Early, pre-opening "powder" passes....

[smootharc]

....wondered what folks thought about resorts selling "premium" day passes (and perhaps a season's pass surcharge isn't far behind) where you get an hour of lift use before the general lift opening that day. Fresh tracks....for a price.

Read recently about some area offering this (can't remember where!) and it brings up some issues. It's been very popular at this place.

An extra 10 or 15 bucks to beat the hordes and get 2 or 3 unhurried first-track runs ? Hmmm....

 

[salida]

The skis areas will RUE THE DAY they did things like this, I can't wait for the masses to strike back and start running ski areas like they used to be run, with a focus on skiing, not on making money

 

[riverc0il]

the places i ski would never do something like this. if the high priced mega resorts feel the need to alienate people in an effort to make momey, it won't be effecting me. i think it's lame regardless. you shouldn't be forced to buy first tracks. getting up early is the name of the game.

 

[JimG.]

i think it's lame regardless. you shouldn't be forced to buy first tracks. getting up early is the name of the game.

Exactly...and while all the chi-chi posers and gapers are lining up at the ticket window to buy first tracks, that'll be me skinning up the hill at 6am making sure it's safe for them.

 

[riverc0il]

i;ll be right behind you jimg, since u just volunteered to break trail

 

[JimG.]

i;ll be right behind you jimg, since u just volunteered to break trail

The more the merrier!

 

[VB]

First track tickets

Exactly...and while all the chi-chi posers and gapers are lining up at the ticket window to buy first tracks, that'll be me skinning up the hill at 6am making sure it's safe for them.

Also, if everyone was able to purchase these tickets, they might as well open up earlier. Might as well, if about 80 or more people buy the early tracks ticket, and find out that they wern't the first.

 

[smootharc]

Good thoughts, all.

I wish I could remember the area. It would be interesting to know what everyone thinks of the idea.

 

[JimG.]

Re: First track tickets

Exactly...and while all the chi-chi posers and gapers are lining up at the ticket window to buy first tracks, that'll be me skinning up the hill at 6am making sure it's safe for them.

Also, if everyone was able to purchase these tickets, they might as well open up earlier. Might as well, if about 80 or more people buy the early tracks ticket, and find out that they wern't the first.

An excellent point that begs another question...

if this idea catches on, how long before ski areas just decide to charge extra on ALL ticket sales for powder days; and since season passholders already paid, they'll just be told that their passes are blacked out that day because it snowed.

This idea is another example of the profit motive sucking the soul out of the sport.

 

[salida]

Woah, Jim, don't give them any ideas...

 

[JimG.]

Woah, Jim, don't give them any ideas...

You're right, not that they probably haven't already thought about it.

This is a real hot button topic for me.

 

[ski_adk]

wasn't it like part of the ASC Platinum pass or something?