IIRC it was about 3 years ago when Snow Time announced that it was reducing the preseason price of a season pass to $399. That sounded like too good a deal to pass up, so I bought one for the 2008-09 season. It was only the 2nd pass I'd ever purchased. Skied at Liberty and Whitetail and took a series of lessons -- my first in more than 40 years -- in Liberty's Silver Streak program, aka Group Lessons for Geezers. (Hey, so that's how I'm supposed to use these newfangled shaped skis. I didn't think they could teach this ole dog new tricks, but Spike and Charlie at Liberty succeeded.)

The recession hit shortly after the 2008 announcement, and I remember thinking that Snow Time might continue the $399 pass deal another year. They did. Smart move in light of the economy. I bought a pass for the 2009-10 season. Enjoyed the Mountains of Distinctions discount at 7S and Windham, and even got passholders deals at Hunter and Saddleback (reduced or free tix for any passholder).

Near the end of the 2009-10 season, Snow Time announced The Return Of The $399 Pass ... but for a limited time only. I think I had to buy it by Halloween 2010 to get the $399 price deal for 2010-11. That pass just paid for itself a week ago, but it's been the freedom to ski "for free" whenever I've had the chance that's been the best benefit of my pass. And a motivator to get my pentagenarian (if that's a word) arse outdoors and in gear.

It had to end sometime.

Several economic signs these days point to better times ahead. This past week, ST announced -- not surprisingly -- that it was offering a $429 pass deal for 2011-12, with the usual add-on option to include the rest of the current season. But the $429 price is good only to March 31. Hmm ... seems awfully early to start convincing my spouse that we need to begin paying for the next season.

Bottom line:
Thanks, Snow Time, for easing up on the season pass price these past three seasons. You picked up some early season capital and created a cadre of loyal skiers like me who still can't justify paying $500, $600, or more for a season pass. You do a fine job. You'll see me on the slopes next season.

Woody

Nice.

Anybody have a prediction for the cost of a SnowTime seasonm's pass when you buy one in September? In December?

I've never been able to rack up enough days to make the season pass pay. You need at least 8 days at a Snowtime resort to make it break even. I usually go the advantage card route. It's paid for on the 4th visit and everything thereafter is gravy. I'll get 20 days in a season but not all of them at Whitetail or Liberty. I'll usually rack up 50% of my days on extended western or northern trips.

Now we know. Snow Time's 2011-12 season's pass is $439 if purchased by Halloween, $639 if purchased afterwards.

The early-bird March 2011 price was $429.