Decisions Decisions - Where to get a Season Pass?

[Bostonian]

So here is the deal... After being a bronze pass holder at Wachusett for the last few years, I am tempted to change things up this year. I loved being able to have easy access during the week and nights to get my turns in. But seeing there are SO many good deals, I am debating on switching it up for the upcoming year. So here is the breakdown of passes I am considering on a budget with a 1 year old in daycare:

1. Wachusett Bronze - $230(ish)
Pros: It's Wa! So close, weeknight turns, and the pleasure of having a hill 30 minutes from home. Racing (which I seriously want to consider). Discounts to other mountains
Cons: It's Wa! crowded nights with schools, grooming hell.

2. Gunstock - $375
Pros: Close to my family's second home (Across the street), more varied terrain, easy access. No blackout dates
Cons: No discounts to other mountains, no access to other mountains.

3. New England Pass (Silver) - $645 (payable out in 4 installments)
Pros: Access to Loon, Sunday River, the Loaf. More Terrain, Snow making and etc.
Cons: Sunday River and Loaf a hike. A alot more expensive and no discount tickets on blackout days.

4. Granite Pass - $599
Pros: Attitash and Wildcat, easier accessable than loaf and Sunday River. No black out dates
Cons: Still more expensive and not as diverse as the New England Pass.


So decisions ... decisions... if you were in my shoes which pass would you look at?

 

[speden]

You should probably factor in the cost of gas. With prices always going up, the cost of gas may be more important than the cost of the pass depending on how often you go and what kind of car you drive.

 

[dovoian]

IMO Wachusett is a place you'll grow out of really quickly, Loon is only good on weekdays, and Gunstock is flat...

Wildcat kicks ass, and Attitash is pretty good - only complaint with tash is that they groom every single trail on the map - wasn't able to find a single patch of moguls on the whole mountain when I went for 3 days in mid feb, and I skied almost every trail on both mountains. Also, the only way to the top is a slow triple.

I would consider the WC/Attitash pass out of the ones you are looking at, and also take a look at Cannon. Spending more money on a season pass wont break your bank if you plan a little more, and it will guarantee you a better season with more to explore.

If you like expert terrain, ski on weekdays, and you can see yourself driving an extra hour, get a season pass to Mad River Glen, because in about 18 years of skiing the east, I must conclude it is the holy *@#$'in grail. But I like stripped back, skiers mountain kinds of places - wildcat, cannon, MRG.. If they are cranking Bob Marley at the base lodge I'm in.

 

[Bostonian]

You should probably factor in the cost of gas. With prices always going up, the cost of gas may be more important than the cost of the pass depending on how often you go and what kind of car you drive.

Speden, didn't even think of that. My car is pretty fuel efficient. I drive an 2012 Audi A4 - 6 speed. So I get 30 mpg's on the highway give or take. So mileage isn't too much of an issue (as compared to someone who drives an SUV)

 

[dovoian]

Also, if you happen to be taking classes (dunno how old you are) you can get a 4 mountain season pass to Waterville Cannon Bretton and Cranmore for $289 or so with no blackouts, which is the best deal going.. I know people that forge schedules to get this deal lol

 

[thetrailboss]

The Granite Pass does not have Crotched on it anymore?

 

[gmcunni]

2. Gunstock - $375
Pros: Close to my family's second home (Across the street)

so would this be your weekend home base?

 

[deadheadskier]

Had a pass to Gunstock this year and will so again next year. It lacks steeps and bumps to hold my interest for a full season, but it's convenient and affordable. I kind of look at Gunstock as my "gym membership" mountain. With how cheap the pass is, I'm able to go to other places to mix things up and ski more of the kind of terrain I enjoy. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to those other areas nearly enough this season due to weather and other life obligations.

I've considered a Cannon, Boyne or Peaks pass, but I really don't like having to take 2 hours day trips every time I ski and also don't want to rack up hotel costs.

 

[hammer]

Had a pass to Gunstock this year and will so again next year. It lacks steeps and bumps to hold my interest for a full season, but it's convenient and affordable. I kind of look at Gunstock as my "gym membership" mountain. With how cheap the pass is, I'm able to go to other places to mix things up and ski more of the kind of terrain I enjoy. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to those other areas nearly enough this season due to weather and other life obligations.

I've considered a Cannon, Boyne or Peaks pass, but I really don't like having to take 2 hours day trips every time I ski and also don't want to rack up hotel costs.

