Utah multi-resort ski pass debuts for sale to public

Like the slogan says, for avid skiers, Utah's resorts offer some of "the greatest snow on earth." But as many people will tell you, skiing is not an inexpensive endeavor, with ticket prices for the four Salt Lake County ski resorts ranging from $58 to $72 for single-day passes.

Thanks to the success of a Web-based travel campaign, ski and snowboard enthusiasts are now privy to a special discounted pass that allows access to multiple ski areas over multiple days at discounted prices.

The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau has debuted its Ski Salt Lake Super Pass to the public through its Web site, www.visitsaltlake.com. Previously available only when booking a travel and ski package through online travel sites, the Super Pass can be redeemed for a full-day lift pass at any of the Cottonwood Canyon resorts: Alta and Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon, or Brighton and Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The pass can be purchased for one to six days within a seven-day period beginning on the date of its first use, according to Shawn Stinson, director of communications for the bureau. There are no blackout dates, and buyers can begin to use the pass any day during the 2009-2010 season, he noted.

Prices range from $186 for a three-day retail adult pass up to $372 for the seven-day retail pass. If purchased with a travel package, prices range from $58 for a one-day adult pass up to $336 for a seven-day adult pass.

In addition, the pass also serves as fare payment on UTA's TRAX and buses, he said.

Over the past few years, the Super Pass has generated millions in revenue for the state, surpassing the $3 million mark in each of the last three years.

"(It's) the number one ski product on (the online travel site) Travelocity," Stinson said. "It beats all of (Colorado's) products."

He said the online booking has helped raise the profile of Utah's ski industry.

Jessica Kunzer, spokeswoman for Ski Utah, the marketing organization charged with promoting Utah's ski and snowboard industry, said the Super Pass offers increased flexibility in their ski choices.

"A lot of people who come to ski in Utah like the fact that they can ski multiple resorts on their visit," she said, "and this is just an added step in that convenience."

e-mail: jlee@desnews.com