The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Bye-bye Bronze
The Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) March pass sale returns this year, with discounts on 2011-2012 season passes purchased between March 14 and April 3. CBMR has made a few changes to the ski pass lineup: next year’s season passes will cost a bit more than this year’s, but the Platinum Pass comes with new perks and skiers will have an extra week on the slopes. For those banking on the Bronze Pass, that option won’t be offered but other alternatives will be available.
Platinum Passes will now come with year-round access to the lifts and the Adventure Park. They will be available for $999, a $100 increase over this year, and include four buddy day passes at $50 a ticket.
“Platinum Passes are the best deal for those looking to take advantage of not only the Adventure Park’s many offerings but also those looking to utilize the Evolution Bike Park,” said Daren Cole, CBMR vice president of sales and marketing.
The Gold Pass will include unlimited winter lift access for $899, a $50 increase over last year. It includes two buddy passes, but will not include Adventure Park or summer lift access.
“[The price increases] are partly due to an anticipated 8 percent increase in fuel and energy next year, but they also reflect summer access for the Platinum Pass,” said Erica Reiter, CBMR marketing project coordinator.
The Bronze Pass, traditionally offered with blackout dates around holidays, has been eliminated from next season’s lineup.
“We still have capacity on the mountain during the [blackout dates],” said Reiter. “It doesn’t make sense to keep people off the mountain during those times.”
Budget-conscious skiers will still have alternatives to the Bronze pass through the Mountain Card program. Starting June 1, these skiers can choose from a 10-day pass, a 5-day X-card, a one day a week EZ pass or the CB Card, which comes with one free day of skiing as well as discounts on additional day passes, lodging and restaurants.
March sale prices for Gold and Platinum Passes reflect a savings of approximately 10 percent over summer prices (June 1 through September 23) and more than 30 percent over passes purchased after September 23, 2011. And just like last year, season pass holders can opt for the family package and receive one free youth pass of the same class with a Platinum or Gold Pass. Youth and Senior Passes will also be available—full details are available at www. skicb/springpass. Passes purchased through the March sale are available online only.
“Our March pass sales have grown every year, providing a great opportunity to take advantage of the best price for next year’s passes,” said Cole. The 2011-2012 ski season runs from November 23 through April 8—that’s a full extra week of skiing for powder hounds.
