SAM Magazine-Gilford, N.H., March 11, 2009-More and more resorts are selling next year's passes at this year's prices.

Gunstock, N.H., is one of the latest to make this offer. In addition, seniors will be given a break, with pricing the same as children. Unlimited season passes are $329 for adults and teens (13-64); seniors (65+) and children (6-12) are $219. Passholder events and benefits from local merchants continue to grow, and add value to the pass price. "We look at it as our own stimulus package to make sure that people continue to come out and play," says Bill Quigley, director of marketing and sales. Pass quantities are limited, and could sell out before May 3-after which, rates will significantly increase in any case.

Vail Resorts' Epic Season Pass returns for 2009-10, too, at last year's introductory prices of $579 for adults and $279 for children ages 5-12, for skiing and snowboarding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Arapahoe Basin. These low prices are guaranteed only through April 9. Buyers, though, can lock in these prices with a $49 payment, with the remainder due in September.

Epic Season Pass purchasers also receive exclusive offers and promotions for lodging, dining, ski rentals, equipment, ski school and special events and use RFID technology so that guests can keep their passes zipped inside their jackets while getting "scanned."

Okemo Mountain Resort season passes for 2009-10, available now, remain at this year's rates if purchased by April 30. The offer includes some passes that include Okemo's sister resorts, Mount Sunapee, N.H., and Crested Butte, Colo. Okemo's pass alliance with Vermont's Stratton Mountain continues next winter as well. Pass rates run from $209 (senior five-day midweek) to $1,259 (full adult pass, with lots of perks). For a slightly higher rate, skiers and riders can purchase a season pass for next winter that also includes the remainder of this season.

New for next season, Okemo's Sunday One-Day Pass is valid Sundays (excluding four peak blackout dates). When purchased before Oct. 12, prices are $299 for adults, $259 for young adults and seniors, and $199 for juniors and super seniors.

Bear Mountain, Calif., joins other areas that are offering free skiing for the remainder of the current season with the purchase of a 2009-10 pass. Prices start at $89 for children and $249 for adults, and the passes are valid for both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. "Our season passes pay for themselves in as little as four visits," said Chris Riddle, director of marketing for Big Bear Mountain Resorts.

Similarly, Schweitzer season passes for 2009-10 season will go on sale Sunday, March 15, and allow buyers to enjoy the rest of the 2008-09 season as well. If purchased before June 1, Schweitzer is offering season passes at the same prices as two seasons ago: unlimited passes are $599; weekday passes, $399.

Due to increasing demand for passes, weekday passes may be limited for next season-which may well spur more advance sales.

Early buying also earns access to all that Schweitzer has to offer through the summer, including scenic chairlift rides, access to mountain bike trails, huckleberry stashes, mountain top Frisbee golf, and more. \