snoloco
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2021
Some people don't want snowmaking to expand to more terrain in fear of it ruining the "soul" of the area. For example, ask a Sugarbush local if they want snowmaking on Castlerock and the answer will probably be no.
As for Ikon, I think Killington is fine the way it is as a partner. I would not want them going to unlimited Ikon. They'd be giving away unlimited access for a price far less than what they could actually charge for it. While they currently have one of the most expensive passes in the east, with the Beast 365, let's take a look at what that gets you.
-Unlimted, unrestricted access whenever the lifts are open, which can be up to 200 days a year and include days in 9 calendar months.
-One of the longest non-night skiing operating days, 8-4 every weekend, at no additional cost.
-Included Ikon Base pass.
-12 50% off coupons for friends with every pass.
-25% off food and drinks.
-Summer access at golf course, mountain bike park, and adventure center.
-A bunch of other perks and discounts, I included the ones I use most often.
The vast majority of resorts that struggle with overcrowding have unlimited access on a mega pass. Either they remove unlimited access, or implement other measures to reduce overcrowding such as paid parking, or mandatory reservations. I'd rather pay more up front and know that if the lifts are running, that I can ski, with no additional burdens or costs.
I also think if a resort is unlimited on a mega pass, that it reduces the sense of loyalty anyone has to that particular resort. Killington has a pretty large community of passholders, some of whom go more than 100 times a year and are recognized by management for it. I don't go that many times, but still 40+ days each year. They also hold a passholder appreciation event every spring to thank everyone for their loyalty. I'm not aware of any unlimited mega pass resort having anything like that.
As for Ikon, I think Killington is fine the way it is as a partner. I would not want them going to unlimited Ikon. They'd be giving away unlimited access for a price far less than what they could actually charge for it. While they currently have one of the most expensive passes in the east, with the Beast 365, let's take a look at what that gets you.
-Unlimted, unrestricted access whenever the lifts are open, which can be up to 200 days a year and include days in 9 calendar months.
-One of the longest non-night skiing operating days, 8-4 every weekend, at no additional cost.
-Included Ikon Base pass.
-12 50% off coupons for friends with every pass.
-25% off food and drinks.
-Summer access at golf course, mountain bike park, and adventure center.
-A bunch of other perks and discounts, I included the ones I use most often.
The vast majority of resorts that struggle with overcrowding have unlimited access on a mega pass. Either they remove unlimited access, or implement other measures to reduce overcrowding such as paid parking, or mandatory reservations. I'd rather pay more up front and know that if the lifts are running, that I can ski, with no additional burdens or costs.
I also think if a resort is unlimited on a mega pass, that it reduces the sense of loyalty anyone has to that particular resort. Killington has a pretty large community of passholders, some of whom go more than 100 times a year and are recognized by management for it. I don't go that many times, but still 40+ days each year. They also hold a passholder appreciation event every spring to thank everyone for their loyalty. I'm not aware of any unlimited mega pass resort having anything like that.
