from freeskier.com

By: Jennifer Samelson

First Appeared: Spring 2002

Anxious to get your hands on next yearÂ’s season pass? WeÂ’ve tracked down some of the nationÂ’s best pre-season deals and steals. Better act quick some of these deals change or expire through the summer and fall.

All East Pass:

American Skiing Company resorts including Sunday River and Sugarloaf/USA in Maine, Mount Snow and Killington in Vermont and Attitash Bear Peak in New Hampshire offer incredible deals for those who purchase season passes on or before August 12. Called the All-East pass, this pass includes unlimited access to each of these five top-notch resorts for $1,049. After August 12, the All East pass costs $1,349.

Sunday River, ME:

Early purchase price for adults is $1,049 before August 12 and $1,249 after. By purchasing your season pass before August 12, you can upgrade to the All East pass for free. Additional benefits of the pass include the opportunity to ski 30 minutes before the lifts open to the general public. Additionally, discounts for shops and on-mountain restaurants are included, as well as special invites to the mountain’s “Welcome back� and “Spring Fling� parties.

Killington, VT:

Killington offers a similarly price-happy deal. Buy an adult season pass on or before August 12 for $1,049, and free clinics, discounts and a preferred parking pass are included. After this day, the price goes up to $1,199 for the same specials. Killington also offers savings for full-time college students. College students can swipe a season pass before October 28 for $369.

Mount Snow,VT:

Before August 12, adult season passes cost $999, and after this day they can be purchased for $1,199.

Attitash Bear Peak, NH:

Attitash Bear Peak offers a sweet deal for adults who purchase season passes on or before August 12 for $999. After August 12, the price rises to $1,249.

Taos, NM:

TaosÂ’ best deal is the Millennium pass. It can be purchased for $425 before September 15. This pass entitles you to 70 days of skiing throughout the season, however, peak holiday periods are excluded. TaosÂ’ adult season pass special costs $625 for unlimited skiing when purchased before September 16. The pass costs $825 afterward.

Steamboat, CO:

Steamboat offers a season pass for $885 if purchased before August 15. This unlimited adult pass goes up to $1,125 between August 16 and November 30, increasing again to $1,300 on December 1.

Telluride, CO:

TellurideÂ’s season pass costs $945 until July 31, and $1,350 from then on. Included with the deal are discounts for ski school lessons and the on-mountain restaurant.

Big Sky, MT:

MontanaÂ’s Big Sky early season rates of $955 end September 30. Beginning October 1, rates bump up to $1,030.

Snowbird, UT:

SnowbirdÂ’s new season pass program offers a loud bang for the buck. Buy a season pass by July 31 and you will receive a free one-night stay at the Cliff Lodge. There are no black-out periods, and a summer season Tram pass, Mountain School lesson and other discounts are included. The Unlimited Season Pass sells for $899 with no restrictions.

Jackson Hole, WY:

Jackson HoleÂ’s sweet season pass will set you back a mere $300. While pass prices have remained the same, significant benefits have been tacked onto the deal. Season pass holders will now be privileged with a complimentary START bus pass, reduced rate on lockers and a free summer tram pass for 2003. Additionally, Jackson Hole will augment a $30/day intro-pass offer for those who seemed to have disappeared of the slopes. Now ex-passholders can return to the mountain for a $300, ten-day deal. You might just pass by your old ski buddy schussing around Jackson Hole.

source: http://www.freeskier.com/skiers/article_display.cfm?refid=667