Huntsville, UT – War could be about to break out in the mountains of Utah, but this looming battle could benefit skiers and riders looking to hit the slopes of the Wasatch Mountains.
Season pass price wars that have driven down the cost of skiing in neighboring Colorado and elsewhere have up to now largely bypassed the Beehive State, where a pass is often priced well north of $1,000 even though day lift ticket prices are some of the lowest among major U.S. ski states. Keen observers took notice last winter when Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR) fired an early warning shot by separating its season pass products into an à la carte menu, thereby substantially reducing the annual cost for those interest in the skiing, and nothing but the skiing, to $750 at 2012-13 early bird rates. The whole package including underground parking, “Fast Tracks” express liftline access and night skiing, still costs a hefty $1,425 at PCMR.
Now enter Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, which this month announced its new Discovery Pass Program for the upcoming 2012-13 Winter Season that begins at $449 including holiday blackout dates. Those looking for an unrestricted pass can get one for $649, a reduction of more than one-third off last season’s $999 rate. Additional perks include three days of skiing and riding at Sun Valley Resort in Idaho, a $149 nightly rate on hotel rooms at Sun Valley Lodge or Inn during the 2012-13 ski season on a space available basis, a 15% discount on winter repairs in the Grizzly Center, two 50% off buddy vouchers, tubing hill discounts and summer gondola use.
“We are excited to introduce this new pass structure to Snowbasin and encourage people to discover what Snowbasin has to offer,” explains John Loomis, Snowbasin’s General Manager. “This program is an opportunity for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy the mountain and amenities that have made Snowbasin famous.”
It may also be an effort to siphon business from some of Snowbasin’s more famous neighbors. If successful in doing so over a winter or two, other Utah ski resorts may be forced to follow PCMR’s and Snowbasin’s lead.
For now, however, Utahans can still expect the status quo. Snowbird’s 2012-13 rates are still $999 for an unlimited Tram and chairs pass, or $1,699 when combined with neighboring Alta Ski Area which has yet to confirm its own 2012-13 pass fees. Powder Mountain is asking $700 for an unlimited adult season pass this winter, while Solitude Mountain Resort is maintaining its unique season pass program where purchasers build their own pass by buying individual days of the week. Deer Valley Resort still breaks the bank at $1,810 for a season pass purchased prior to Oct. 31, although locals can score a deal through the resort’s Locals Only Pass program of reloadable five- or ten-packs starting at $57 per day for the midweek option.
Ski resorts in Utah’s south, frequented by residents of Las Vegas more than those of Salt Lake City and environs, have largely escaped the high season pass rates prevalent among their northern neighbors. Brian Head’s 2012-13 unrestricted adult season pass is priced at $499 at early purchase rates, while the region’s other ski resort, Eagle Point, prices its pass even lower at $369.
In addition to Alta, Brighton Ski Resort, Canyons Resort and Sundance have yet to announce pass rates for 2012-13, although the latter was still a relative bargain at $475 for an Adult Unlimited pass last winter. Logan area residents get their own deal at Beaver Mountain, a family-run resort in the state’s far north, which began its sliding scale for 2012-13 passes in March. Prices for an unrestricted adult season pass at Beaver Mountain are currently set at $440 through August 15.