Vail Resorts Inc. on Monday announced that the company’s pass partnership with Arapahoe Basin will end after the 2018-19 ski season. A new season pass, the Keystone Plus Pass, will replace the Keystone A-Basin Pass for the 2019-20 season and will include 10 buddy tickets for any passes purchased before the April deadline.
The new Keystone Plus Pass will provide unlimited access at Keystone with holiday restrictions, unlimited late spring skiing at Breckenridge after April 1 and five days at Crested Butte, with holiday restrictions, at a starting price of $369 for adults and $259 for kids. Together, the two Summit County resorts will offer one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country. Capital investments into Keystone Resort’s snowmaking will help to position the resort to be the first resort to open in the U.S., while Breckenridge Ski Resort just announced plans to regularly extend winter seasons through Memorial Day.
“We are excited to offer a new pass that provides skiing and riding from mid-October through Memorial Day at Keystone and Breckenridge, at an incredible value,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer for Vail Resorts. “We are also pleased to increase the number of Buddy Tickets that we offer pass holders, from six to ten, which allow pass holders to purchase a ticket for friends at up to 40 percent off window prices.”
In a separate press release, Arapahoe Basin—or A-Basin, as many call it—noted that the ski area has seen exceptional growth both in popularity and skier visitation after investing $40 million over the last 15 years. While the mountain still has plenty of room for skiers and riders, the ski area is feeling a pinch on parking and facility space. Due to these constraints, Arapahoe Basin believes its staff can take better care of its guests by separating from Vail Resorts.
“We are very proud of how wonderful Arapahoe Basin has become from the unparalleled skiing and riding to the incredible scenery. With diverse ski runs including some of the most intense terrain in North America and a culinary operation that is regularly listed among the top ten in the country, the ski area has developed a very special community that feels like home. In order to continue to build on this spirit and the experience we have created, Arapahoe Basin and Vail Resorts will not be renewing their pass partnership for the 2019/2020 season,” said Arapahoe Basin COO Alan Henceroth.
“Our focus has always been to provide an extraordinary mountain experience for our guests,” he added. “With consistent snowfall and one of the nation’s highest and most stunning settings, we offer an environment that is totally unique. From Montezuma Bowl to The Beavers and from Black Mountain Lodge to the 6th Alley Bar and Grill, there are few resorts that can match The Basin’s scenic landscape. Looking forward, we strive to provide ready and easy access for our guests. Our goal is to minimize waiting and crowding and maximize experiences and fun.”
Photo courtesy Arapahoe Basin
