Win A Lifetime Ski Pass For Colorado’s Winter Park

The 2012-2013 ski season gets underway on November 14 at Colorado’s Winter Park Resort, where the snow has already been falling. To celebrate, the resort is giving away a host of prizes including skis, snowboards and other gear. But the prize that will be the most coveted amongst ski bums everywhere will no doubt be the ski pass that is good for an entire lifetime.

To be eligible to win, entrants must simply “like” Winter Park on Facebook and then fill out a simple online form. The contest runs through January 10, 2013, after which one winner will be selected to receive the pass that is good for unlimited skiing or snowboarding for the rest of his or her life.

Located one hour outside of Denver, Winter Park features 2762 skiable acres spread out across three different mountain peaks. The resort, which averages nearly 350 inches of snow per year, has more than 130 individual runs, most geared for intermediate and advanced skiers or riders. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix in one of six different terrain parks or by taking a run through the resort’s massive Superpipe.

Imagine having this winter outdoor playground at your disposal for the rest of your life. That is the potential for whoever wins this contest and earns themselves a lifetime pass. I’m sure more than a few of you skiers and snowboarders could appreciate winning this particular contest.

[Photo credit: Jameschipmunk via WikiMedia]

Liftopia Has Hot Deals On Lift Tickets For The Upcoming Ski Season

As the last few weeks of summer drag out to their inevitable conclusion it is time to start thinking about the seasons ahead. The crisp air and cooler temperatures of autumn will be a welcome change of pace for many of us who have endured unusually warm temperatures the past few months. But for many travelers and outdoor enthusiasts it is the coming of winter that gets them the most excited. That’s because winter brings fresh powder and the promise of a great ski season ahead.

To help skiers and snowboarders prepare for their winter adventures, Liftopia, the largest online site for purchasing lift tickets, has launched their Red Hot End of Summer Sale. This limited-time event features more than 32,000 deals on discounted passes from over 60 ski resorts across North America. Some of these tickets are being offered at prices that are as much as 86% below their normal price, which makes buying a ski pass in September seem like a really smart idea.

Thinking of heading to Colorado to hit the slopes this year? Liftopia has passes for Aspen/Snowmass at 34% off and Arapahoe Basin for as much as 39% off. Utah’s Snowbird is currently selling at a 45% discount while Idaho’s Tamarack Resort passes are 54% below normal price. Similar discounts are offered for ski destinations in New England, the Pacific Northwest, Canada and beyond.

Liftopia also happens to be the exclusive provider of the Mountain Collective Pass, which is an unbelievable deal for skiers. For just $349, the pass provides two free days at each of the following resorts: Aspen/Snowmass, Alta, Jackson Hole and Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows. It also provides 50% off unlimited lift tickets after that, as well as 25% off accommodations. That is an incredibly affordable way to enjoy some of the best ski resorts in North America, if not the world.

If you’re one of those people who just can’t wait for winter to arrive then you’ll definitely want to check out the deals being offered by Liftopia right now. I know it may seem like winter is still a long way off but it’ll be here before you know it. When it does arrive you’ll be glad you saved some cash in the waning days of summer.

Aspen offers $25,000 ‘Ultimate Ski Pass’

The Aspen Ski Company is offering a very exclusive – and very expensive– option for anyone who wants to hit the slopes in the Colorado mountain town this season. Skiers and snowboarders with deep pockets can opt for the Ultimate Ski Pass, which grants them a bevy of special privileges but comes with a hefty $25,000 price tag. Before you experience cardiac arrested brought on by sticker-shock however, you should know that money raised is going to a variety of good causes.

The perks for Ultimate Ski Pass holders include the opportunity to meet the U.S. Women’s Ski Team when they compete in Aspen later this month at the 2011 Winternational World Cup. They’ll also receive two VIP passes to that event, as well as breakfast with Bill Marolt, the President of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. Additionally, they’ll be entitled to a behind the scenes tour of Aspen-Snowmass and be allowed to ride along on a snowcat grooming session.

While those opportunities may be intriguing to some, the real benefit for avid skiers is that the pass includes unlimited first tracks on fresh powder. What that means is that pass grants its holder, and three of their friends, access to the mountain before it opens to the public, on any day of the season, giving them the opportunity to be the first down the hill on those days.

The Ultimate Ski Pass provides access to four different hills, including Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk. Additionally, there are only 18 Ultimate Passes available for sale, one of which has already been sold.

Proceeds from the sale of these rather pricey tickets will go to public schools in Aspen and toward supporting World Cup skiing events that take place there as well.

[Photo courtesy Aspen Snowmass]

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort slashes cost of ski pass

While most of us continue to suffer through the hottest summer on record, it is difficult to envision ourselves shredding down a mountain on a fresh base of white powder. Fortunately, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is already looking to the winter ahead, and they’ve received plenty of attention in recent days for actually cutting the prices of their annual ski passes by an unprecedented 25% over last year.

In 2009, a full season pass cost skiers $1970, making it one of the most expensive in the entire country. But during the month of August, JHMR is selling the same pass for the 2010-2011 season for just $1255, a relative bargain in the world of major ski resorts. The price does come with a caveat however, as this early bird discount is good only until August 31st, after that the cost jumps up to $1570, which is still a substantial savings over last year.

Why the reduction in price? Simple economics it seems. The resort took a look at the most common buyers of their annual passes and found that they were most likely to be local skiers who hit the slopes on a very regular basis. Those locals may be a bit strapped for cash considering the current economic climate, so JHMR management wanted to give back to the community and offer up the discounted price. Fortunately, it isn’t just available for the locals.

Located just outside of Jackson, Wyoming, and not far from the Grand Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boasts 116 different ski runs, the majority of which are dedicated to the intermediate and expert level skier. With over 2500 acres of inbounds skiable area and a another 3000 acres of backcountry, the resort is amongst the most popular in the western United States.

So far, none of their big name competitors to the south have followed suit with a price reduction this season.

Utah ski resort offers 30-year pass, with a catch

Utah ski resort The Canyons is offering skiers and snowboarders the chance to buy a season pass that is good for 30 years and can be loaned to friends and family. But, as in all things that seem too good to be true, there are a few caveats to the deal.

The passes are available for $5000 each, and eligible buyers are limited to buying just two. Unlike ski passes from other resorts, these can also be shared with friends and family on days and weekends that you’re not using them for yourself, which is unique in and of itself. So what’s the catch you ask? Well, in order to be eligible to take part in the deal, you have to own or purchase a condo at the Canyons, which will set you back a minimum of $675,000.

But for those that are in a position to take advantage of this deal, it really is a bargain. The $5000 pass breaks down to just $166 per year. That same pass would cost others $1099 a year, and because the pass can be loaned out to others, it is possible to make a little money on the side by renting it out for the weekend.

The Park City resort covers more than 3500 acres and spans eight mountain peaks, offering skiers and snowboarders plenty of winter fun. Averaging more than 355 inches of snow each year, the Canyons has earned itself a reputation as one of the top destinations in Utah for hitting the slopes.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, if you sell the condo, the pass goes with it.