Henniker, NH – Three local southern New Hampshire ski areas on Monday announced a new six-pack of lift tickets that spreads the love between all three, a shot taken across the bow of mega-resort conglomerates and combined passes that have become prevalent in the ski industry as of late.
The new $199 MiniMIX Pass is valid for a total of six days of skiing, two days each at three New Hampshire ski areas: Pats Peak, King Pine and McIntyre. Purchasers also get a snow tubing session at each resort as part of the deal. There are no blackout dates, add-on fees, or surcharges.
“The multi-area passes offered by the so-called ‘major resorts’ are over-hyped,” asserts King Pine President Robert Hoyt. “Our mission is to give skiers and snowboarders the chance to simplify life and save money. In this age of excess, skiing small with MiniMIX is a refreshing change to a high-speed, detached world.”
Kliff Blomback, Pats Peak General Manager, agrees and says that the smaller ski areas are a unique experience and offer great value. “The bigger-is-better approach comes with a price tag and it’s a bit misleading as well,” says Blomback, who points out that offering dozens of mountains and more than a hundred chairlifts is actually quite similar to the MiniMIX package. “No matter how big the resort, you can only ride one lift at a time and we offer that at a fraction of the cost and elevation.”
“Not Max, not Epic…just a BIG DEAL on snow,” the MiniMIX website touts.
Ten dollars from each MiniMIX pass will be donated to Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, a nonprofit organization that helps thousands of cats, dogs, and small animals find loving homes each year. Assistance is provided to people who love their pets, but are currently struggling to care for them. Outreach programs include a pet food pantry, low-cost spay/neuter clinics, and animal cruelty investigations.
Katie Schelzel, the League’s Director of Communications and Community Affairs, says that small ski areas have a tender heart. “It’s our experience that Pats Peak, King Pine, and McIntyre love kids, pets, and families as well as any of the corporate giants. A free puppy kiss comes with ever MiniMIX pass, subject to approval of the purchaser and availability of a puppy that can be found at the Rescue League headquarters in Bedford, N.H.”
Leaders at the three participating ski areas hope that value-conscious skiers and riders will gravitate to the new product. “There will be a strict limit of two million MiniMIX passes available for the 2015-16 season,” Ross Boisvert, Vice President and General Manager of McIntyre Ski Area, says with tongue firmly planted in cheek. “We don’t want to flood the market or do irreparable damage to the major resorts. We’re all in this together.”
To purchase the MiniMIX pass, check out www.SkiMiniMIX.com or visit any website of participating resorts.