“Tis the season!”
An introduction to the 2022-23 Ski Season.
The most exciting time of the year is arriving! Whether you have been skiing by the time you could walk or you have never buckled into a ski boot, I hope you find this article helpful in preparing and getting you hyped for the 2022-23 season, get ready!
I had the privilege to grow up in the mountains of southwest Colorado, where I lived as soon as the first snowflake fell, skiing unfailingly moved to top priority on everyone’s schedules.
The ski community is beautiful and definitely a lot of fun, but most of all, it is welcoming. All experienced skiers want to help the inexperienced get on the slopes and feel the solitude of shredding the mountain. So if you are a first timer and feel lost or even nervous on how to get started, I am here to help. I will explain how to get to the mountains from campus, recommend necessary gear, list different ski clubs you could join, analyze different ski pass options, and list a bunch of other fun tips. To all, get excited, get hyped, and take notes, let’s go!
First, we are gonna lay out some opening dates, A.K.A. the best day ever. Due to weathers unpredictable nature, take into consideration these are all estimated dates from ressorts.
| Copper (Frisco CO) | November 19th 2022 |
| Keystone (Summit County CO) | November 1st 2022 |
| Eldora (Boulder CO) | November 18th 2022 |
| Breckenridge (Breckenridge CO) | November 11th 2022 |
| Purgatory (Durango CO) | November 19th 2022 |
| Alta (Salt Lake City UT) | December 9th 2022 |
| Steamboat (Steamboat CO) | November 23rd 2022 |
| Arapahoe Basin (Dillon CO) | October 22nd 2022 |
| Winter Park (Winter Park CO) | November 16th 2022 |
| Vail (Vail CO) | November 11th 2022 |
| Monarch (Chaffee CO) | November 23rd 2022 |
| Telluride (Telluride CO) | November 24th 2022 |
| Wolfcreek (Pagosa Springs CO) | October 29th 2022 |
| Jackson Hole (Teton Village WY) | November 25th 2022 |
| Powder Horn (Grand Junction CO) | December 3rd, 2022 |
| Crested Butte (Crested Butte CO) | November 23rd 2022 |
| Snowmass (Aspen CO) | November 24th 2022 |
Second, you need a pass to ski, so let’s take a look at the options: IKON, Epic and Eldora.
There is a continuous debate whether the Ikon or Epic pass is better. Personally and according to majority skiers/snowboarders at CU Boulder, the Ikon pass is for the win. I compared the Ikon and Epic pass below for your own review.
IKON
You can obtain a discounted Ikon pass as a Boulder college student from an abundance of clubs listed below. Click the links attached to some of the club names to find out how.
- CU Backcountry
- CU Anschutz Shrederzz
- CU Anschutz Student Senate
- CU Boulder Freeride
- CU Freeskiing Team
- CU Skiers and Snowboarders
- CU Snowboard Team
- Naropa Ski and Ride Club
- Red Rocks Adventure Program
- Young Life College at CU Boulder
There is also the option for a 10% discount when you type in “Colorado University of Boulder” at checkout in the “Waivers & Access” step– (https://verify.sheerid.com/ikon-pass-student/)
The discounted pass versions of Ikon and their prices are below. The “Ikon Pass” is most recommended for its value. But, make sure you read about each version to decide what appeals most to you.
| W/H COLLEGE DISCOUNT APPLIED (Beware prices may vary based on age. The prices listed below are for Ages 13-22)
Ikon Pass = $669 USD (recommended) Ikon Base Pass = $469 USD Ikon Session Pass 2-Day = $245 USD Ikon Session Pass 3-Day = $309 USD Ikon Session Pass 4-Day = $379 USD |
This pass includes discounted food/beverage, retail and lodging. Plus, discounted tickets for your friends and family and Adventure Assurance if you were to get hurt or COVID-19 related closures occurred.
