BY JEFFREY WEIDEL
Although this ski season is still going, it’s not too early to start thinking about a season pass for the 2015-16. Vail Resorts is offering its season pass options that include Lake Tahoe ski resorts – Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California and Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
New this season is the Tahoe Local Pass, which will offer additional ski and ride days in Colorado and Utah. Starting at $429 with as little as $49 down with the balance due in the fall, skiers and riders have until April 12 to secure the best available rates and value for winter 2015-16 season passes with six discounted buddy tickets.
The Tahoe Local Pass includes five days of non-holiday skiing and riding to Colorado’s Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin; and Utah’s Park City, soon to be the largest ski resort in the U.S. after combining with Canyons.
Vail Resorts also offers the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Tahoe Local Pass and Tahoe Value Pass provide access to the region’s three premier resorts – Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood – with the combined 10,270 acres of skiable terrain and three unique resort experiences.
Heavenly delivers a high-energy vibe, Northstar offers Tahoe’s luxury experience in a family-friendly atmosphere, and Kirkwood is known for its authentic, big-mountain ski and ride experience.
“Our commitment to deliver the most access and most reliable snow conditions is unique among Tahoe resorts, and this year we’ve again proven that to pass holders. We look forward to offering the Tahoe region’s best ski and ride experience for 2015-16, as well as new opportunity for Tahoe Local Pass holders to experience Utah and Colorado,” said Pete Sonntag, vice president and chief operating officer for Heavenly.”
Beginning March 10 and offering additional incentive to purchase early, skiers and riders visiting the resorts this spring can turn in their day lift ticket and apply the value of that ticket toward the purchase of a season pass. Early purchasers also receive six discounted buddy tickets for friends and family to use during winter 2015-16.
The Vail Resorts 2015-16 Season Pass Options for Lake Tahoe Skiers and Snowboarders
Tahoe Local Pass: The best way to access Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood seven days a week, plus five days in Colorado and Utah. It includes Saturday access at all three Tahoe resorts with limited holiday restrictions, all for $479. Pass holder tickets are available for purchase for 50 percent off during blackout dates at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood.
The Tahoe Local Pass pays for itself in fewer than four days. New for the 2015-16 season, the Tahoe Local Pass now includes five days of non-holiday skiing and riding to Utah’s Park City, soon to be the U.S.’ largest ski resort, and Colorado’s Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin.
Tahoe Value Pass: Ski or ride seven days a week at Heavenly and 6 days a week at Northstar and Kirkwood. It is available for $429, pays for itself in just over three days. The Tahoe Value Pass has holiday restrictions at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood with Saturdays excluded at Northstar and Kirkwood. Pass holders can purchase lift tickets valid at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood Resorts on restricted days for 50 percent off per day.
Epic Local Pass: Perfect for people who can navigate a pass with restrictions. For $579, get unlimited, unrestricted skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton and Arapahoe Basin with limited restrictions at Park City, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. Also includes a total of 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek with holiday restrictions. The Epic Local Pass pays for itself in less than four days.
Epic Pass: Ski as much as you want, whenever you want for $769. Enjoy unlimited skiing or riding at 11 resorts including Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood, as well as Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City, Utah; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. No blackout days or restrictions apply. The Epic Pass pays for itself in just under five days.
Pay $49 Down Now and Lock in the lowest price available now with six Buddy Tickets
Skiers and riders should purchase their passes for next year now. Early prices with six discounted single-day lift tickets (or “Buddy” Tickets) to ski with friends and family are only guaranteed through April 12, 2015. Vail Resorts is making it as easy as possible for guests to lock in these prices with a $49 down payment now with the balance due in mid-September 2015.
For more information about Vail Resorts season passes or to purchase a pass online, visit www.epicpass.com. For spring lodging offers and the latest snow conditions updates at all three resorts, visit www.SkiHeavenly.com, www.NorthstarCalifornia.com or www.Kirkwood.com.
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting his winter website at www.tahoeskiworld.com
