As summer racks up some of the hottest days in years aroundmuch of the nation, tbrings some thoughts of cold winter weather. They recently announced a reduced fullseason pass price, slashing the 2010-11 full season pass prices by an unheard of 25% from last year, even taking finicky locals by surprise.
JHMR, nestledin the Teton Range in western Wyoming, is huge (4,139'), isolated, notoriously pricey, andhas in the past laid claim to one of the most expensive season passes in the US ($1,970). To add insult to injury, it has one of the shortest seasons—four months. Skiers willingly pay such a high price because the tram and the terrain it accesses is pretty hard to beat.
According to JHMR president Jerry Blann, skiers “have notseen prices this low in well over two decades.” This seems a wise development in accessibility; as the fullmountain pass price had inched its way up to just under $2,000, many localsbought 10 or 20 day passes or skipped it altogether and joined the super fitcrowd of backcountry ski tourers and mountaineers.
With the price reduction comes a name change; the MountainPass is now the Grand Pass,and if you move to Jackson Hole and ski every day of the season, you canactually ski for around $10 a day.Which is quite a steal.The$1,255 price tag, and other early season pass prices are in effect until August31st.
Admittedly, that number still may seem steep, but the product is a quality one-and at least this way, you might have some money left over to tryto blend in, and buy the local (runaway) favorite après cocktail…a nice, cold16 oz.. Seriously.Apparently, living and skiing here is fancy enough….
The base area bars take keeping stocked seriously, too. (photo: Mander)
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