 30 – 59. The senior price is 569. Jay Peak is adding a couple of days at Saddleback, currently scheduled to reopen for the 2020-21 season. Early Bird deadline is June 8.
Bottom line is to perhaps use available time while waiting out the results of the Coronavirus to do some homework and review options.
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