March 2, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

Around the Region: Now's the time for season savings

by Marty Basch/

Vermont's Pico Mountain is a place for families to save on Sundays. (photo: Pico Mountain)

Vermont's Pico Mountain is a place for families to save on Sundays. (photo: Pico Mountain)

Diehard skiers and riders know now is the time to buy next year's season passes. Throughout March, ski areas will offer next year's passes for purchase now — usually at discounted rates — and often throwing in free skiing for the rest of this season.

That's the case at Pats Peak in Henniker, N.H. Pats has an unlimited pass that runs $339 for adults and $249 for juniors (ages 6-17) if purchased before April. 1.

Vermont's Mount Snow says its 2009-10 season pass prices will remain at the 2008-09 rates. Purchase the pass before June 1 and use a payment plan to pay for it, 30 percent down with the balance due by Oct. 12. There is no interest. Those purchasing a 2009-10 pass who do not own a currently valid pass may ski the rest of this season for free.

Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Maine, will be hosting a New England Telemark Daze March 7. That means free demo gear and free beginner lessons. Private lessons for advanced skiers will also be available for a fee.

On March 8, Great Glen Trails is holding Ski to the Clouds: North America’s Toughest 10k presented by Maxiglide. The race features a climb of more than 2,200 vertical feet over nearly four miles up the Mount Washington Auto Road.

In 2008, more than 70 racers, including Olympians and top college skiers, took on the challenge of Ski to the Clouds. Last year was also the first year of the race’s new incarnation, which included 4k of racing on the trail system at Great Glen Trails before the climb up the Mount Washington Auto Road. The 2009 race will be contested on the same 10-kilometer course, making it the toughest 10k in North America. The race will finish at the site of the historic Halfway House on the Mount Washington Auto Road, just below 4,000 feet above sea level.

Not too far from Great Glen is Wildcat, which will have bargain basement lift tickets March 13 and 20: $9. The March 2 storm postponed Wildcat's leg-burning 100K Vertical Challenge and Make-a-Wish fundraiser to March 9.

The Ralph Crowley Classic is set for March 6 at Wachusett on the Smith Walton trail. The top-to-bottom race is scheduled for 10 a.m., with a barbecue lunch at 1 p.m.

Vermont ski areas have some March savings, too. Get ready for Youth Pay Their Age Day. On March 8, all kids age 6 to 18 (children 5 and under are free) get major deals for being minors at Mount Snow. Kids ski for $10 on Family Sundays at Pico Mountain. With the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket, each accompanied child (6 to 12 years old) skis for $10. Pico's College Carload Deal: Every Monday, Thursday and Friday, pile up to four people in a car and hit the slopes for $100 per vehicle. All passengers must present a college ID, and there is a maximum of four students per car.

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