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The Indy Pass now includes access to Snow Ridge Ski Resort in upstate New York and Antelope Butte in northern Wyoming, bringing the total number of independent ski areas on the pass to 59. Snow Ridge is the fourth New York ski area on the pass, and Antelope Butte is the third in Wyoming. Passholders get two days of access at all partner ski areas.IndyPass
Heavy lake-effect dumps bring Snow Ridge an average of 230 inches of snow a year. It oftentimes gets the most snow of any ski area in New York. General manager Nick Mir said among the improvements made over the summer, Snow Ridge added four new glades that will debut this winter.
Antelope Butte will open this winter for the first time since it ceased operations in 2004. The ski area was purchased by the non-profit Antelope Butte Foundation in 2016, which has worked ever since to resurrect the operation. (Read more about Antelope Butte in “Non-Profit Ski Areas,” SAM, September 2019: https://www.saminfo.com/archives/2010-2017/2019/january-2019/item/164983-non-profit-ski-areas)
“We are very excited to be a part of the Indy Pass this season! We love the roads less traveled and the sense of discovery accompanied with finding a new gem,” said Antelope Butte Foundation executive director John Kirlin. “This is the heart of our mountain and we are always excited to meet new adventurers willing to share their stories with us the old fashion way!”
50+ independent resorts across North America have teamed up to welcome skiers back to their slopes. 16 new resorts have joined the alliance for 2020-21.
Indy Pass sales are way up over the same period last year, according to Indy Pass founder Doug Fish. “It’s encouraging to see the strong interest from skiers and riders who are seeking an affordable way to explore ski resorts in their drive-to region,” he added. “Our independent ski areas are just the ticket for individuals and families looking for less-crowded slopes and short lift lines this season.”
Another factor contributing to the surge in Indy Pass sales, Fish said, is its buyer’s assurance program, “The Get America Skiing Promise.” The Promise provides an automatic credit of 20 to 80 percent toward a 2021-22 pass if a buyer uses the Indy Pass less than four days, no questions asked.
“The Get America Skiing Promise is working great and people are excited to go skiing. By eliminating uncertainty and reducing the risk of not being able to use their pass, skiers and riders are really embracing the Indy Pass,” said Kris Blomback, GM at Pats Peak, N.H.
The Indy Pass has implemented a pass protection program, lowered prices, and added new resorts in an effort to “get America skiing” post COVID-19.
To reassure buyers amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, Indy Pass has launched its “Get America Skiing Promise.”
You will receive an automatic credit for a 2021-22 pass if, for any reason, you use your Indy Pass less than four days – no questions asked.
Zero days = 80% credit
One day = 60% credit
Two days = 40% credit
Three days = 20% credit
The basic pass will start at $199 and offer passholders two free days at each of Indy Pass’s 50+ participating resorts, with blackout dates at some resorts.
Indy Pass is also launching several new pass products, aimed at core participants and kids. The Indy + Pass will be on sale for $299 and have zero blackout dates. Current season passholders at any Indy Pass partner resort will be able to purchase an Indy Pass for just $129. And the kids pass, for ages 12 and under, will start at $99, enabling a family of four to cover a season’s worth of lift tickets for just $596.
Sources: SAM & Snow Industry News
