BOLTON VALLEY, Vt. -
There's still some time until the peak skiing season, but for many mountain resorts across the state now's the best time to offer a good rate to future customers.
"This is a very important part of the season for us," Bolton Valley Director of Sales and Marketing Josh Arneson said.
Just because there are no skiers and snowboarders doesn't mean they're out of mind.
"We're really promoting seasons passes and letting people know they can buy them by the (September) 24th until prices go up to their full retail value," Arneson said.
Right now resorts are offering fall bargains. A season pass costs $569 at Bolton. Stowe's season pass is $400 cheaper than normal until the end of October. A combo Jay Peak and Burke pass costs $799. After October 15th it jumps to more than one thousand dollars. Many resorts are hoping for strong sales after a lackluster spring season.
"They're starting to buy their passes now thinking well it's going to be coming again this year it's gotta be better than last year," Arneson said.
Often their biggest draw this time of year comes from college campuses refilling across the state.
"Being early saves a lot of money rather more than when you're just about to go," UVM freshman Nora Brosnan said.
College students often get even bigger discounts for season passes than adult passes. There are also deals for family, youth and senior passes.
"Well I probably wouldn't do it if I didn't have the deal," UVM freshman Chris Nevins said.
It's all part of a marketing plan to keep skiers and snowboarders' minds on the mountains.
"It certainly helps with our revenue at the end of the day but it also hopefully creates a lifelong skier and rider," Arneson said.
