SAM Magazine-Denver, Aug. 15, 2008-The 2008-09 Colorado Gems Card, available in limited quantities for $10, provides access to special deals, discounts, programs and promotions at the nine Gem resorts. The benefits include one day of free skiing at three areas (restrictions apply), two-for-one lift tickets at four areas, and discounted tickets at six. The cards are currently available and will be mailed to purchasers in September. That's just in time for the start of two Gems' seasons: Loveland and Arapahoe have been the first to open nationwide in recent years, usually in mid October.

The nine resorts in the program are Arapahoe Basin, Eldora, Loveland Ski Area, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn Resort, Ski Cooper, SolVista Basin, Sunlight Mountain Resort, and new to the program for 2008-09, Echo Mountain. Full details of each area's offerings are at www.coloradoski.com/Resorts/Gems/GemsCard/

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