If Gunstock were around an hour from home I'd be tempted to get a pass there. Plenty of pitch for intermediate-level skiing, decent number of ways down from the summit, night skiing available, and the trails are not all uber-wide boulevards.

 

[snoseek]

Remember gas will probably cost more than the pass overall depending on where you choose.

In your case I would probably just get the Wawa bronze and reserve some money for tickets at more interesting places...

 

[snowmonster]

I used to have a Wa bronze pass which I used for after work turns but it got old very quickly. I've been on the New England silver pass for years and will continue to do so. Despite what people say about Loon, they've got an amazing commitment to snowmaking and will open as soon as possible. If you know where to ski there (knowledge that you will get by actually experiencing the place), you can avoid the crowds. I live in Boston and it's 2 hours from my door to the Loon parking lot. Of course, there's Sunday River and the Loaf on your pass should you decide to make a weekend of it. As BobR puts it, there's something about the Sunday River vibe. Great bunch of folks. I'm not a Mainer by any stretch and the people at the Rivah have made me feel at home. In fact, it's like coming home. Management treats us well too: fresh tracks, barbecues, free tix to Red Sox games. Yeah, got them all from the folks at the River. There's a reason why SR skiers are loyal to the mountain.

By the way, there are lots of Boyne passholders on this board. We carpool to the mountain when our schedules align. Besides, with Boyne's commitment to a long season, it sure is fun to be skiing in October or May when everybody else has hung up their sticks.

 

[deadheadskier]

If Gunstock were around an hour from home I'd be tempted to get a pass there. Plenty of pitch for intermediate-level skiing, decent number of ways down from the summit, night skiing available, and the trails are not all uber-wide boulevards.

I would think the Granite Pass would be a good option for you. Isn't Crotched only about an hour from you? Having that as a close option and Attitash/Wildcat for larger mountain ski experiences is a pretty good deal at $600.

 

[Highway Star]

What about a Killington blackout pass for $729 plus tax?

 

[hammer]

I would think the Granite Pass would be a good option for you. Isn't Crotched only about an hour from you? Having that as a close option and Attitash/Wildcat for larger mountain ski experiences is a pretty good deal at $600.

Price point is a bit high for the number of times I usually get out...otherwise that is a good deal.

 

[WWF-VT]

What about a Killington blackout pass for $729 plus tax?

It's only worth it if Killington is open for 200 days

 

[wtcobb]

Last year I went with the Gunstock pass to take advantage of my family's cottage in nearby Tilton. Thanks to the heavy winter I got in 35 days between there with plenty of other trips to Killington, SR, Snow, etc. If you have local accommodations the pass is very affordable and an easy mountain to get to, park, and start skiing right away (I left Tilton at 9, on the hill by 9:30). Plus it's not prohibitively expensive to prevent trips elsewhere.

That said, Gunstock is small and can get a little tired. The steeps on Tiger lift are over in 30 seconds.

This season I moved up to the New England Pass (awesome investment this winter :-?). Loon is still close to Tilton but is a mob scene on weekends (that said, I have to commend them on the snowmaking this year - hell of a job keeping up the mountain). SR is a hike, especially round trip in one day, and I never even made it to Sugarloaf.

I'm in the same boat of indecision for a 12-13 pass myself - where to get one, or do I even get one. If I knew the winter would be like last year I'd be all for it. But if it's like this year I may reserve the funds for another trip West.

But hey, if you make it to Gunstock maybe I'll see you at Patrick's. :beer:

 

[Bostonian]

I used to have a Wa bronze pass which I used for after work turns but it got old very quickly. I've been on the New England silver pass for years and will continue to do so. Despite what people say about Loon, they've got an amazing commitment to snowmaking and will open as soon as possible. If you know where to ski there (knowledge that you will get by actually experiencing the place), you can avoid the crowds. I live in Boston and it's 2 hours from my door to the Loon parking lot. Of course, there's Sunday River and the Loaf on your pass should you decide to make a weekend of it. As BobR puts it, there's something about the Sunday River vibe. Great bunch of folks. I'm not a Mainer by any stretch and the people at the Rivah have made me feel at home. In fact, it's like coming home. Management treats us well too: fresh tracks, barbecues, free tix to Red Sox games. Yeah, got them all from the folks at the River. There's a reason why SR skiers are loyal to the mountain.

