Ski Cheap Next Year, Buy Lift Pass
Best Deals for Skiing In 2008-09 Season In New Hampshire Are Now
Ski resorts close to Boston, western Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island kick start the 2008-9 season by giving buyers the best prices on season passes in spring.
Best Pass Prices
In Spring Spring is the time of year to think about next year’s season because the savings are real and only available for a short period of time in the spring. We are now in the best buy period and it is slipping by fast. Some close dates are as early as April 1, others as late as May 31. New Hampshire has many great ski and boarding areas for sliding but here are a few of the special prices available to decisive buyers.
Crotched Mountain
Probably the closest to Boston and the major cities of New Hampshire, Crotched Mountain has some of the best deals. A whole season, no black-out pass (which includes night skiing as well) is only $299 for adults (18 and older), Junior (6-17) $249 and kids under 5 can get a Direct Access Pass for $50 to ski with a pass holder parent. Midweek season pass adults $199, Night pass (6days a week, 3-9pm) $229. 615 Francestown Rd., Rt. 47, Bennington, NH,
Gunstock Mountain
Another family favorite is close to Interstate 93 in the Lakes Region. Gunstock continues the celebration of its 70th anniversary, making it one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the country. Deadline date for special pass rates is April 30. Their full season no blackout pass costs $ adult (13-64) $329, child (6-12) $219 and kids under 5 get a pass for $10. Seniors 65 and older $329 but they can get a midweek pass for a mere $129. Gunstock Hill Road, Route 11A, Gilford NH.
Pat’s Peak
Also close to the heart of New England, Pat’s Peak is also a great family spot with challenges for all skill levels. Deadline date for special pass rates is April 1. Adults 18-64 pay only $309 for a season pass, Seniors and ages 6-17 pay $209. Kids under 5 pay a registration fee of $25. BUT, they have a deal with Sunapee where pass holders get $10 off a Sunapee ticket on weekends and 50% off a Sunapee ticket on weekdays (fro Sunapee opening until 12/7 and from 3/23 until close). Henniker, NH
Waterville Valley
For 10 years Waterville has been pair with Cranmore and other areas on a bargain pass that lets skiers choose where they want to ski. One used to be Loon but now the third is Bretton Woods, arguably the largest ski area in the state. So on your Threedom Pass you get Waterville Valley, Cranmore and Bretton Woods. For a season pass without blackouts ages 6-12 $399, 13-18 $449, adults $749. This special pass price is good through May 1. A limited Edition pass, with some blackout periods, is available for $649. A best deal College Pass for all three areas is available April 1-May 31 for only $249. Ski Area Road, Exit 28 I-93, off Route 49.
Mount Sunapee
Sunapee, with arguably the best grooming and snowmaking in the east, is paired with Okemo in Vermont, a glorious pairing. Deadline date April 30. Their Peak Pass (Sunapee and Okemo) ages 19 and up is $899, ages 13-18 $439, 6-12 $339 and ages 69-69 $439, but if you are over 70 it is a mere $279. Extra value deals that include Stratton in Vermont are available. 1398 Route 103, Sunapee.
Cranmore Mountain
Cranmore, like Gunstock was one of the very first ski areas in America. Its skimobile was one of the first sophisticated ways of moving skiers uphill. Its trails offer challenge to all skill levels and the ambiance of original New England winter sport. Threedom Pass (see Waterville above) is the best way to experience this mountain. Off Route 16, North Conway NH.
