Not that we’re wishing the autumn away; who doesn’t love the lower humidity, cooler nights and color-drenched days?
But if you’re thinking about taking some ski trips this winter – be they to a far-away destination or a mountain just up the road a bit – now is the time to make some plans.
It’s not like you can’t go last minute. Should fresh-tracks fever hit you early one winter morning, no one is going to stop you from going right there and then. But by making some plans and purchases now, you’ll not only save money, you’ll ensure you’ll get a spot on the hill even on a busy day.
Season passes are still on sale. And while the most affordable way to purchase them is hitting “purchase” in spring or summer, you can still find deals.
What should – and can – you do now? Consider these ideas to lock in ski days and savings.
The Full Pass Question: When is it affordable to purchase a full-season pass, and what kind do you want? The answer is as unique as you are, but by thinking ahead, you can figure out your best bet.
On average, the basic breakdown of finding value in a full pass comes in around five to 10 days of skiing anticipated for the season. If you are thinking you’ll be a regular at a more local hill, a resort-specific pass is a great bet. A season pass at Ragged Mountain Resort in Danbury, NH (raggedmountainresort.com) comes in at $599 (ages 6-79; over or under skis free) until Oct. 14 (when the prices increase). With a day ticket at $89 on weekdays and just over $100 on weekends and holidays, it’s easy to cross over the value added line.
Plus, The Ragged pass – like many other ski areas – has bonus benefits. You have access to all the Pacific Group resorts, which includes Jay Peak Resort in Vermont. And while the buddy pass limit decreases, you’ll still get four “buddy tickets” for 40% off a ticket when you bring a friend.
If you have a regular mountain, talk to them now to get the best deal on your pass and to lock in your skiing and riding for the season.
And what about the big passes? Epic Pass (https://www.epicpass.com/) which brings you access to more than 80 resorts around the world including seven in the Northeast, is still discounted through Oct. 6.
A full Epic pass comes in now at just over $1,000 (for future reference you can save more than 10% purchasing it earlier in the year). That pass gives you unrestricted access and special bonuses like buddy tickets (at as much as half off depending on the resort and the date), and 20% off just about everything at resorts – rentals, food, retail, lessons, lodging and even transportation.
The Ikon Pass (https://www.ikonpass.com/) gives you access to 42 destinations, plus 25% discount on friend tickets, 15% off resort food, beverage and retail and a few other special perks like exclusive first tracks at resorts on special days, 30% off Blenders Eyewear and even a discount for the famed Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing program.
The IndyPass (https://www.indyskipass.com/) is a fantastic choice for variety and affordability – but put them on your list for next year as they are sold out.
But which one? If you’re a loyalist to a certain ski area or region, it’s an easy decision. But what if you’re one to bop around to multiple areas? A good plan is to decide if you’ll be taking an extended trip anywhere – be it far away or nearby – and opt for the pass that includes that spot. That way, your ski tickets are paid for (and usually, were you to purchase them for just the trip, you’ll come in at the pass price) and then you can choose – for the most part – to ski and ride the other areas that pass covers. It’s like skiing the rest of the season other than your big trip for free.
There’s another option too: Multi-day tickets. Both Epic and Ikon – as well as many independent areas – offer bundles of day tickets anywhere from four days to seven. And always at a decent discount from ticket window prices. Purchase them now and then pick your days as the season progresses. It saves a ton and takes away a lot of stress.
It’s that dreaming of winter phase, and if you want to save big and make your plans easier, plan that ski trip now. Then go back to savoring the foliage and knowing you’re ready when ski season comes.
