With the first major snowstorm in Colorado this week and drainages running low, a lot of paddlers out West are beginning to look ahead. And while many around the country are wondering what ski season is going to look like this year, Colorado Ski Country is optimistic, and its unique kids and adult pass products are now on sale for the upcoming 2020-21 season.
Colorado Ski Country USA’s (CSCUSA) popular children’s and adult ski passes, including the discount Gems card, are now on sale for the 2020-21 winter season and the group says ski areas across the state are looking forward to welcoming skiers and riders to the slopes this winter.
With most resorts requiring daily reservations, and some amenities to be limited this season due to the novel coronavirus, as we saw with paddling earlier this summer, the ski industry is bullish on being outside and enjoying naturally physically distanced activities on the slopes as a welcomed escape from reality. These Colorado Ski Country pass options may not be on your radar, so take a look and check them out.
CSCUSA 5th and 6th Grade Passport Program
The industry leading CSCUSA 5th and 6th Grade Passports are returning for their 25th year in the 2020-21 season. Since its creation in 1995, the Passport Program has served nearly half a million families and children, providing free and significantly discounted access to the slopes and the opportunity for families to experience skiing and snowboarding. In order to direct skiers and riders to non-peak periods so that physical distancing can be maintained, the 5th and 6th Grade Passports will be different this year. The programs will offer up to 63 days on the slopes for 5th graders and up to 84 days on the slopes for 6th graders at 21 ski areas across the state. These products provide incredible value for experienced skiing and riding families, those brand new to the sport and everyone in between looking to access Colorado Ski Country ski areas this winter.
Weekdays Only: Both 5th and 6th Grade Passports will be valid on weekdays (Monday-Friday) only this winter.
Holiday Restrictions: 5th and 6th Grade Passports will not be honored during holiday periods and on holidays including: 11/26/2020-11/29/2020, 12/24/2020-1/3/2021, 1/18/2021 and 2/15/2021.
6th Grade Passport: 6th Grade Passports start at $99. This price is guaranteed through Oct. 8, 2020.
5th Grade Passport: 5th Grade Passports will require a $40 processing fee.
Registration for the Passport programs will remain open through January 31, 2021. To register for the Passport programs, parents can visit www.ColoradoSki.com/Passport. Parents and families with questions are also encouraged to visit the Passport Frequently Asked Questions Page. The CSCUSA Passport Program enjoys the support of presenting sponsor Christy Sports, which provides one (1) free equipment rental to all Passport holders per season redeemable at any Christy Sports location.
Participating resorts in the 2019-20 Passport program include: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Howelsen Hill, Hesperus, Kendall Mountain, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride and Winter Park.
Colorado Ski Country Gems Card
Colorado Ski Country Gems Card
The Colorado Ski Country Gems Card is one of the best deals available in Colorado offering two 2-for-1 adult lift tickets or two 30-percent (30%) off adult lift tickets at each of the 11 Gems ski areas for just $35. The Gems Card is perfect for parents looking for a companion pass to the Passport Program, season pass holders that want the option to visit ski areas beyond their home mountain or those looking to explore the hidden and not-so hidden Gems of Colorado’s ski industry.
For more information or to purchase a Colorado Gems card, visit www.ColoradoSki.com/Gems. The Gems card is not valid from December 19, 2020 – January 2, 2021.
Participating resorts in the 2020-21 Gems Card program include: Arapahoe Basin, Cooper, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Hesperus, Kendall Mountain, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn and Sunlight.
Colorado Ski Country Gold Pass
The Colorado Ski Country Gold Pass is Colorado’s most exclusive pass offering unlimited access with no blackout dates to Colorado’s world-class snow conditions and ski areas all season long. The Gold Pass is also fully transferable, so members can share their pass with colleagues, clients, friends and family. There are a limited number of Gold Pass memberships available to the general public.
Participating resorts in the 2020-21 GOLD Pass program include: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Howelsen Hill, Hesperus, Kendall Mountain, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride and Winter Park.
For more information on Colorado Ski County Gold Pass memberships, visit www.ColoradoSki.com/GoldPass.
As you prepare for the season, CSCUSA encourages visitors to “Know Before You Go” by doing research before arriving at a ski area. Visit ski area websites and social media channels and plan ahead before arrival to understand all COVID-19 protocols and guidelines and what is expected of you during the visit. Guests can also visit CSCUSA’s COVID-19 webpage, ColoradoSki.com/COVID-19, for the most up-to-date information throughout the season and helpful tips to prepare for a visit to a ski area. The featured image on this story is courtesy of CSCUSA, Loveland Ski Area, by Dustin Shaeffer.
–Follow Paddling Life Senior Editor Aaron Bible on Instagram at @DefinitelyWild.