Aspen/Snowmass lift tickets

[DeeSki]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking around here for a while, but never posted before. I'm going to Aspen/Snowmass the first week in February and really looking forward to it. Am I right in thinking that the cheapest lift tickets are on the Aspen/Snowmass website at least 7 days in advance? Also they offer something called a "Gate card". It's only $5 extra, but I can't work out what it does or whether I need it. Thanks for any advice on this and any other tips for the area (staying in Snowmass).

 

[bklyn]

The least expensive (outside of a full season pass) would be about $40 per day, available by purchasing the Aspen Classic pass, but that offer has expired.

At this point, purchasing online is probably the best bet, or you could inquire with the place you're staying to see if they can bundle a competitive ticket deal. Some properties have very good packages to offer.

Some of the lifts now read a chip in the ticket if you get the add on. This should allow you to ski directly to the lift, a bit quicker than having the lift operator manually check your ticket. I'm going to use my pass for the first time that week, so I don't know if the new gates are actually saving much time. Hopefully an Aspen local will chime in.

I'll be there at the same time, send me a PM and we can ski together.

 

[Shannon D]

I have the RF chip in my pass and I don't think that is really saves any time at all. When we were there, weekend after Christmas, there were no lines at all anyway. Unlike Vail where they scan your chip through your clothing, you ski through a gate that senses your pass and the arm raises (think starting gates for racing). I constantly had to do the shimmy to get the pass reader to engage. Spend the $5 on a beer instead.

 

[DeeSki]

Thanks for the replies! I have to say, I never found it that much trouble to show my lift ticket at the gate and maybe I'm really lazy, but I sometimes welcome the rest when there's a short wait. I think I'll take Shannon's advice - there's me and Mr. DeeSki, so that's twice the beer!

 

[Robyn]

Not having to show lift tickets is a real blessing when dealing with kids. Trust me, trying to get your pass along with 4 kids passes dug out is a PITA and I really hope Copper gets the RF technology soon I can be done with it. Race day last week was so wonderful just having them scan through coats. :D

 

[DeeSki]

I bet! I'm in awe of anyone capable of dealing with four kids at a time!

 

[SnowHot]

I was at Aspen Snowmass last week. I was a bit surprised that we didn't encounter any lines. Even approaching the holiday weekend, it was quite calm.

You'll have fun at that mountain! Enjoy, and take lots of pics!

 

[DeeSki]

Thanks! I can't wait. I've never skied Aspen/Snowmass before and it looks fantastic. I'm hoping to get some practice in at Windham this weekend.

 

[Shannon D]

The area and the mountains are spectacular. You are going to have an awesome time!!!

 

[SnowHot]

I liked Snowmass best of all, then Highlands, then Aspen Mt.

If you are up to a little 2 or 3 minute hike and some small moguls, you need to do Long shot. It starts out with a nice glade run and funnels into a gorgeous trail that goes forever, with some bumped up areas along the way.

 

[DeeSki]

Now I'm really getting excited!

That run sounds amazing, SnowHot. It's a blue too, so it can't be too difficult - I'm still getting into moguls. I've bought my lift tickets, everything else is organised and now all I have to do is pack and try to concentrate on work for one more week! In the meantime, I have a day at Windham to practice tomorrow and I've pursuaded a friend to come for the first time. Life is good!