The Mountain Collective just announced its new offering for the ’13-’14 season. The pass for this season included 2 free days of skiing at Squaw/Alpine, Alta, Aspen and jackson Hole. It also allowed for additional tickets to be purchased at 50% off and lodging discounts of 25% at participating resorts. When we reported on the Mountain Collective back in August, it seemed like a ho-hum deal for all except for the dedicated ski traveler, especially for those of us that are already passholders at Alpine or Squaw.
This season, three new mountains have been added to the collective: Whistler, Snowbird and Mammoth. The pricing for the pass remains the same so far, initially priced at $349. If you use all of the free tickets, your cost is very low. You also continue to be able to buy unlimited 50% off day tickets and receive lodging discounts. The caveat is that free tickets and discount tickets are non-transferable and are linked to your Mountain Collective pass.
I am pretty sure I will not be purchasing the Mountain Collective Pass, as my travel time and funds are limited until we start selling a lot more advertising. Here’s where things get real interesting. Your Alpine Meadows Gold Pass gives you the option to buy day tickets at Mountain Collective resorts for 50% off. It’s not too late, you can still go to Aspen, Alta or Squaw and buy tickets at 50% off. Here’s the blurb on the Alpine Meadows site for ’12-’13 passes:
Assuming this benefit continues for next season, Gold passholders would be able to buy 50% off day tickets at Alta, Snowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Whistler or Mammoth. Yes, Mammoth, only three hours from Reno-Tahoe. That’s a gamechanger for those of us that frequent Mammoth in the early and late ski season. Currently, it takes 7 days of skiing to cover the cost of their MVP Pass (which I have this season). If the 50% discount applies for next season, it would take 14 days for the MVP pass to be the better deal. Regardless, it looks like Mammoth Mountain just became a more affordable option for SquAlpine Gold pass holders in ’13-’14.
There’s times where the corporatization of the ski industry is a painful thing…but sometimes there are some awesome benefits. For more information on the Mountain Collective, visit their site.