I’m coming out this season! My best friend in Washington texted. It had been nearly 10 years since we had skied together as instructors at Deer Valley Resort. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take all the credit for this spontaneous announcement.

Ski Utah’s Fifth and Sixth Grade Passport program had a serious hand in the planning.

 

Since 1998, Ski Utah has been inviting 5^th graders to its slopes for next-to-nothing and Jada was finally in 5^th grade. Krista wanted to show her daughter what Utah skiing was all about and what better way than with FREE skiing? Well, practically free.

 

For $49 and the five minutes it takes to fill out the online form, Jada could ski three times at all 15 resorts.* That’s basically $1/ticket. And for one week, we took advantage of every day starting with Deer Valley, moving to Solitude, Canyons, Snowbird, Alta, Brighton and Snowbasin.

Her mom, a high school teacher, does her best to groom her kids to be skiers but resources are finite. With the Passport, it was cheaper to make the drive to Utah, stay with me and ski, than go anywhere else. Plus, let’s be honest. Where else would she have this kind of fun in March? The snow was deep, the sun high and the apres in full swing.  When they packed up the car for home, plans were already growing for the next year because Ski Utah also has a Sixth Grade Passport.

Sixth Graders Too

Whether you missed participating in the Fifth Grade Passport, Ski Utah invites Sixth Graders back to keep skiing on the cheap. This time around, however, they’ll get one day (instead of three) at 15 Utah resorts for $49.

The kicker is that both Passports are available to any child in the world, throughout the ski season. Home schoolers can also register. Plus, the Pass comes with extra perks for parents since they are the ones getting the kids to the slopes. Contact the individual resorts to learn more. mong those are free buddy passes to Powder Mountain and half-off at Alta and Cherry Peak, and $50 tickets to Brighton. They also rental and lesson perks throughout Utah. 

With the prices of everything involved with a ski vacation reaching maximum velocity, the Passport is a golden ring for ski families. I can’t tell you how often I hear that people quit skiing because it costs too much. But then I mention the Passport and their eyes light up. My kids can ski and I don’t have to forgo next month’s groceries? The Snowsports Industries of America actually report that more kids ski and keep skiing because of the Pass.

 

The Theory Behind The Ski Passport

The idea is simple. Winter is long, especially in Utah. One of the best ways to keep children engaged is to get them outside and moving. Studies show that kids between the ages of 10 and 12 begin to find their passion for skiing because they are ready for more complex sports. They have the motor skills and cognitive ability to explore movements and mountains.

In addition, children this age are also at a crossroads for mental and physical health. Do they sit inside playing video games and smartphone apps or do they embrace something healthier and active? Get them active now and they will be active as adults.

You Don’t Need To Live in Utah

Let’s say it again. If you are considering a winter trip and you have fifth and sixth graders in your midst, a Utah visit is a no brainer. The Fifth and Sixth Grade Passport pays for itself in a single day. You apply online, upload a current photo of the fifth or sixth grader and use your credit card to complete your transaction. You’ll get confirmation within 24-48 hours and can use it immediately after.

How You Know What You’ve Skied

This year’s Passport is completely digital from registration to tracking. See where you’ve gone and what resorts remain to be ridden through your online portal. Chances are you’ll have enough days left for a second vacation.

I’ll probably need to find another reason to get Krista and her family out to Utah now that Jada’s in high school but soon she’ll be in college and Krista can come by herself again.

This kind of makes me sad. You know how you look at your kids and wish they stayed little forever? College. Wow. Ski Utah gives you one more reason to wish they never grow up.

Find more information and to get your kid registered for the Ski Utah Fifth and Sixth Grade Passport go to www.skiutah.com/passes/passports.

*Deer Valley, Solitude, Park City, Alta, Snowbird, Cherry Peak, Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Sundance, Brighton, Nordic Valley, Eagle Mountain, Beaver, Brian Head, Woodward Park City

Blackout dates exist for holidays and weekends during the 2020/21 season due to Covid restrictions. But you can still use the pass during spring break!

 Disclaimer: Although this post is sponsored by Ski Utah, the words and opinions are solely those of Ski Play Live.   

Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicked off summer but it looks like it really will be an endless winter for skiers in the U.S. this year. With epic base depths surpassing 700″  and late season snowfall, coverage has reached all-time highs. And though while Park City and Deer Valley resorts in Utah incurred the wrath of locals for closing when the town was still covered in white, other ski areas tripped over each other to extend their seasons. Many lasted at least through April. Some, like Breckenridge, Colo., added an extra month to their calendar for late spring skiing and still others remain open.

It’s not over yet

Snowbird, Utah, plans to stay open weekends through at least July 4, 2019, and possibly longer. Those with a 2019/20 Snowbird Season Pass or Ikon Pass can ski free; and with the Mountain Collective or any other season pass, can ski for $50.

Mammoth Mountain just announced they will be open daily until August. This isn’t new for the California resort, both 1995 and 2017 saw extended seasons, but this year the area coverage seems to surpass those other years. Twenty-nine inches fell this month; breaking their May 2015 record for snowfall.

Photo by Ryan Freitas

Also in the Sierras, Squaw Valley stays open through July 7 and is running a “$5 Friday” special in June. You have to buy the tickets online or via Squaw’s app at least 48 hours in advance. All proceeds from those particular lift ticket sales go to support the Tahoe Fund’s goal of raising $35,000 for the “Bike Racks for Basin Businesses” campaign. Funds raised by this program will be matched up to $10,000 by Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows.

Speaking of basins, Arapahoe ‘A’ Basin closes out the longest season in Colorado on June 23. The 2018/19 season began October 19. Tickets are $54 online, possibly less if you have a season pass from another resort.

Oregon slopes tell a different story. There has always been glacier ski and race training in the summer at Mt Hood and Timberline so exactly how long one season lasts and when the next one starts is a blur. You will need to purchase a summer ski pass to ski through Labor Day weekend at Timberline. The area will close for a few weeks and then re-open for the 2019/20 season.

There will also be skiing up at Canada’s Blackcomb Resort. Whistler has closed to make way for their summer mountain biking season but the lifts over on Blackcomb keep spinning through July 14, 2019.

Of course, you can take your skiing elsewhere like Chile, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand but this just may be the year to table those plans, flash your Ikon or Mountain Collective and rip the runs a bit closer to home.

I’m almost done. My last day teaching for Canyons Resort is next week and then Park City closes for skiing April 7. The 2019/20 is drawing to a close for our Park City resorts but it’s way too soon. Locals are angry and asking, “Why?” After all, Colorado ski areas have been announcing extended closing dates right and left. (Of course, they are still closing in April and Utah has a lot more snow.)

This is the first ski season in five that’s still delivering the goods on top of a solid base, yet Deer Valley and Park City won’t budge. Hotel bookings, retail and restaurant sales will plummet. Sure, come to Park City in April. You won’t be able to ski but oh well. To hell with the late spring breakers, Easter guests and season pass holders.
“Vail needs to listen to the locals of Park City. It should be reveling in the fact that there is plenty of skiing left,” says local Jim Snyder. “Aspen and Snowmass are open until April 21st. So the choice is stay open, enjoy 2 additional weekends of great fun, lots of great food and drink, music and so on. Or close down and never get back the business that will be lost, forever.”

Deer Valley Doesn’t See Benefits

Deer Valley’s Emily Summers said history dictates the close. “We have not had success in staying open longer in April when Easter is late like it is this year,” Summers said. “In past seasons where the calendar was similar, we didn’t see the skiers to warrant staying open later, and extending a season doesn’t give people the time to plan ahead and make a last-minute ski trip.”

To date, Deer Valley has a base of 113 inches, with a total snowfall of 324 inches while PCMR was reporting a 113 inches, and nearly 340 inches for the year. There is a cold storm on the way to Utah this Wednesday night and a wet April in the forecast.

“Pretty sad that PCMR won’t stay open,” said Jennilee Post on the ParkRecord.com site. “DV has always closed early so that is actually normal. Since Vail took over it’s been a total crap show. No night skiing for all the kids, no parking. A real ski town has night skiing and stays open when there is finally snow. Sad times for P. City.” Snowbasin and Solitude, owned by DV’s Alterra Mountain Co., will close April 14, followed by Brighton, Alta and Snowbird.

Fortunately, our two “indie” resorts, Snowbird and Alta, offer skiing through April. Snowbird might possibly stretch its season through June with all the snow they’ve seen this season (546 inches so far!) so if you’re thinking of learning to ski or snowboard, or you’re not ready to call it quits, you have options. The ski schools are still running as well so find a pro to help you master your spring turns.

