Ski Prices
In just a few weeks some ski resorts plan to have lifts rolling and skiers and boarders cruising on plenty of snow. So, will it cost more or less to hit the hills this year? It depends where you go, and who you go with. News Specialist Shelley Osterloh reports on some good deals and deep powder discounts.
Only five resorts kept their prices the same for 1998/99.
ADULT AREA DAY PASS
- Nordic Valley $15
- Beaver Mtn $22
- Powder Mtn $27
- Snowbasin $27
None of the four least expensive resorts raised their prices this season -- day passes are under $30.
- Alta $31
- Elk Meadows $32
- Brighton $33
- Brian Head $35
- Solitude $36
- Sundance $37
Six resorts are in the medium class -- around $35. All of these -- except Brian Head near Cedar City, increased rates this year.
- Snowbird $49
- Canyons $52
- Park City $53
- Deer Valley $57
And all of the pricier places went up this season. But don't let the prices scare you.... every single resort has discounts, coupons and deals.
Kip Pitou/Pres. Ski Utah: "IF THEY ARE PREPARED TO BUY A FIVE BOOK COUPON.. OR A TEN BOOK COUPON THEY CAN REDUCE THEIR COST 30 TO 50% .
If you ski more than 18 or 20 times a season your best deal may be a season pass.
Shelley Osterloh, Eyewitness News: THE SKI HILLS ARE STILL BROWN, BUT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME GOOD DEALS AND SOME EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS.. NOW IS THE THE TIME TO DO IT. YOU MAY WANT TO PICK UP ONE OF THESE BROUCHURES FROM SKI UTAH... IT LISTS ALL THE RESORTS PRICES PHONE NUMBERS. YOU CAN PICK THEM UP AT MOST SKI SHOPS
But the best deal are for kids. Fifth graders can ski or snowboard free up to three times at each resort with a paying adult. They have show proof they're in fifth grade and sign up for a ski passport like this. Brighton and Solitude let all kids under ten ski free with a paying adult. The Canyons offers an $80 season pass to teens who make their school honor roll. Last year, over 11,000 passes were issued.
Chip Carey/Canyons V.P. Marketing: ONLY 7% OF PEOPLE IN UTAH SKI... IN BOSTON MASSACHUSETTES, 20 % SKI, PORTLAND MAINE.. OVER 20% . SO WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS TEACH UTAHNS HOW TO SKI.
For ski resorts, it's a simple lesson in marketing -- get 'em hooked young and they'll ski or board for a lifetime.
