Ski Colorado (Denver, Craig, Applewood: lodging, trip , rental)

[sumisu]

Hey everybody. You may not be thinking about snow yet, but thought I'd share this info about ski pass discounts. There is a particularly great ski program for 5th grade children. They can essentially ski for free 3 times at all Colorado ski areas (except Wolf Creek, don't know why). I've attached a link below with details. Take care. Sumisu


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There are many great things about living in Colorado. One of them is that you can ski for less, if you know where to look. If you are planning a ski trip out here this year, here are a few ways you might be able to ski (or at least buy your ticket) like a local.

Most areas off the I-70 corridor will sell discount tickets for Front Range skiers at King Soopers and Safeway (grocery store chains) and other Front Range merchants such as Wallgreens. Be sure to call 1st since not all resorts sell through all merchants. A-Basin, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail/Beaver Creek and Winter Park all have programs.

So, if you are in Denver, stop by and pick up your tickets before you hit the slopes. You might want to call 1st since the programs and purchasing locations may vary. Ask about multi-day rates and 4-packs. The King Soopers at Applewood is right off I-70 on the way to the mountains, exit 264. Their number is 303-238-6486.

If you are going to be in the Denver area in Oct. there are a few programs that will save you even more money, but you need to sign up in person. Aspen/Snowmass has a "Classic Pass", 4 days for $159 or 7 days for $259. Call 1-800-525-6200 ext. 4475 for more recorded information.

Breckenridge, Keystone, and A-Basin have a "Summit Pass" for $379, which is good all year, and Vail has a "Colorado Pass" which is the "Buddy Pass" and 10 days of skiing at Vail/Beaver Creek for $419. There are some restrictions at Vail. For $519 you can get the Colorado Pass Plus, which does not have the restrictions. Call early, price may go up as the season gets closer. There is also a free "SkE Card" that will give daily discounts. You can call 1-888-215-3867 for information. Keystone and A-Basin also have 4 packs for $129. Again, call for information on exact locations to purchase these.

Winter Park and Copper Mountain have a "Rocky Mountain Super Pass" for $389, but this price is pre-season and will go up soon. They also have a 4-day pass from $119 also subject to change. Go to Passwagon Home Page for more information.

The "Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus" will add 6 days at Steamboat for $489. Steamboat also has a Super Value Pass for 10 days or more. Go to The Official Site for Steamboat Ski Resort and Steamboat Central Reservations for info.

COLORADO SKI COUNTRY USA has created a program to promote skiing which provides a free pass to all Colorado 5th graders. All ski areas, except Wolf Creek) allow 3 free ski days for 5th graders. Note: An application with photo must be submitted prior by Dec 31st. See link for specifics. Kids Ski Free

If you are planning a trip with lodging, be sure to ask for the discount lift prices. Many resorts offer great rates as part of a package.

Some web sites of interest:

Kids Ski Free (NOTE: ANY 5TH GRADE CHILDREN MAY SKI FOR FREE THE ENTIRE YEAR)

www.coloradopass.com

Passwagon Home Page

Colorado Ski & Snow Condition Reports - OnTheSnow.com for snow reports


These prices and programs are from information obtained from the ski areas as of Aug 29, 2007. They are subject to change.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by sumisu

You may not be thinking about snow yet, but thought I'd share this info about ski pass discounts.

And then there are those of us who bought our passes in the spring!

For instance, if you bought the CO Pass in the spring, you get additional benefits (e.g. unlimited skiing at Vail/BC in April). And instead of plunking down all the cash in spring, you could just pay $29, and the remainder is due in September (next week in fact).

Good info though, sumisu. Another thing folks can get are the 4-packs (almost all ski areas sell them) -- 4 lift tickets for about $110-$130. May be a better option for visiting friends/family, or for locals who don't plan on skiing a lot. The only thing is 4-packs are sold pre- and early season only, and not during the season (once they're sold out, you can often find them on ebay or Craigslist).

[Fuzz]

For weather forecasts, the most accurate I've found is Snow Reports and Ski Resort Weather Conditions for US and Canada - Snowforecast.com - Home -- they actually have locals on the ground write up reports, so you get something different from the canned reports you get on most sites. Their forecasts are scarily accurate.

[A. Friend]

I've heard -primarily via CO TripAdvisor forum- that Vail discounted lift tickets are no longer available at King Soopers or Safeway stores. Except the various CO programs, which require in-person signup the first year and BTW expires Oct 14, 07 for season, the only other method is through Vail Resorts Peaks Program.

[gpraceman]

There is also a 6th grade ski pass. It is the same pass as for the 5th graders (3 free passes to 25 different ski areas) but is $59. For 5th graders it is free.

Both of my boys have been able to take advantage of these passes. We have gotten season ski rentals from Sports Authority to go with the passes.

[sumisu]

Thanks - I didn't know about the 6th grade pass too! Appreciate it. Sumisu