By the way, there are lots of Boyne passholders on this board. We carpool to the mountain when our schedules align. Besides, with Boyne's commitment to a long season, it sure is fun to be skiing in October or May when everybody else has hung up their sticks.

So far, I am heavily leaning towards this. The commitment Boyne has made towards its passholders is really amazing. As for the carpooling, that may be a great option, I still have a whole month before I decide whether to jump in... But's damn tempting.

What about a Killington blackout pass for $729 plus tax?

Haha... Good one.

Last year I went with the Gunstock pass to take advantage of my family's cottage in nearby Tilton. Thanks to the heavy winter I got in 35 days between there with plenty of other trips to Killington, SR, Snow, etc. If you have local accommodations the pass is very affordable and an easy mountain to get to, park, and start skiing right away (I left Tilton at 9, on the hill by 9:30). Plus it's not prohibitively expensive to prevent trips elsewhere.

That said, Gunstock is small and can get a little tired. The steeps on Tiger lift are over in 30 seconds.

This season I moved up to the New England Pass (awesome investment this winter :-?). Loon is still close to Tilton but is a mob scene on weekends (that said, I have to commend them on the snowmaking this year - hell of a job keeping up the mountain). SR is a hike, especially round trip in one day, and I never even made it to Sugarloaf.

I'm in the same boat of indecision for a 12-13 pass myself - where to get one, or do I even get one. If I knew the winter would be like last year I'd be all for it. But if it's like this year I may reserve the funds for another trip West.

But hey, if you make it to Gunstock maybe I'll see you at Patrick's. :beer:

Like you my family has a house in Gunstock Acres right opposite the mountain. Knowing it will snow the night before, or what have you I have a place to stay and easy... Make that damn easy access to the mountain. But after a few outtings a season there, it makes for just a ho hum day. I kinda think of it as Wachusett north in many ways. In many ways my Wa pass served its purpose very well. They (wachusett) had blown a lot of snow, and were able to keep conditions respectable with the winter we had.

The Granite Pass does not have Crotched on it anymore?

It does have Crotched in it, I forgot to add that.


Either way I am still no closer to a decision lol

 

[SkiFanE]

So far, I am heavily leaning towards this. The commitment Boyne has made towards its passholders is really amazing. As for the carpooling, that may be a great option, I still have a whole month before I decide whether to jump in... But's damn tempting.

Whatever the conditions, when you have a pass you go skiing no matter what the forecasters said. Every single day at SR was awesome, while others were hemming/hawing about weatherstripping or washing their tire rims instead of skiing during this horrible winter, I was out there having a blast. If it was a crusty/icy day, they'd have some trails with freshly blown snow I could lap or I'd head into the woods which got covered pretty well (but everyone figured they weren't, so we hardly saw any tracks this winter). SR/Boyne delivers, I can vouch for that.

 

[rocojerry]

I've had the Boyne pass before, and probably will again -- Its a great variety of 3 mtns--
wish they had one in VT as well.

Every mountain on the pass has something for everyone, and with a pick your drive/conditions option. The payment plan is nice, and the blackout days typically aren't too much of a damper as those are the days you don't really want to ski there anyway... (or thats your chance to checkout an off pass-mtn)

How many days do you think you will get in?

 

[Bostonian]

Okay, so I am getting closer to making my choice... I swear, if I put as much thought into work as I do with this... I'd be a superstar!

So here they are:

1. Gunstock
Gunstock has a really special place in my heart, it is the place I kinda re-learned how to ski. I bought my first real pair of skis across the street at Arlberg Ski Shop across the street. For $375, that gives me free range of the ski area any day... No blackouts. With spending more weekends up there, I will be able to get first tracks easily saturday and sundays. The pass pays itself off after approximately 5 visits... Also free ski tips from instructors on weekends and etc. With the house less than 1 minute away from the hill, it makes it very very tempting...

2. Loon/New England Pass
2100 Vertical feet, just dwarfs Gunny... But with the option of ski also at Sunday River and also the Loaf there is so much more to offer than just Gunstock. I like the commitment to snow making they have. The pass is only $645, payable over 4 installments so it is very affordable in getting too (especially over the summer months). I love Camp III and just the diversity of skiing at Loon (also the river for that matter). It's only 50 miles from Gilford (our vacation house), and about 2 hours from my home in acton.


So that is my choices help!!