by Greetings friends. I hope this post finds you doing well and getting geared up for back-to-school. I have some really amazing news to share . . drum roll please…
STICKERS HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!!!!
and are now available. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Now if you are like us and you need to have yours first, while they are still available, just head on over to the merch page of the site (https://thrillofthemountain.com/) and get yourself a few stickers. These stickers are awesome and pretty much everyone can use at least one if not one of each. These are our first runs so they may become limited in no time. But seriously, if you want to help the site out and show your support, order some.
NOW’S THE TIME
I was recently asked if I have booked any winter trips for myself or anyone else yet. The answer is YES. I am beginning to schedule and book my dates. My winter season is starting to fill up. You too should start getting all your details ready so you can book if you know what you want to do. I would certainly recommend at least getting your rental cars and lift passes now. I will review pass options below to give you some guidance. Lodging should also be reviewed and if the deal is good enough book it now. OK, now on to the pass options . . .
SKI PASS OPTIONS
Not so long ago I reviewed your pass options here. But here is a refresher, just in case you missed that quality read back in February. An annual unlimited or restricted ski pass is a must. If you are going to ski/snowboard a minimum of 3-5 days, a season pass is your best value. There are three main ski/snowboard annual passes that will compete for your business this year.
Epic Pass $899 – Hands down the leader in the ski pass and resort business. The full epic pass covers 65 resorts. Yup, you read that correct-65 resorts on one pass. Unlimited, unrestricted skiing or riding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Whistler Blackcomb, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe, Wilmot, Afton Alps, Mt Brighton, Perisher & Arapahoe Basin. New for 2018/2019 now includes seven days at Telluride, seven days total at Resorts partnered with Vail in the Canadian Rockies, and five days total at Hakiba Valley, Japan – Plus unlimited, unrestricted access at Okemo, Mount Sunapee, Crested Butte, and Stevens. International Access includes access to 30 European resorts across Austria, France, Italy & Switzerland. If you are going to ski more and five days, live near and like the different Vail Resorts offerings, and can travel by plane to your destination, this pass is for you. BTW the daily walk up window price for a one day ticket was $203.00 during the 2017/2018 ski season.
The Ikon Pass $999 – Adventure runs deep with this pass. Ski and ride whenever you want, even throughout the holidays. Unlimited access at Mammoth, Steamboat, Stratton, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, Tremblant, Winter Park Resort, Big Bear, Cooper Mountain, Snowshoe, June Mountain, Eldora, Blue Mountain. Limited access, no blackouts: Deer Valley, Alta/Snowbird, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Aspen Snowmass, Revelstoke, SkiBig3, Killington, Sugarbush, Loon Mountain, Sunday River, Sugarloard & Thredbo. Again, the Ikon Pass has no blackout dates.
Mountain Collective $449 – A nice, less expensive alternative to the two complete pass options above. In the 2018/2019 season each pass holder will receive two days at the collective destinations for a total of 34 days. Collective Destinations include: Alta Ski Area, Aspen Snowmass, Banff Sunshine, Big Sky Resort, Coronet Peak + The Remarkables, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Lake Lousie, Mammoth Mountain, Niseko United, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Snowbasin Resort, Snowbird, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Sugarbush Resort, Sun Valley Resort, Taos Ski Valley, Thredbo Alpine Village. This pass is ideal for those that only want or need two days at each resort and plan to ski/ride at least three different resorts this season.
SUMMARY –
Don’t just show up at the ticket window and pay the walk up rate. In my opinion, you will be the victim of legal price gouging. Most resorts are charging close to, if not more than, $200 for a single day of skiing or riding. This is totally redic, and it seems like a scam. OK, it’s not a scan, but it is a rip off. The break-even price on the passes is anywhere from 3.5-10 days in the US. You can also get a discount on multi day tickets if you reserve them online, usually a minimum of two weeks or more in advance. Lastly, Liftopia can be another solid resource in finding discounted single day and multi day lift tickets.
Secure your annual ski passes now. Opening day is right around the corner.
READER FEEDBACK, COMMENTS & PICS
READER FEEDBACK
Always appreciate anything we get that faintly resembles feedback. We take everything as a compliment. Received some great emails, texts and notes this week. Thank you. I noticed many of you are still on summer vacation. The proof is in your pictures. Anyway, I hope you all had a great summer – fall is just around the corner.
