SAM Magazine-Telluride, Colo., July 14, 2009-While Telluride Ski Resort is keeping its base 2009-2010 season pass pricing the same as last season, those who buy early can receive substantial discounts. For example, if four adults purchase season passes (the 4Pass) together during the annual Pass Sale Aug. 3 to Oct. 30, the price drops to the 2007 rate of $998. An individual adult season pass will cost $1,198 when purchased before Oct. 30, a savings of 35 percent off the $1,850 that applies after that date.

Telluride pass prices for the young, old, and students are perhaps the best bargains in town during the Pass Sale period. Junior passes (ages 13-18) are $175 and the kids' rate (ages 6-12) is $125, a savings of 70 percent. Senior passes (age 65+) are $499. With proof of 12 credit hours at an accredited college, College Passes cost $299 prior to Oct. 30, compared to the $725 regular price. Children five and under pay only a $25 processing fee for a season pass.

All these season passes offer unrestricted skiing and riding. As an added benefit, purchasers of College, Adult and Senior passes will also receive a free subscription to Ski Magazine.

Passholders and others will have access to new terrain, too: the area is opening Gold Hill Chutes 2-5. This follows the opening of Gold Hill Chutes 6-10 in 2007-08, and the Chute 1 opening in 2008-09. Chutes 2-5 offer wide-open, above treeline couloirs and chutes dropping 1,600 vertical feet. The resort added two WWII area howitzers last season to facilitate control of this terrain, which will open as conditions allow.