So Considering This Season, Will You Buy a Season Pass For Next Year?

[thetrailboss]

I know that a lot of folks are passholders here...and many will probably still be regardless, but with this bad season are any of you reconsidering getting a pass next season? The resorts will probably be rolling out the offerings soon in an effort to get some cashflow. They might even do it earlier than normal.

Folks have complained on the lifts I've ridden, but I pretty much am one who will ski in anything and am just happy to be on the slopes. This has not been the best season, but I have still managed to get out more than enough to justify my pass. Some nice powder days, some groomer days, some in between.

The worst mistake I have made was a few years back when I had a pass at Burke and kept waiting for the snow to come, only to have the season end sooner than expected. On that last day as I drove up I remember thinking, "well that was dumb. There is no more season left." So since then I pretty much go...even if it is only a run or two (like last season one day at Sugarbush with shear ice everywhere). Being on the mountain is better than sitting in the office thinking about being on the mountain.....

 

[thetrailboss]

And my answer is yes, definitely. We are very happy with Snowbird and will be back (barring any bizarre changes).

 

[BenedictGomez]

I don't think I'd ever buy a season pass. I really love variety and hopping around, plus, I seek great deals and rarely pay much more than 50% of full ticket price anyway.

But, yeah, there's also the "risk factor" of a blown season like this one, and I imagine the fruition of which probably does have a negative 1 or 2 year effect on forward season pass sales.

 

[abc]

I wouldn't buy an expensive one, which pretty much rules out most passes in the east.

But if I live closer to the mountain, I'd probably get one for a local hill that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Then it really wuoldn't matter whether the season is "blown" is not.

As of now, I've never got one, YET. But I've been tempted by the Epic pass at Vail & Summit county.

 

[thetrailboss]

But, yeah, there's also the "risk factor" of a blown season like this one, and I imagine the fruition of which probably does have a negative 1 or 2 year effect on forward season pass sales.

I wonder if folks will be hesitant, or if they will think, "what are the odds of two bad seasons in a row?"

 

[gmcunni]

not because of the weather but i'm probably skipping the season pass next year.

 

[snowmonster]

Despite the low snow year, Loon and Sunday River have been making a lot of snow and I've been a happy skier. They've been dependable and I can't complain about their customer service. I'll probably re-up with a New England Silver Pass.

 

[deadheadskier]

I really love variety and hopping around, plus, I seek great deals and rarely pay much more than 50% of full ticket price anyway.

I feel very much the same way, but I still get a pass as I have some very reasonably priced, fairly convenient options close to where I live. This season it has been Gunstock, which is only about 1:05 door to door. Two seasons prior was Ragged, 1:35 door to door. As much as I've had great days at both these areas, neither come close to satisfying my terrain and snow cravings to spend even half my season there, but they're cheap. I view these pass purchases almost like a gym membership. Places to get my time on snow and satisfy the jones until I get to ski what I truly want to ski. So, I buy those "gym memberships" and then hunt for deals on day tickets.

It works out well for me. Last year I skied about 30 days for a lift ticket cost of roughly $900. About 10 of those days were at Ragged, 20 elsewhere visiting about 15 different areas. For me, that's a better option than paying about the same coin to get a Boyne or Peaks pass and spend my entire season skiing at 3-4 different places. I was tempted to get a Peaks pass this winter as I love Wildcat. I'm glad I didn't. When conditions are junk, it's a bit easier to motivate and drive an hour to get some turns in than it is to drive 2+ hours.

So, as long as I live where I do, I'll probably be a Gunstock season pass holder and spend the rest of my lift ticket budget chasing snow and variety.

 

[2knees]

I never buy a pass. However, why would anybody who skis ever base a pass decision on any single year (not including heinous behavior by a ski area) weather wise. We all know there is zero correlation from one year to the next.

 

[ski stef]

i bought my first season pass this year.. the epic pass. I always worked at Killington or was affiliated with them through college so I never had to buy a pass. I will most definitely spend the money to buy a pass in my years to come. I ski afternoons, mornings, nights (Keystone). Regardless of the conditions or if I'm being challenged after a day of being inside it is nice to get on the chairlift and breathe some fresh air. That alone makes it worth it to me. Buying a pass IMO makes me get to the mountain regardless of the conditions. I love to ski and I'll be there trying to find the best snow I can. Cheers :beer:

 

[o3jeff]

I'm glad I skipped getting one this year, don't know about next year yet.

 

[vdk03]

As long as you get at least 20 days of use out of your pass it is always worth it. It can be discouraging riding groomers day after day, but its better than no riding at all.

 

[xlr8r]

May skip the Wawa bronze pass next year. Depends on job situation really more than anything else.

 

[BenedictGomez]

I never buy a pass. However, why would anybody who skis ever base a pass decision on any single yearweather wise. We all know there is zero correlation from one year to the next.

Why do people sell a given stock after it's fallen 67% from where they bought it?

Human nature.

 

[steamboat1]

Yep I'll buy a pass & get my 20+ days in. I'm not close either (5hr drive).

I'll also work my discounts to get my 20+ days in at other areas not that close either.

If you wanna play ball you gotta be in the ballpark.

The cost of 1 week out west is more than the cost of a season in the northeast.

I often do that too.

 

[bigbog]

Kind of limited due to location....
A season pass...maybe, but not likely as of yet.

 

[hammer]

Low time day tripper...can usually do better with pre-paid discount tickets as long as I don't buy too many. I've bought season passes at local areas before but I didn't get as much use out of the passes as I'd hoped. If I lived or had a place further north the Boyne passes would be a nice option.

If I were a pass holder, I would not let this season's weather deter me from getting a pass in the future.

Surprised that I have not seen more discounts this season, thought that ski areas would increase their offerings to get more people to come. Must be that they are still banking on enough people over the upcoming vacation weeks.

 

[Puck it]

Why not?

 

[Nick]

I have two friends that bought Wachusett passes that haven't been yet this season at all!

 

[ScottySkis]

I have two friends that bought Wachusett passes that haven't been yet this season at all!

When i had season pass i left half times on sunday ,but it was the cheap asc few years ago, but i stayed all day when it was good,that was my most skiing in one season it was sweet. They should go to hill.