Crotched Mountain Under 6 season pass

[tcharron]

Recently, in a trip report regarding Crotched Mountain, there was some concern regarding Crotched Mountain charging INDIVIDUAL season pass holders 50$ to 'Add an under 6 child' to their season pass, essentially, granted that child a season pass themselves. After having a conversation with Chris Bradford of Crotched Mountain, he gave me permission to report his response to the question regarding it. I also requested to include his email address, which is included at the end of his quote.

I believe his response to be reasonable. My responses minus the person blahblah are also included below his, with possible resolutions to make people happier.

I browse around through various ski forums on a daily basis and share feedback, both positive and negative with my other department managers. Tim Boyd, the CEO of Peak Resorts is also an active forum user and is always on top of stuff that you guys post! Kinda cool to know that there's a ski company that pays attention to the people.

Anyway ... I've definitely been following the discussion to which you refer.


Feel free to post my response about the 5 & unders. I'm going to explain it the way it is... and it's a long post, so I appreciate you and others taking the time to read it carefully and understand the information being posted. There is no "marketing spin" on this - it's just the way it is.



We ask our season pass holders with young children to purchase a pass at $50 for that child. If the pass holder will be bringing their young child once or twice during the season, no problem ... the ticket window should gladly give them a complimentary ticket for the young one. If the pass holder will be bringing the young child on a regular basis, it's FAIR that they pick up a $50 card for the child. The $50 basically covers the administrative costs associated with the skier ... and little else. For a ticket-customer, who comes here and pays the full $47 price, single-day administrative costs are factored into the price of the ticket. For a season pass holder, it's not quite the same.

Let's do some math.

The majority of pass holders at Crotched paid $269 ... WHAT A DEAL! Lets say the pass holder skis 15 times a season ... thats $17.93 per visit.

Let's compare that with a paying ticket customer who skis 15 times a year @ $47 per visit ... that's $705! Big difference from the $269 pass holder.

Not only does the season pass holder get one heck of a deal (passes should cost $400 or more), they also have the most opportunities to ski. Some trivia: Crotched Mountain currently operates the most open hours of any ski area in North America... AND does it with the best snow quality in New England, hands down. ALL THAT FOR $269?!?!? We must be insane for giving it away at that price.

I certainly believe it's MORE THAN FAIR to ask season pass holders to pay a little bit extra for their young kids because they're getting an incredible value for themselves AND the child! Most people have very happily paid the $50 because they realize the amazing value they're getting.

Regarding the snow... the secret about Crotched is definitely getting out. The mountain is currently operating on 90% terrain, with absolutely no bare spots and no ice. In fact, before Monday's rain, the conditions were downright amazing - legitimate packed powder and the conditions today aren't that bad either. SO, how do you think pass holders at other mountains feel right now? Disappointed? Yeah, probably. Especially those people who paid $800-$1200 per pass at nearby mountains. They're missing out, big time.

In Review: $269 + $50 for a young child? Incredible value, no brainer. $800 + at another mountain? Not having much fun right now.

Regarding your family pass... the price is good for up to 5 family members, $100/ea additional family member With you, your fiance and 2 kids, plus the new young young, that's 5 members ... no extra charge for you. A lot of families actually save money on the young ones because when they max out the 5 members, the additional young one is only $50 instead of $100.

Looks like you're in good shape.
It's all about the snow, and Crotched can NOT be beat.

feel free to post my email address, but in a non spammable format... something like "csb [at] crotchedmountain .dot. com"

I'll cut the math out, I know what an incredible deal an earlier buyer gets on their season pass. Wish I'd been allot quicker in picking up my family pass, I could have saved a hundred bucks if I hadn't had waiting until the close to the last minute (something like, late November...)

Now for the nitty gritty. In my particular case, I have a family pass with myself, my fiance, and two older children. My youngest is currently 18 months, but hopefully next year, will be mulling around the bunny hill between playing in the snow and wreaking havoc with his brothers. I have the impression that the under 6 rule seems to say I'll have to pay an addition 50$ as well. Or will he not have to pay the 50$ cost, and be able to be added as the 5th person of the allowable 5?

Also, as a possible suggestion since the above is the policy, perhaps the single person season pass could be 'ammended' to say 'Includes 2 passes for children under 6. A VIP childrens season pass can be purchased by individual season pass holders for a special price of 50$, and includes free hot chocolate' etc, etc.

