Ski resort announces new season pass rate

Whitefish Mountain Resort has announced its 2019-20 winter season pass rates, which include some price increases.

An adult season pass is now set at $675 through Sept. 30. This works out to a $15 increase over the 2018-19 season price.

Super seniors over age 70 will now have to pay $135 for winter passes. Previously those skiers skied for free, but now those passholders will be eligible for additional perks, according the resort. Whitefish Mountain Resort CEO Dan Graves explained the change.

“Whitefish Mountain Resort is home to an extremely active population, and this particular age demographic is healthier and more active than ever and currently represents a growing segment of our skiing population,” Graves said. “We are very much in awe of these dedicated skiers, however each year of growth has added to the demands of our facilities. We are happy to continue to offer a deeply discounted product for this group, we just need to ensure our business remains sustainable into the future.”

Senior passes for ages 65 to 69 and college student passes are $575. Teen passes are $370 and junior passes are $195. Children 6 and under ski free. These sale prices are available through Sept. 30

For the 2018-19 season, the ski resort sold more than 10,000 passes setting a new record. It was the third straight year for record season pass sales.

Season pass holders make up roughly half of the skiing population at the resort.

“It’s been a season of wildly diverse conditions yet our passholders remain steadfast in their pursuit of winter fun. It never ceases to amaze me just how dedicated the skiing community is here. It’s their devotion to this mountain and the sport that makes this place the best ski community in the world,” said Nick Polumbus, director of sales and marketing for resort. “We’re proud to provide the ultimate setting for reconnecting with family, friends and the great outdoors, and pleased to continue keeping pricing reasonable for this dedicated group of passholders.”

Season pass-holder benefits include:

- Four one-day lift tickets at $53 for friends and family of adult season passholders;

- Two one-day lift tickets at $53 for friends and family of college and senior season passholders;

- Five days free at Red Lodge Mountain Resort, and Homewood Mountain Resort, California;

- Three days free at Great Divide Ski Area, Loveland Ski Area, Colorado, Mt. Bohemia, Michigan and Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area, Oregon;

- 10 percent off dining, clothing, equipment repairs, and more;

- 20 percent off adult semi-private lessons, junior half or full-day group lessons, and child board and play;

- 20 percent off lodging for friends and family;

- Unlimited foot-passenger lift rides in Summer 2020

The resort has seen its Ski & Ride School programs and teams enrollment grow incrementally for several seasons. The price for those programs and teams is reduced now through Sept. 30.

“We continued to see growth or stability in the majority of our offerings this winter. Kids ski programs sold out again, and we saw growth in private lessons as well as junior and child groups,” said Mike Davies, snow sports director for Whitefish Mountain Resort. “We also saw incredible growth in our adult learn to ski programs which we attribute to the newly relocated adults and parents who want to be part of our community’s commitment to winter recreation. This was an exciting year to see this growth and pursue our goal to provide a positive, safe and fun environment to learn and develop lifelong skills for skiers and snowboarders of all ages.”

Whitefish Mountain Resort offers “3 Ways to Pay” for season passes and two options for programs and teams. Passholders can choose to pay in full, pay with the two-payment plan, or the installment plan. Enrollment is available online only.

For more information on season passes visit skiwhitefish.com or call 406-862-2900.

The ski area is scheduled to be open Dec. 6, 2019 through April 5, 2020.