Aspen, CO – In an unprecedented move announced this morning, four of the premier independent ski and snowboard destinations in the Western U.S. have created an alliance to form the Mountain Collective, offering a groundbreaking lift pass for the 2012-13 season.  Utah’s Alta Ski Area, Aspen/Snowmass in Colorado, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming and Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, at the north end of Lake Tahoe in California, have partnered to offer the new Mountain Collective Pass.

For $349, The Mountain Collective Pass includes two days of lift privileges at each of the four destinations, plus a 50 percent discount on unlimited lift tickets at each of the destinations once the included days are used. In addition, passholders will receive exclusive lodging deals throughout the season. Collectively this pass grants access to eight mountains with more than 16,000 acres of terrain serviced by over 100 lifts at eight ski mountains in the West best known for long, sustained steeps and prodigious powder.

“This is a completely new concept for a ski pass and gives winter enthusiasts the freedom to access some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, “ said Christian Knapp, vice president of marketing at Aspen Skiing Company. “There’s been an incredible spirit of collaboration amongst the partners to bring this historic alliance and innovative new product to life.”

Starting today the Mountain Collective pass is available online through an exclusive technology, distribution and marketing partnership with Liftopia at www.TheMountainCollective.com. The Mountain Collective Pass is also available for children (ages 12 and under) for $229. The pass will also offer incentives to premier pass holders at the participating resorts.

Current pricing on the new Mountain Collective Pass is valid until Monday November 19, 2012 and is subject to change thereafter.