Pass Deadline Extended…And The Most Unremarkable List Of Improvements Ever

Yawn. Squalpine made the usual announcement that the Super Pass “deadline” has been extended. You now have an additional 23 days to purchase your pass at the cheapest rate. If you have have purchased a pass at any of the mega-resorts over the last few years, you know that the new deadline also means nothing. None of the big boys wants to be the first to actually raise rates any significant amount, lest any of us decide to switch to a new mountain. It’s our guess the deadline will be extended again. When rates go up, it’s unlikely to be a budget buster. In fact, if you’re paying for your pass with your credit cards to avoid the increase – you may end up paying more in interest than what you save.

Yet, the mega-corps need our money as early as possible to make miracles happen over the summer season. Squalpine released their list of exciting new improvements…$8 million dollars worth. We’re doubting that it’s inspiring many more people to buy a pass for next season.

Let’s take them one by one:

• There can’t be any major improvements to snow making capability for a part of $8 million. There won’t be a Renaissance n that department.

• New snowcats? I sure hope one of them includes a pipecutter for Alpine Meadows. The grooming department did a fantastic job at Alpine this season – some people will say too well. In a lackluster snow year, that was huge! If the groomers say they need a new cat or two, that’s a good thing.

• A yoga studio and home furnishing store in the village? This is where we see that someone in marketing has their priorities all wrong. Sure, send that info out to the Squaw folks – but do we really care at Alpine Meadows? Still shaking my head over that announcement…

• Terrain park improvements…that horse has been beat to death. Why not find a sponsor to pay for cool new toys? It seems as if the National Geographic Channel would want to promote their new “Mountain Movers” series

• Room renovations at the village at Squaw Valley…WTH? Why am I paying for that with my pass? I have not stayed in a room at Squaw Valley since 1981.

• New signage on the mountain…yeah, it’s probably about time. Details were given a couple of months ago in this post.

All in all, it’s a very lackluster list of announcements that will likely not sell many passes. Would they sell more passes if the tagline were something more akin to “Buy Your Pass Now Or Pay $104 For A Day Ticket Next Christmas!”