Get Better After Park City Closes

In case you need a reason to take a lesson when Park City closes in two weeks, PSIA- the Professional Ski Instructors of America have put out this list. No matter what someone’s level of experience, from never-ever skiers to a slayer of bumps, taking a ski or snowboard lesson in the spring will up your game.

1. It’s easier and faster to learn from an instructor. Instructors are professionals trained to teach people how to ski and snowboard. “We know how to break down the movements and provide helpful feedback,” said PSIA Alpine Team Member Eric Lipton. “You’ll be a more effective skier or rider if you learn the right way.”
2. You WILL improve. “No matter your ability level, you can always use a coach – there is always something you can improve on,” said PSIA Alpine Team Member Jennifer Simpson Weier. “The more things that you learn to do on your skis, the more the mountain opens up to you and the more fun you’ll have.”
3. You can stay pleasantly warm while you stand for tips and answers. You certainly won’t be complaining about cold toes and fingers while your instructor explains how to turn in slush. “Whether you’re a beginner trying to get your helmet adjusted, or an advanced snowboarder working on your tricks, professional instructors are just that, pros. We can show you how to learn a sport using simple steps,” said AASI Snowboard Team member Tony Macri.
4. Instructors show students new terrain and help them explore the mountain. Looking for a mellow groomer? Or seeking out a hidden powder stash in May? “Our job is part instructor and part mountain guide. We’ll show you the terrain that is going to help you have the most fun,” said PSIA Telemark Team Member Gregory Dixon. “We also know where to find the best snow – so take a lesson and we’ll explore the best places to ski or ride.”
5. Get welcomed into the mountain culture. “It’s more than just a lesson,” said Dixon. “Many do this job because they enjoy sharing their knowledge and making connections with people, and they want others to love the sport as much as they do.” And after your lesson, there’s apres tailgating!

If you’re new to the sport, check out these PSIA-AASI’s Beginner’s Guides:

thesnowpros.org/take-a-lesson/beginners-guide-to-skiing   

thesnowpros.org/take-a-lesson/beginners-guide-to-snowboarding

Or my own tutorials on skiing spring conditions:

Don’t say I didn’t warn you. That once seriously affordable season pass offered by Vail Resorts is now no cheaper than your average ski area season pass; and, if you’re comparing it to Snowbird or Alta, it’s even more expensive.

Five years ago, when Vail Resorts purchased Canyons Resort, Utah, they touted an unlimited season pass for $729. The next year it ‘climbed’ to $769, and included both Park City and Canyons. People raved about how this would change the industry for the better and how it would force resorts to compete with their pricing. I called BS on the whole thing and said you watch. In a few years, it won’t be any bargain. Five years later and the price has increased nearly 30 percent! Vail Resorts has announced their 2019/20 pass prices …

$939. But, hey, it’s ten bucks cheaper than the Ikon.

Epic Day Ski Pass Prices

Vail has also rolled out an “affordable” option for those not wanting a full season pass. If you can’t make it to a hill – basically any hill- for more than 8 days in one season you can now purchase an “Epic for Everyone” pass where you can load up to seven days on it. The new Epic Day Pass is priced out per day (holidays are extra) and are good at any of the company’s North American-owned resort: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Whistler Blackcomb, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City Mountain Resort. Those purchasing four or more days will also get access to Telluride, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.

The company claims that you could save up to 50 percent off of lift ticket window prices which means EGAD! that walk-up pricing will reach $200 in 2020. Here’s the price break down for adult tickets:

The Full Season Ski Pass Reveal

For guests looking to ski more days in a season (basically, 8+) there’s the Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass at $939 and $699 respectively. The difference between the two lies in that one is unrestricted access at 60 VR areas and 7 days at Snowbasin and Sun Valley, while the other offers unlimited at 30 resorts (only 10 days at Vail, Beaver Creek and Whistler), blackouts over Thanksgiving, Christmas and President’s Weeks and 2 days at Snowbasin and Sun Valley. As a bonus, if you buy the Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass this spring you will also get 10 Buddy Tickets (up from six last year) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets. The Buddy tickets is a flat-rate discount for friends and family and the SWAF is a variable rate discount depending on the day.

Visit http://www.epicpass.com for more details.