In Australia there were three different approaches announced about a month before the season began in late June. VR did an early version of a reservation system that gave Epic passholders priority. It was supposed to apply to all three VR ski resorts but two had to close early due to changes in the state because of a major COVID-19 spike. Thredbo refunded all season passes, then went to purely advanced day tickets online with graduated discounted for passholders. The more days paid for, the cheaper the next batch of day tickets. Mt. Buller didn't limit season passholders at all, but it's a smaller and less popular resort.It does sound like they're prioritizing passholder access over day ticket access, which could be controversial, but is probably for the best. I don't think this would be a good "first season" for anyone.
You mostly ski midweek, correct? What happened at Perisher was that by mid-season there were no advanced reservations required midweek for Epic passholders. Just before that happened, pretty sure it was fairly straightforward to get a reservation a day or two beforehand.I’ve read the reservation section a couple of times and it still makes no sense to me how it will work. But they are sending something out on how to closer to the dates. I figure I should be grateful if I have the option to ski at all! That said I’m used to just wandering up to the mountain and hopping on a lift! And being a generally solo skier that may present its own issues. And I don’t have to worry about it for another couple of months anyway!
Can't remember which Australian resort said it, but there was some description that implied that someone who was a chronic "no show" would run the risk of not being able to get another reservation or lift ticket. Pretty easy to track with RFID passes.I also hope there is a multiple no show penalty - so people don’t just reserve in case they want to go and no show- leaving others unable to ski.
Aren't there also lift lines on weekends?Seems like it’s geared to managing powder day crowds - which at least in CO have become insane. If you buy in advance you don’t know which days are powder days.
Aren't there also lift lines on weekends?
Being a traveler who has to fly to ski at big mountains, it's less of an issue to decide what days to make a reservation. My trips are planned months in advance. If I catch a powder storm, that's just a bonus. But certainly want to be able to know that I'll be able to ride the lift before being fully committed for lodging and flights. Don't have an Epic pass though. We'll see what happens with Ikon resorts. I little more complicated given that Ikon covers Alterra owned resorts and independent resorts.
It's more than just "in the works." I assume the software that will be used for the N. American season is based on what's been in use in Australia since June. Hopefully with some tweaks and improvements being made in the next couple months. The advantage for VR is that they handle IT work in house. Software can always be improved or tested more.At least knowing Vail has a reservation system in the works
Sounds complicated. Isn’t there a team liaison who can negotiate on your behalf to make the pricing more attractive for you?Yikes! Wonder how this affects our kids on ski team. We're at the mountain every weekend and during all the holidays. The reservation system is going to make this really challenging!
- Pass holders will be required to make a reservation before arriving at the mountain.
- Throughout the season, pass holders will be able to make as many week-of reservations as their pass type and availability allow.
- The early season will be reserved for pass holders only. We will not sell lift tickets until Dec. 8.
- In addition to week-of reservations, we will also be providing pass holders with the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season (Dec. 8-April 4), or as many days of access as they have on their pass if less than seven. The booking window for Priority Reservation Days will open Nov. 6 and will be exclusive to pass holders until Dec. 7.
- As pass holders use their Priority Reservation Days, they can book new ones, maintaining up to seven (or however many days of access are remaining on their pass) at any time. In addition, pass holders can always make as many week-of reservations as they choose (or however many days of access are remaining on their pass).
- Families will be able to book reservations together if they are in the same pass holder account.