Skico springs discounts on 24,000 pass holders
Aspen Times Staff Writer
The Aspen Skiing Co. has mailed coupons good for spring deals to about 24,000 pass holders to show its appreciation for their business.
“We’ve never done anything like it before,” said Skico spokesman Jeff Hanle. “We decided to do something to honor our pass holders, who are our most loyal customers. The reasoning behind it was … we don’t do enough for our pass holders.”
Everyone from the buyer of the Premier Pass, good for unlimited skiing, to the purchaser of the Classic Pass, good for four days during the season plus two at Thanksgiving, received the “Spring into Aspen/ Snowmass!” promotion in the mail, he said.
“We’ve actually talked about doing this off the bat next year,” Hanle said. “Maybe you’ll see something a little sooner next year.”
The flier includes a printed letter inside from David Perry, Skico senior vice president, addressed to the pass holder by name, thanking the individual for their continued support.
Six coupons offer various deals: a discounted one-day lift ticket for a family member or friend, 10 percent off lunch at various on-mountain restaurants (none are on Aspen Mountain), 20 percent off Aspen/Snowmass logo wear; 25 percent off a small-group lesson at any of the four mountains; 15 percent off Mountain Photo frames or photos; and 10 percent off breakfast or lunch at the Sage Bistro and Bar at the Skico’s Snowmass Club. The pass holder’s name is printed on each coupon.
The lift ticket discount is good for a $59 ticket between March 15-31 and a $39 ticket from April 1-11. Since the Skico anticipates strong tourist business right up to its April 11 closing on Easter Sunday, it won’t be cutting back on the price of its $72 walk-up lift ticket price for the last few weeks of the season, Hanle said.
The Skico will stick to its April 11 closing this year, whether snow conditions permit a longer season or not, Hanle added. With the early Easter date, the Skico doesn’t anticipate much business after the holiday. In addition, the company wants to get to work on Aspen Mountain, where it will replace the FIS lift this year.
Aspen Mountain and Snowmass will close April 11. The final day of the season at Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk is April 4.
[Janet Urquhart’s e-mail address is janet@aspentimes.com]
Hanukkah has arrived in Aspen
Members of the valley’s Jewish community gathered at the Albright Pavilion at Aspen Meadows Thursday for their second annual menorah lighting ceremony to celebrate and acknowledge the first day of Hanukkah.