Received this from one loyal reader:
That’s great. Time for a 14’er
Thanks friend. We are still recovering from our first one. But yes there will be a day for another 14’er, just not today. Do love it when I get a note like this after the weekend. . .
Just got back from camping fishing. Exhausted.
Keeping the dream alive. Life can be so exhausting sometimes, I feel for you. haha
And anytime I receive an email like this, I know we are getting closer to opening day:
I wanna put some days in this year, so let’s plan some powder time!
I’ll be there . . .will you?
COMMENTS
We recently upgraded our website. Did you even notice? Well some of you did and even took the time to comment on it. Received this one word message regarding the revamp:
Very Cool
As well as this nice review of the site:
Finally had a chance to take a look at the web page. User friendly/adaptable mobile site, and easy to navigate. It’s to the point, a simple read.
Thanks and the checks in the mail. And we’ll always take the compliment:
Just saw online . . .looks great!!!
Thank you. And thanks to you all for the kind words and continued support and enthusiam.
CM MAN aka Jerry.
HIKE & MOUNTAIN BIKE CONDITIONS
Resorts are still open. I was at Beaver Creek not to long ago. Yes, you read that correct. And it was awesome. It’s an amazing time to visit. Like hiking? Check. Like biking? Check. Now’s the time. Resorts should be open at least on weekends through the end of September.
Hiking, biking, climbing, walking, bird watching, wild flower finding, summit attempting. It’s all here to be had this summer. It’s all great fun and adventure. Conditions are really great this time of the year, especially for those who don’t like the snow and cold weather. Do I even know you?
LODGING
If you need help with lodging, especially last-minute, reach out to us at:
ThrilloftheMountain@gmail.com
We know people. And we may be able to help you.
Here’s a reservation link to Creekside @ Beaver Creek. Michael Simmons and his crew will take good care of you.
http://res.creeksidebeavercreek.com/irmnet/(S(uca4jbgpyhsavmkyxqg2slmk))/Res/ResMain.aspx
RESORT GUIDING
Resort Guiding
We offer all-inclusive resort guiding for you and your family at a discounted rate. Our guides can handle from 1 to 6 people. The day will be customized and tailored to your group and groups needs. A fun day is in store. If this is something you have an interest in? Please reach out, we’ll make it happen. Some feedback we received from tours:
Had an amazing time!!
and this one
It really was an amazing ski vacation!
Thank you. I had a blast. I look forward to it again next year. This always makes me feel good:
Great day on the mountain. Thank you for being so very patient.
as well as this gem:
Thanks for the pics. They are awesome. Thanks for capturing those precious moments.
Glad I could help in making special memories. Received this in my inbox:
We had the best time ever!! Thank you for navigating the mountain for us, for the snow shoe tour, for teaching us how to ski better and for being so wonderful and patient and welcoming to our entire crew!!
No, Thank you. Hope to see you on the slopes soon.
We love writing about the mountains and mountain activities, but even more, we love sharing it with everyone-with all of you. Want to find out what it’s all about? It’s not to early to book for next season. We are already taking reservations for 2018/2019 season.
Early discounts available now. We promise you and your family will have a great time.
PICS
Nothing like a little summer time BBQ. Btw . . . love the rubber ducky.
Cool. Bet you catch some nice sunsets on that dock. Any fish?
See any Jerry’s hanging around?
A van or two . . . yup must have been boatload, but where’s the snow? What do you ride the sand and rocks?
Cool…shot of your ship?
We always love a waterfall around here.
Definitely the season for a festival. Those two do look familiar don’t they?
WOW!!!
Little mountain hike.Gotta love that. Nice.
WTF . .. that seems very dangerous. Careful there lady. You may want a harness and some ropes, and maybe even a climbing partner. Just saying . . .
Fire Sky.
Thanks again for reading this blog. I hope you all have a great start to your week. Until next time, love one another and be kind to each other. Get out there, The Thrill of the Mountain awaits you.
CMM
If you would like to get Thrill of the Mountain, in email form, right in your inbox please subscribe at the bottom of this post. Check us out on Instagram – Thrill of the Mountain or like us on Facebook- Trill of the Mountain. Thanks. Want to be an author and can write about the mountains or mountain life? If so, contact us at:
Thrillofthemountain@gmail.com
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