PRICES WILL INCREASE STARTING NOVEMBER
VS
EPIC
There are no discounts available through the school when purchasing the Epic pass. Overall the College Epic pass is cheaper but keep in mind it does not include Eldora mountain- local to Boulder! Yet, the Epic pass does include the amazing Crested Butte resort!
| The prices listed below are for Ages 13+
College Pass = $591 USD (recommended) Epic Pass = $879 USD Epic Local Pass = $655 USD Epic Day Pass = $56-$324 USD PSA prices will start increasing October 9th 2022! |
This pass includes “Epic Mountain Rewards”: 20% off food, lodging, lessons, rentals and 50% off tune-up and one free wax at select locations. Plus, discounted tickets for your friends and family and Epic Coverage if you were to get hurt or COVID-19 related closures occurred.
The finale of the EPIC vs. IKON pass:
RESORTS IN THE ROCKIES |
EPIC |
IKON |
|---|---|---|
| Eldora | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Jackson Hole, WY | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Breckenridge | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Copper | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Vail | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Crested Butte | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Keystone | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Steamboat | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Arapahoe Basin | ❌ | ✔️(limited) |
| Snowmass | ❌ | ✔️(limited) |
| Winter Park | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Park City, UT | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Alta, UT | ❌ | ✔️(limited) |
We asked CU Boulder Students on Instagram, here is what they have to say…
ELDORA
|
College Alpine under age 26 = $499 USD (recommended) Adult Alpine Full age 23+ = $719 USD Adult Alpine Weekday age 13+ = $439 USD Young Adult Alpine age 13-22 = $539 USD |
Eldora’s Alpine Season Passes include friends & family discounts on full-price day tickets (10 days at 25% off the window ticket rate, pass holder must be present), and 15% off food, beverage, retail, and gear rentals.
*The Indy Pass is also worth checking out especially if you prefer to cross country/nordic ski.
Third, it’s now time to discuss all the ski transportation options available to CU Boulder students.
BUS:
Ticket price: $20 ($10 for subscribers to the HLC email list).
There are a limited number of Ski Bus tickets available for each trip. Trips will often sell out far in advance. Some standby tickets are available for purchase on the morning of each trip (even on sold-out trips).
Rotating cast of resorts, including Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper, Winter Park, Beaver Creek, and Vail.
When activated for the 2022-23 season check out this link to purchase/learn more about the tickets.
ONLY RUNS ON WEEKENDS
Williams Village 6AM
Kittredge 6:15 AM
Franklin Field 6:30 AM
View this link to see where the bus stops are located.
RTD:
Board the Ski-n-Ride Route NB/NB1/NB2 to Eldora from the Downtown Boulder Station at 14th and Walnut.
Winter Park Express transports skiers and snowboarders from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort.
Snowstang provides 40 days of service to four ski areas: Loveland Ski Area, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, and Steamboat Resort and Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs. The bus service runs on Saturdays and Sundays, plus the Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents Day holidays. Passengers can board at Denver Union Station or the Denver Federal Center. Ticket Price = $25
Summit Express is Copper’s official ground transportation provider. This shuttle service provides daily service to and from Denver International Airport.
GROUP ME/GROUP CHATS: Consider joining the GroupMe chats of CU Boulder ski clubs. Often people going up to the mountain will post a chat offering a seat in their car to anyone. This is also a great way to try and find a group of ski friends!
TREADSHARE: Colorados Carpooling App aims to reduce traffic clogs and help the environment! This app designed by Erwin Germain aims to reduce Colorado’s mountain traffic during winter. ThreadShare connects drivers and passengers heading the same direction so that they can share a route and split the associated costs.There is no extra fees, you are just dividing the cost with the driver and/or other passengers. Prices are set below the IRS mileage reimbursement rate- below $0.56 per mile. Trips must be at least 23 miles but this minimum is waived for trips that begin and end at a ski area. Any trip must be posted by a driver and booked by a passenger roughly 2 hours before. You can drive to ski at a cheaper cost or just catch a ride!
UBER- Uber is always an option. Split the cost with friends but make sure you are scheduling a car equipt to fit all your bulky gear!
Fourth, there are so many stellar ski clubs promising fun and begging you to join, let’s check some out!
