Many skiers put money down on their yearly season ski pass in the spring to get the best deal. And because of COVID-19, Alterra Mountain Company, which runs the massive, multidestination Ikon pass, is offering a unique assurance plan for those who commit to season passes now.
For many skiers, springtime comes with a predictable chore — choosing and making a down payment for a season ski pass. And historically, resorts have incentivized early purchases with discounted rates and bonuses.
But the coronavirus pandemic canceled the end of the 2020 ski season. And with much uncertainty about how it will affect ski resorts this coming winter, some skiers are hesitant to put down big bucks.
So Alterra Mountain Company devised a solution. Put the money down on an Ikon season pass now, and if you need to put off skiing for the coming season, you can push the payment on to the 2021-2022 season.
Ikon Pass Adventure Assurance
This week, Alterra announced its Adventure Assurance. In essence, this means that 2020-2021 Ikon Pass holders will have the option to defer their pass to winter 2021-2022.
The Ikon Pass sales pitch put it this way in an email to customers:
“Adventure Assurance was designed to alleviate uncertainty and provide flexibility to 20/21 Ikon Pass holders by offering the choice to defer adventure to the following season for any reason with no fee. Regardless of 20/21 Ikon Pass purchase date, between September 10 and December 10, 2020, Ikon Pass holders can choose to defer the value of their 20/21 Ikon Pass toward any single Ikon Pass product available for the 21/22 winter season. For more details, please visit the Adventure Assurance page.”
Ikon Pass also announced double renewal discounts and extended deadlines for winter 20/21 to provide some value back to skiers and riders for the shortened 19/20 winter season. That means that 2020 pass-holders can get up to $200 off their next season pass. The lowest price for season pass down payments lasts until May 27, 2020.
“We understand skiers and riders may feel unsure about the future and it may be difficult to commit to adventures still months away,” said Erik Forsell, chief marketing officer for Alterra Mountain Company. “We hope this new option enables them to feel the confidence to purchase today or whenever they are ready.”
The Ikon Pass offers access to 41 global mountain destinations across the Americas, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Adult base passes start at $699, but current pass-holders purchasing before May 27 can save significantly off that rate. Sign in to your account at Ikon to learn more.