Vail Resorts announces 2011-12 season ski pass options

Vail Resorts Monday announced its season pass lineup and kicked-off its spring pass sales period for the 2011-2012 ski and snowboard season.

“We've simplified this year's season pass line-up and with the new Epic Local Pass, Colorado skiers and riders can now access the best resorts in Colorado and the best resorts in Lake Tahoe. Also, new this year, we've taken the hassle out of buying your pass. Epic Local Pass holders can order their season passes online rather than picking them up at a Front Range location,” said Blaise Carrig, co-president of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division.

“The Epic Local Pass, The Epic Pass, the Summit Value Pass and Epic 7-Day give skiers and riders the flexibility to choose the best pass option to experience our six iconic resorts next season – all at an ‘epic' value.”

Here's a guide to help Colorado skiers and snowboarders choose the best season pass options for them based on where they live and how much they plan to ski and ride. All passes are available for purchase at www.coloradopass.com.

Best Season Pass Options for Colorado Skiers and Snowboarders: Your Colorado Pass Is Now Epic

Epic Local Pass™ (formerly known as the Colorado Pass) for $499, is perfect for Colorado locals who can navigate a more restrictive pass. However, new this year, the pass is now available to purchase online at www.coloradopass.com. The Epic Local Pass offers unlimited skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin and includes 10 restricted days at Vail or Beaver Creek. New this year, it also includes skiing or riding at Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe, with limited restricted days. The Epic Local Pass is also the best option for former Heavenly/Northstar and Double Whammy Limited pass holders.

Summit Value Pass™ is a great option for people who only plan to ski Summit County. The Summit Value Pass is available for $409 and provides unlimited and unrestricted lift access to Keystone and Arapahoe Basin and access with limited restrictions at Breckenridge. Pass holders can purchase access to Breckenridge on restricted days for $50 per day.

Vail Resorts Epic Passes: Offers Unlimited and/or Unrestricted Skiing and Riding All Season Long

The revolutionary Epic Pass™ provides unlimited, unrestricted access to seven world class resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe – as well as at Arapahoe Basin $649 for adults and $329 for children (ages 5 to 12) and is available to purchase on www.coloradopass.com. The Epic Pass™ is a great option for skiers and snowboarders planning vacations over holidays or any skier or snowboarder who wants to have an unlimited and unrestricted ski and ride season.

Epic 7-Day™ is perfect for people who don't plan to ski more than 7 days. The Epic 7-Day gives skiers and snowboarders a total of seven unrestricted days of skiing and riding at any one of Vail Resorts' six mountain resorts plus Arapahoe Basin anytime during the season for a price of $499.

Prices on all pass products are guaranteed through May 30, 2011 and are available to purchase at www.coloradopass.com starting, today, March 14, 2011.

Skiers and riders should lock in their pass for next year now, as these prices are only guaranteed through May 30, 2011. Vail Resorts is giving guests the option to lock in these prices with a $49 down payment now with the remainder of the balance due in mid-September 2011.

SeasonPassInsurance Option

Vail Resorts encourages its guests to purchase pass insurance. All of its pass products are non-refundable. However, pass insurance covers pass holders in the event of unexpected events including sickness, injuries and job loss. Pass insurance is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Coverage applies for all season passes and the Epic 7-Day valid for the 2011-2012 ski and snowboard season. For more information visit www.epicpass.com.

SpecialPass holder Benefits

EpicLocal Pass, Epic Season Pass, Epic 7-Day and Summit Value Pass purchasers will receive exclusive offers and promotions on lodging, dining, ski rentals, equipment, ski school and special events for the 2011-2012 ski and snowboard season.

Skiers and snowboarders who purchase their passes this spring will also receive special benefits for this summer 2011, including access for sightseeing and gondola rides. All season pass products are non-transferable and non-refundable.

For more information about Vail Resorts season passes or to purchase a pass online, visit www.coloradopass.com.