Hidden Valley Ski Resort is using a tried-and-true method for increasing traffic on its slopes: It’s cutting prices.
And not just a little. The cost of a season pass has been lowered from $530 to $200 for adults, a cut of about 60 percent. Junior passes have been cut to $150, down from the old rate of $365.
“We wanted to give something back and to provide our guests with a new level of value at Hidden Valley,” says James Kettler, CEO of the family-owned resort.
The tactic is working, the resort indicates, with sales of season passes up well over the level of the same time last year. If it’s a good winter for the resort, with lots of snow and cold weather, the high traffic will bring more than lift ticket revenue.
No doubt mild winters have hurt Hidden Valley and other ski resorts in the region. The season passes, at more attractive lower prices, could coax skiers and would-be slope sliders to make their purchases early. With single lift passes hitting the $40 or $50 level, skiers presumably would get their money’s worth in about four trips.
How to reach: Hidden Valley Resort, www.hiddenvalleyresort.com or (877) 321-9685
Ray Marano