How to Get the Best Deal on a Season Pass

In 2008, many skier areas charged $85 for lift tickets. At these prices, it's hard to have a good ski season. If you usually have more than 10 ski or snowboard days each season, you might want to purchase a season pass. While ski resort management will try to lure potential pass holders with a variety of perks, make sure that these benefits are really useful. The five-mountain ski pass might sound like a good deal. However, if you only plan to ski at one mountain, you should reconsider.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Plan to purchase the pass in May or June. This is when you can get the cheapest deals. Some resorts allow you to put down a small deposit and pay the rest in September.

2. Choose an area that you can realistically visit on a regular basis. You might love that resort that's five hours from your home. They might even be offering a sweet deal on season passes. However, sweet will turn to sour if you can rarely get to the resort.

3. Review the perks offered by the resort. Do that offer discounts at the cafeteria, gear and clothing shops? How about lesson discounts? Are there reciprocal arrangements with other ski areas? Take into account what is important to you, and make a decision accordingly.

4. Check if there are any blackout dates. Some season passes do not allow you to visit during the holidays.

5. If you are able to ski midweek, check to see if there are special discount passes.

6. Ask if there are any discounts for families or large groups.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out whether the season pass offers discount lift tickets to your friends and family members who do not have a season pass.
• You can usually get a free season pass by becoming a volunteer mountain ambassador.
• If you purchase a season pass, be sure to use it.
• Never purchase a season pass that is being sold on eBay. It's illegal, and both seller and buyer can get into trouble.

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