Vail Resorts’ CEO, Rob Katz, released a statement alongside the announcement, stating “Following the difficult decision to close our North American mountain resorts as a result of the unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we have been developing a comprehensive plan to address our pass holders’ concerns about the early closure this past season and provide improved coverage for the future. We are committed to providing the best passes in the ski industry and are focused on both honoring the loyalty of our guests and providing peace of mind for next season,”

Alongside the credit announcement, Vail Resorts has introduced their “Epic Coverage” program to give more protections to passholders, including allowing more reasons for a refund, including injury and job loss. As per the statement “We are redefining how we will protect season passes through the launch of ‘Epic Coverage.’ Epic Coverage is free for all pass holders and completely replaces the need to purchase pass insurance. Epic Coverage provides refunds in the unlikely event of certain resort closures (i.e. for COVID-19), giving pass holders a refund for any portion of the season that is lost. Additionally, Epic Coverage provides a refund for personal circumstances covered by our pass insurance for eligible injuries, job losses and many other personal events,”.

All in all, with these new developments and Epic Passes traditionally at their lowest prices the further out you buy them, now’s a great time to buy an Epic Pass. Use your credit in combination with promotional pricing to get the lowest possible price, all while knowing your pass is protected by Epic Coverage.

More Details from Vail Resorts

Purchase your Epic Pass

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New protocols are now in place to keep you and your families safe this winter while enjoying your vacation. The biggest change this year is the reservation system.

Reservation System

• Pass holders will be required to make a reservation before arriving at the mountain.
• Throughout the season, pass holders will be able to make as many week-of reservations as their pass type and availability allow. 
• The early season will be reserved for pass holders only. We will not sell lift tickets until Dec. 8. 
• In addition to week-of reservations, we will also be providing pass holders with the opportunity to book up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season (Dec. 8-April 4), or as many days of access as they have on their pass if less than seven. The booking window for Priority Reservation Days will open Nov. 6 and will be exclusive to pass holders until Dec. 7. 
• As pass holders use their Priority Reservation Days, they can book new ones, maintaining up to seven (or however many days of access are remaining on their pass) at any time. In addition, pass holders can always make as many week-of reservations as they choose (or however many days of access are remaining on their pass).
• Lift tickets (including Buddy and SWAF tickets) will go on sale on Dec. 8, with sales limited based on the number of spaces available for any given day after our exclusive pass holder reservation period. This season, lift tickets will be sold with a reservation for a specific resort on a specific date.
• Given the need to manage lift tickets sales, they will only be sold on our websites and through our call centers. You may only pick up your pre-purchased lift ticket at our ticket windows.

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Physical Distancing

• To maintain physical distancing on our chairlifts and gondolas, we will only be seating related parties (guests skiing or riding together) or: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of our larger gondola cabins.
• Vail is committed to opening all on-mountain restaurants. Food options in quick-serve restaurants will be limited and larger sit-down restaurants will be reconfigured to have a cafeteria-style approach. Seating capacity will be reduced in all restaurants and will be monitored.
• All payments on the mountain will be cashless. 
• Rental shops will be open this year with a strict limit on how many guests can be in the shop as well as face coverings will be required at all times. All equipment will be thoroughly sanitized before use. 
• Ski and Ride School will remain open with some slight changes. Group lessons will be maxed out at 6 people. For ages 5-6, those groups will be maxed out at 4 people and for younger riders, they will only be offered as a one-on-one. 

The post Crested Butte Winter 23/24 Operations Update appeared first on Crested Butte.

Locals and merchants around town were excited by the news, expecting a greater drive for tourism, rental, and restaurant business.

Vail also announced that their will be no reservation system next year, so you can use your pass as much as you want without any extra hurdles.

Visit EpicPass.com to buy your passes, then start planning next season’s trips!

The post Vail Resorts Announces a 20% Price Cut on Epic Passes appeared first on Crested Butte.

Last week, Crested Butte received a fresh coat of snow to help blanket the peaks of the resort.  All of the natural snow is helping to make a great snow pack.  The cooler temperatures have also allowed for the snowguns to work their magic adding in some more snow to help create the perfect base.  All of this will contribute to having ample and safe terrain open for the start of the ski season ahead.

In less than 3 weeks, Crested Butte officially opens the day before Thanksgiving, on Wednesday, November 27^th.  The anticipation and excitement can be felt throughout town as the locals are starting to pull out their ski gear and assessing if needing any equipment upgrades, etc.  The tuning shops are starting to power up tuning machines, while also playing good tunes as the positive vibe is felt all around town.

Are you ready for winter and do you have your pass or vacation planned?  Check out some great lodging options on www.vistingcrestedbutte.com.  For more information on lift tickets and passes, visit www.skicb.com.

We are excited to greet you on the mountain this winter at Crested Butte.  The beauty of the winter season is so stunning and will instantly make you feel the magic of this quaint Colorado mountain town.

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