SAM Magazine - Vail, Colo., October - In the wake of headlines around the globe proclaiming an economic meltdown, resorts are scrambling to bolster business via a wide variety of creative discounting programs from burritos to free lift tickets. The discounts are as varied as the resorts that offer them, but all have a singular purpose: to bring guests to the slopes and to fill the beds at the bases of ski resorts around the nation.

In Wrightwood, California, Mountain High has teamed up with Wahoo's Fish Tacos and Signal Snowboards to offer lift ticket discounts to the Southern California ski and snowboard resort. While Wahoo's is known for their fish tacos and burritos, there's no purchase required to pick up a coupon for $10 off Mountain High at any Southern California's Wahoo's. The promotion is enhanced by a contest for a custom Signal Snowboard Package that includes a 2009 Signal snowboard, Signal clothing, and a 2008-09 Mountain High season pass.

Vermont's Killington is promoting "Killington's Economic Stimulus Plan." The program allows customers to save up to $100 off a season pass merely by presenting a receipt for $25 of purchases at any Killington Chamber of Commerce member through December 15.

"This is a continued effort by the resort to partner with the Killington Chamber and create our own economic stimulus plan," said Chris Karr, president of the Killington Chamber of Commerce. "We are confident this will motivate additional skiers and snowboarders to commit to the Killington Region this winter."

In the Rocky Mountain region, several resorts are offering early booking incentives, including New Mexico's Angel Fire. That ski resort is offering a variety of products including new season pass discounts, winter vacation packages and early booking incentives. Products include a pre-season special on 2008-2009 adult season passes which are $200 less than the normal price, Student, Military and Junior season passes for $199, which is a savings of $100 off the regular price. The season pass promotions are complemented by a variety of other discounts including Fuel for the Mountains ($199 per person includes three nights lodging, 2 days of lift tickets, 2 breakfasts per person and a $50 gas card) and the ski area's Kids Stay, Ski & Eat Free (Based on double occupancy. Two kids per room get free lodging and lift tickets. Free breakfast and lunch - one free kid per paying adult).

Farther north, Grand Targhee is promoting the resort's Powder 8 Pack, which gives skiers and snowboarders eight non-transferable lift tickets valid any day during the 2008-09 season. Priced at $399, the promotion allows adults (ages 13-64) to ski for around $49 per day, while college students pay $299 making each day just over $37. Senior citizens 65+ and juniors 6-12 pay $199 and ski for less than $25 per day.

"In developing our pricing strategy for this winter we wanted to be sure we kept the local market in mind," says John Urdi, resort marketing and sales director. "This product allows people from Jackson to Idaho Falls and beyond a chance to enjoy all that winter has to offer without breaking the bank."

In Maryland, Maryland's Wisp Resort and Pennsylvania's Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort have announced a joint venture offering their season passholders one complimentary full day non-holiday lift ticket along with a 50% discount off regularly priced lift tickets for their additional visits to the other resort. The offer is available Sunday - Friday during the 2008-2009 winter season, excluding holiday periods.

When looking at these and other products offered across North America, some trends emerge. Many of the deals, particularly when it comes to discounted tickets or accommodations, expire by the end of November. Many others - such as Targhee's Powder 8 Pack - are intended to keeping customers coming back throughout the season. Finally, nothing beats having great snow. If the snow comes, resorts will find enthusiastic customers for all of their discounted products.

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