Slight bump in ski season pass rates

Whitefish Mountain Resort continues to be aggressive on affordability with the announcement of its 2016/17 season pass rates.

The 2016/2017 adult pass is priced at $630, which is a $10 increase over the current season’s rate.

Senior and college student passes are $530. Teen passes are $345 and junior passes are $180. Children 6 and under and super-seniors 70 and over ski free.

For comparison, a season pass at Big Sky Resort in southwest Montana costs $1,099, and a pass to Bridger Bowl near Bozeman is $630. A season pass to Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint, Idaho, is priced at $649.

Resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus says the resort has built a brand around its value and service. In fact, SKI magazine this season ranked Whitefish Mountain No. 6 for affordability among the top resorts in the West.

“That’s a big part of who we are,” Polumbus said. “Pass-holders are a big part of our business and keeping that affordable is important to us.”

Pass prices at Whitefish Mountain Resort have gone up by increments of $10 and $15 each season for the past several years. An adult pass was priced at $550 in 2010.

Polumbus says the incremental price bumps helps the resort cover climbing operation costs and plan for ongoing capital improvements.

Season passes at Whitefish are available at the discounted rate through Sept. 30, and can be bought online at skiwhitefish.com or by calling the resort at 406-862-2900.

The resort offers three ways to pay for the pass. Skiers and riders can pay in full, or choose from the installment or two-payment plans.

Extra perks of a season pass include four lift tickets at $48 for friends and family, five days free at Red Lodge Mountain Resort and Homewood Mountain Resort in California, and four days free at Diamond Peak Ski Resort in California. Pass-holders also receive 10 percent off dining, clothing, equipment repairs, 20 percent off lessons, 20 percent off lodging for friends and family, and unlimited scenic lift rides in summer 2017.