 

[threecy]

$50 is more than reasonable - as stated above, there is a way to get a free ticket every time - and the way Crotched is set up, it sounds almost the same, no? You have to pick up daily tickets if you're a passholder anyways?

One thing Chris left out that he probably doesn't want to say - one reason 5 and under season passes cost money is that people take advantage of them - I have seen people try to sneak 6 and 7 year olds under that pass just to save money.

 

[tcharron]

$50 is more than reasonable - as stated above, there is a way to get a free ticket every time - and the way Crotched is set up, it sounds almost the same, no? You have to pick up daily tickets if you're a passholder anyways?

Yes, you do. It's fast, however, as the pass is a credit card, they swipe it and the pass prints automagically. What my suggestion was is to say that they get like, 2 free under 6 tickets. Individual tickets, not season pass, as in, 2 visits.

One thing Chris left out that he probably doesn't want to say - one reason 5 and under season passes cost money is that people take advantage of them - I have seen people try to sneak 6 and 7 year olds under that pass just to save money.

[/QUOTE]

I hadn't thought of that. You're right, anyone who ponies up enough cash for a season pass of any kind is probably HIGHLY likely to encourage their children to ski, and have a decent amount of usage.

 

[tcharron]

I have a VIP pass do I get free hot chocolate too? I would love that ... I can "bring a buddy" each day for $19 ...

LOL! I'd be funny as heck to see you demand it. :lol:

What's the difference between an unlimited season pass, and a VIP pass?

 

[tcharron]

LOL! I'd be funny as heck to see you demand it. :lol:

What's the difference between an unlimited season pass, and a VIP pass?

Never mind, I just found it. LOL.

Crotched Mountain, Bennington - A Fully Unlimited Pass is $269 for adults and $219 for juniors. A VIP Benefits Pass is available also for $399, this includes direct lift access, one "Bring-a-Buddy" guest ticket per day at $19, and more. These prices are current at the time of printing.

Wish they had that for family passes.

 

[tcharron]

I think I get some kind of discount for food purchases too ... does beer count as food?

AhHA! NOW we know how you bumped your head!

*snickers*

 

[threecy]

What my suggestion was is to say that they get like, 2 free under 6 tickets. Individual tickets, not season pass, as in, 2 visits.

I'm not quite understanding what you're saying - didn't Chris say under 6 is free on a day by day basis?

Regardless, the issue of offering X under 6 passes is that people who don't have an under 6 would either demand a discount on their pass or possibly try and sell bonus passes.

 

[tcharron]

I'm not quite understanding what you're saying - didn't Chris say under 6 is free on a day by day basis?

Regardless, the issue of offering X under 6 passes is that people who don't have an under 6 would either demand a discount on their pass or possibly try and sell bonus passes.

Yes, Chris said that, but it depends on the person at the counter. As some have pointed out in other threads, the 'official policy' is to require the 50$ pass extra.

But yes, your right, it might open a can 'o worms in that now people with under 6s would appear to be getting an additional benny.

 

[threecy]

Ah that's interesting, I can see your point then if they don't give out 5 and under day passes without a day pass purchase. Maybe the day pass policy for 5 and under needs revising.

 

[hammer]

I have a VIP pass do I get free hot chocolate too? I would love that ... I can "bring a buddy" each day for $19 ...

10e used to have hot (well, maybe lukewarm) chocolate at the ski patrol area at the top of the summit lift. Nice touch IMO.

I still think Crotched would do well to have reduced/free rates for the magic carpet area. Their main "competitor" ski area, Pats Peak, does this.

 

[mckay]

I still think Crotched would do well to have reduced/free rates for the magic carpet area. Their main "competitor" ski area, Pats Peak, does this.

That's the part I don't get. Crotched is pretty much in direct competition with Pats, but they don't seem interesting in trying to lure anyone away from Pats. I know 2 families who never go to Crotched, even though it's closer, becuase they don't think it's kids friendly. Personally, I think the terrain is far superior at Crotched and that outweighs my objection to charging season pass holders for the right to use the magic carpet with their little ones. But when my daughter is a little older and all her friend's parents are taking the kids to Pats I may be forced to switch.