(photo: Smugglers' Notch Resort)

Vermont Ski Resorts Support “Higher” Education

Burlington, VT – With no fewer than five colleges and universities in the Burlington area alone, Vermont’s diminutive population base swells each fall and winter as students hit the books, so it’s no surprise that the state’s ski resorts accommodate tight student budgets with college season passes to help them start or continue a life-long quest to shred. Out-of-state students and recent college grads who haven’t quite secured their footing financially can also find some budget friendly deals to get a lift up on their higher education.

Threesome College Pass
For the first time ever, Mad River Glen and Sugarbush are teaming up to offer a combined pass for college students. The Threesome College Pass will be available for all students enrolled full-time at accredited colleges. Featuring skiing and riding at the Mad River Valley’s three ski mountains – Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen at Sugarbush, and Mad River Glen – the Threesome College Pass is available for $359.

“With some of the best skiing and riding to be had anywhere, the Mad River Valley is a great place for college students to explore winter in Vermont,” said Win Smith, President of Sugarbush Resort. “We are excited to develop this relationship with Mad River Glen and we are looking forward to building on it for the future.”

Those students who purchase the Threesome College Pass will have unlimited access to 156 trails, 20 lifts and vast gladed terrain.
www.threesomecollegepass.com
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Higher Education College Season Pass
Five mountains. Zero blackout dates. One pass. The Higher Education Pass includes Mount Snow in Vermont, Attitash, Wildcat and Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire, and Jack Frost/Big Boulder in Pennsylvania for $319. When college students purchase their Higher Education Pass from Mount Snow before the December 16, 2012 deadline they also get two $40 bring-a-friend lift tickets valid midweek at Mount Snow, plus a complimentary 12-month subscription to either Freeskier or Snowboard Magazine. During Mount Snow’s college weeks (January 7-11 & January 14-18), Higher Education Pass holders can stay five nights beginning at $116 per person to enjoy the winter break schedule of parties, events and deals.  Full-time students can also sign up to be a Mount Snow college representative and sell the Higher Education Pass to their fellow classmates in an effort to earn a free pass for themselves and maybe some extra cash.
www.mountsnow.com/collegepass

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(photo: Smugglers' Notch Resort)
(photo: Smugglers’ Notch Resort)

2 for U College Pass
Bolton Valley and Smugglers’ Notch Resort have joined forces to offer the 2forU pass for college students. This unrestricted, all access season pass offers skiing and riding at both resorts that average over 300 inches of snowfall, with a total of 148 trails, acres of glades and eight terrain parks. The ski and ride day extends into the evening four nights each week at Bolton Valley, as skiers and riders enjoy access to 12 trails and three terrain parks under the lights. The pass also includes half-price discounts on group instruction and equipment rentals. 2forU is priced at $249 for pre-Halloween purchases.
www.smuggs.com/skiride

SOS College Pass
For college students, the SOS College Pass entitles its holders to unlimited skiing and riding at three northeastern resorts: Stratton Mountain and Okemo Mountain in Vermont, and Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire for $299. There are no blackout dates, so the SOS Pass can be used any day the powder beckons and during Stratton’s College Week, January 9-13. College students can also book the “College Break” package, serving up lift tickets and lodging for $49 per person per night, and lodging discounts for SOS Pass holders. Do the math: two days of incredible skiing/riding at Stratton or Okemo costs less than that Economics textbook you’re never going to read.

Prices increase to $349 beginning Oct. 8, and $429 after Dec. 17.
www.stratton.com

Jay Peak + Burke College Pass
College kids can get a season pass to the United Kingdom for $249…a united Northeast Kingdom, that is. Now that Jay Peak and Burke Mountain have the same owners, the Jay Peak + Burke pass affords currently-enrolled college students unlimited skiing and riding at both mountains as well as a coupon booklet that has more than $200 of freebies and discounts to both resorts, including discounted access to Jay Peak’s Pump House indoor waterpark.
www.jaypeakresort.com/skiing-riding/tickets-passes/season-passes

The Stowe College Pass
No blackout dates, no restrictions. Ski every day all season long with the Stowe College Pass. Purchase before October 31 and pay $399, for after that the Stowe College Pass increases to $499. Part-Time students with a minimum of six credits can also enjoy a discount for $599 through October 31; $749 thereafter.
www.stowe.com

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College Student Season Pass
This discounted college pass designed for the full time student who is between the ages of 18-25  is valid at Bromley Mountain in southern Vermont, Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts and Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire.  Purchase on or before October 15, 2012 for $339. Just want a day pass?  All you need is a valid college ID and you’ll save $10 off posted rates. The discount can be applied to all-day regular priced tickets only.
www.bromley.com

Magic College Pass
Magic believes in keeping skiing affordable for all. That’s why their lift tickets are still below $60 and season passes are all below $500–with no restrictions. They also know that college students need even more relief from high costs. That’s why Magic offers college students the opportunity to test themselves all season long on the slopes of one of Vermont’s most challenging and fun ski areas for only $149.
www.magicmtn.com/seasonpass.php

Discounts at Suicide Six at the Woodstock Inn and Resort:
Home to the first rope tow in the United State, Suicide Six is a must for ski history buffs.  They offer 50% off lift tickets to college students – Monday through Friday, and non-holiday.
www.woodstockinn.com

Because starting salaries aren’t always sky high, here are a few options for the 20-something post graduate:

For20s Pass
Whether wrapping up college or on the job search, Sugarbush will cut you a deal with the For20s Season Pass. The $319 early bird rate ends September 12th..
www.sugarbush.com/vermont-skiing-snowboarding/season-passes

The Millennial Pass
The newest season pass from Okemo is designed specifically for the “20 something” to bridge the gap between college and the real world. And, there are no blackout dates.
www.okemo.com/okemowinter/ratesandrentals/lifttickets/seasonpasses/seasonpass_millennial.asp

20’s Midweek Pass
Hit up some of Vermont’s gnarliest terrain on the weekdays with Mad River Glen’s 20’s midweek pass. Skiers age 19 to 29 (as of Nov. 1, 2012) get a break as they establish themselves in the real world. Valid Monday through Friday all season with no holiday blackouts. Cost: $199 ($299 after Oct. 15)
www.madriverglen.com/deals/?Page=price.php

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