The NEW Tahoe Local Pass 2012/13

I have never been a fan of talking about the next season before the current season is even over but in this case it is definitely worth it. As you probably already know, Vail’s presence in Tahoe is now three mountain strong with the addition of Kirkwood to the already established Northstar and Heavenly. Next season, you can get a local pass for all three mountains at an absolute steal if you buy now. Here are the details:

On sale now
The new Tahoe Local Pass gives purchasers access to Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood seven days a week, and, like every year, now is the time to buy. You will be able to ride 3 mountains in Tahoe in 2013 for just $419 – 80 bucks cheaper than last season.

Before April 15
If you buy your pass before April 15 you will get the lowest guaranteed price and you only have to put down $49. Here are the early bird benefits:

• 6 Ski-With-A-Friend (SWAF) tickets – 2 more than last year.
• Only $49 down
• Lowest guaranteed price
• Summer 2012 lift access

Spring Benefits
Those of you who hike a lot in the summer will have access to the lifts with your new pass. Mountain bikers will have to pay an additional fee for the bike haul but will have access to the lifts too.

The small print
The good news is that with the new Tahoe Local Pass all Saturdays are included at all three resorts (cheers of delight). There are 11 blackout dates in total over the usual holiday weekends/weeks, most significantly Christmas from December 26-31, 2012.

Fast Pass Priority Lane Access
If you want to ski straight to the front of all the ski lines next season, purchase the Fast Pass. It is also available at a guaranteed low rate of $249 before April 15, 2012. This is in addition to your season pass and is not a lift pass, just a line hopper.

The Tahoe Value
The Tahoe Value pass is still available next season for those on a budget. It is $379 for all three mountains but only daily at Heavenly. Saturdays are blacked-out at Northstar and Kirkwood. Very worth it though if you do not have a fixed mid-week schedule.

As much as this season has been slow, it is a good idea to get your pass for next season now. The only way is up and you do not want to be left paying the bigger bill because you wanted to wait and see what happens with the weather. Have a little faith, be smart and be the early bird. Do the math, if you come 4 days next season, you will have had the worth out of your pass. 4 days? That is bound to happen.

See you on the mountain.

--Kate Thomas