SAM Magazine-Newry, Maine, Mar. 3, 2008-Loon Mountain, Sunday River and Sugarloaf, all managed by Boyne USA, are offering a three-area New England Pass for the 2008-09 winter season. The New England Pass goes on sale Mar. 7 and offers $50 bonus savings to holders of the three resorts' current multi-area passes, the Threedom Pass (Loon) and Maine Pass (Sunday River and Sugarloaf), as well as free spring skiing to new pass purchasers starting Mar. 23.

The New England Pass follows the release of the recently reconfigured and relaunched Threedom Pass, with which it will surely compete. The Threedom Pass includes New Hampshire resorts Waterville, Cranmore, and Bretton Woods (which replaces Loon in the lineup for 2008-09; see earlier Breaking News for details).

New England Pass prices start at $349 and offer access to a total of 305 trails, 1,644 acres, 13 terrain parks, and 5 super/halfpipes, served by 45 lifts. Passholders also gain additional benefits at sister Boyne resorts, including Big Sky, Mont. Current pass holders at Loon Mountain, Sunday River and Sugarloaf who upgrade or maintain an unrestricted pass (Gold or Anytime) or certain restricted passes (Silver or Limited Edition) will save an additional $50 when they purchase their 2008-09 New England Pass through April 30.

 

Three levels are offered. The Bronze Pass ($349) is an all-ages pass offering midweek, non-holiday access to all three resorts. The Silver Pass ($599) offers everyday access except for 12 black-out dates. The Gold Pass ($899) offers unrestricted access. Teen and junior versions of the Gold and Silver Passes, plus a Gold Pass for seniors, are also available. College New England Passes valid at all three resorts will be announced at a later date.

 

 "We've been excited about this product ever since bringing Loon Mountain, Sunday River and Sugarloaf into the Boyne Resorts family," said Stephen Kircher, president of Boyne Resorts' eastern operations. "We want to reward our current season pass holders while inviting new skiers and riders to check us out."