- CU Backcountry Club
- Boulder Freeride
- Backcountry Squatters
- Freeskiing (recreational)
- CU Ski and Snowboard Club
- Boulder Nordic Ski Club
- Colorado Biathlon Club
- CU Alpine Club
- CU Snowriders
- CU-Boulder Snowboarding Team
- SheJumps at CU
Fifth, gearhead time! Where you find the cheapest rentals in Boulder and some recommendations if you wanna purchase your own skis this year.
RENTALS
| Christy Sports
2000 30th St. Boulder, CO, 80301 Rentals available starting October 7th 2022 |
Seasonal Rentals vary from $229-$279 USD. Cheaper the price, the more beginner packages you will receive ($ range applies to both ski and snowboard rentals). |
| Crystal Ski Shop
1933 28th St. Boulder, CO 80301 Rentals available now |
Seasonal Rentals-
Adult Economy Ski Package= $175 USD Adult Sport Ski or Board Package= $210 USD Adult Demo Ski or Board Package= $265 USD |
| REI
1789 28th St. Boulder, CO 80301 Rentals available starting mid to late October 2022 |
No season rentals, REI charges by a nightly rate! So if you are just looking to ski for the weekend… this is perfect!
Basic Package Rate= Initial $28 and $17 for each additional day (ski or snowboard) Premium Package Rate= Initial $48 and $28 for each additional day (ski or snowboard) These prices are member prices. Nonmembers are expected to pay an additional $100-200 USD deposit with rental. |
| Eldora | Adult Package
Season Rental = $279 USD |
| Park Specific: Faction Prodigy, most Atomic, Armada ARV series
Most underrated: Moment, 1000 Skis or Liberty The Holy Grail: Bent Chetlers by Atomic, Tracers by Armada, Mantras by Völkl Amazing Skis with the coolest top sheets: J Skis or Icelantics Never fails: Salomon QST editions or Black Crow Camox “Females” have been loving the: Black Pearls by Blizzard, Blackop Stargazers by Rossiligal and Honey Bee by Line. “Males” have been loving the: Head Kore, 4FRNT MSP and Rustler or Bonafide by Blizzard. Intermediate Ski: K2 Mindbenders Beginner Ski: Dynastar M-Pro In the Backcountry: Agents by Faction and most Black Crows Honorable Mentions: Nordica Enforcers and Reliance series by Armada |
Sixth, Free Eldora pass anyone?
Working at a ski resort is one of the best decisions I ever made. I was a ski technician at my local mountains rental shop during my four years of High School. I worked with my best friend and when we were not attending customers we were shredding on the new ski demos next door, watching ski movies with fellow employees while eating waffle fries and discussing each other’s upcoming ski trips while scrolling through new gear drops.
As a ski resort employee you earn access to a variety of opportunities. Some examples specific to Eldora include a free season pass, 50% off food, 40% off retail, pass vouchers for friends and families, “real deals” A.K.A free day passes to 16 other resorts, free beginner lessons, end-of-season bonuses, free employee transportation, access to pro deals via exclusive aps, free tune ups/wax, and for year round employees- medical, dental and vision insurance! Not to mention you meet the coolest people who also love and admire skiing or snowboarding as much as you. If you want a free season pass while earning some cash, be sure to check out this link, ski resorts almost always have open positions available.
IGNITE ADAPTIVE SPORTS
Do a good deed, get those volunteer hours, and earn a season pass to Eldora. For prospective volunteers, attending one session of the Volunteer Orientation and Training is mandatory. At orientations you will learn the amount of volunteer sessions you need to complete before earning your ski pass (could vary between 5 to 12 days depending on their layout for the 2022-23 season).
Orientation Times/Dates: Tuesday Oct. 29th 6-8pm
Wednesday Oct. 26th 6-8pm
Saturday Oct. 29th 10am-Noon
This is such a great opportunity to help those with disabilities experience the beautiful sport of skiing/snowboarding. Ignite Adaptive Sports states: “Our mission is to ignite personal growth, independence, and confidence in people with disabilities on the Front Range, and in surrounding mountain and Northern Colorado communities, by providing caring, safe, and fun adaptive winter snowsports opportunities”.
Make sure to check out this amazing opportunity!
Last but not least, 15 Tips and Tricks to consider:
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XOXO
Angelina Kondrat
