Pricing and Product Development Input

It Doesn't Matter said:

Give some of your profits from your record season back to the people by lowering season pass prices. This investment in your customer base will tremendously increase skier visits and therefore the amount of money spent at the resort, the amount of people they bring with them, and probably increase the number of season passes bought. This in turn, combined with a good snow season would increase skier visits from even last year, and even if the snow isnt that good, at least you will still have more people coming up to the resort. Many ski resorts have offered $199 or $299 season passes and have had tremendous results and success.

There should also be some sort of daily midweek internet promotion. Those seem to work well, even if it is just a discount on food or some other services. An incentive to check the website and get excited about something.

On a side note, please update your ski reports much more frequently and accurately.

# June 16, 2006 1:10 PM

Colin said:

The 4x400 was nice but a kind of a hassle. I have lots of friends who are skiers but waffle about buying a seasons pass. I alway managed to get a group of 3. I wish there was a clearing house website or something like that where I could find other partners...sounds like a dating service.
For my group of friends it is not the $400 that mattered so much but rather the idea that you were 'commiting' yourself to one resort. They get out about 10 times each winter which is pretty decent for families and they like to also go down to Mt Bachelor or take a week at a totally different resort. So that makes it 6 times that they can really commit to MHM...not good enough to convince them to shell out for a seasons pass.
May be for these people, who are just outside your 4x400 core group, you need to offer a product that is a 5x pass with an option for extension. However, the 5x or 10x passes that you already have don't create the same mentality that a seasons pass creates. The seasons pass is:
a) flexible
b) if I don't ski today, I can ski tomorrow
c) if I ski 2 runs today, I can ski tomorrow.
d) there's no pressure to ski from opening to close.
e) I don't mind spending time on the mountain with friends and beginners.
f) I don't mind coaching people and helping them out on the mountain.

Just some random thoughts.

# June 16, 2006 9:44 PM

jaoshuu said:

Single tickets $40.

Give multi-ticket(pass) purchasers a break. 10 time $325 (anytime in the season). Before a certain date (Thanksgiving) $275-$285.

Wouldn't purchase a season pass so no comment.

The spring season pass was a perfect price and great deal.

Let the prices be for any purchaser, no '4x4' requirement, etc.

Had a great season, thanks for Super Bowl and staying open so late.

# June 16, 2006 10:34 PM

Nate said:

I think you should lower the season pass...or lower the 10 time pass... Also, maybe consider a season pass for use during spring break and winter break times....or something like that...but anyhting lower season passes...something similar where if you had a season pass theyear before you get a discount...on top of the lower priced. Gas is expensive so a break in prices would help...maybe instead of $300 for a season pass special...do $250. That would excite me...

Also if you lower the season prices...keep the regular tickets the same price...but have a more flexible 3 ticket combo or something...more people would be likely to buy the combo or the lower priced season pass. Which would bring more people...

# June 16, 2006 11:23 PM

Walt said:

I agree with the comment posted,or maybe 35.00 or 40.00 ticket prices.A family of four costs,with fuel,food and everything I am priced out of the market.Also acomment on last blog,what happened to grooming at 4:00 for nite skiing.That is about what I can afford but it was so skied out I gave up comming at all

# June 16, 2006 11:24 PM

Jeff C said:

Hello Dave, Wow, I'm already imagining some of the crazy comments you are going to get with this question you've asked.....lol. Sure, we would all love to see dirt cheap pass prices but if you don't make a profit you can't keep operating. I paid $400 for my pass(4x4)and $200 for my daughters pass(2x2). I went 45+ times and she went 20+ times. That made for a pretty cheap price per day.
What I would like to see is being able to get the group rate again without having to form or join a group again. If you miss a season then you have to start over and do the group thing again.
Also, the 10% credit you gave to us pass holders as a thank you gesture for coming back again after the previous bad season was awesome. Was real nice to be able to just flip out the pass at the lodge for various services. I would like you to expand on that and offer us the opportunity to purchase credit when we purchase our passes and at any time throughout the season. Nice to not have to carry the wallet and worry about loosing it.

# June 16, 2006 11:28 PM

Faith said:

A cheaper 10 time pass that is only good on weekdays would be really cool. That would encourage more people to use the resort mon-fri. I would come skiing during the work week if it was cheaper.

# June 17, 2006 2:36 AM

tyler said:

give free passes to people who have bought passes the last three seasons. and use the extra money you guys got to improve environmental standards and park standards. more parks more jumps!

# June 17, 2006 3:10 AM

Ohlaph said:

Dave,

In my own opinion, your current prices need to drop some, but not much. Just make the 4x4 actually “$400 by 4 people”. Keep your prices set for a few years, and allow your new snow community to gradually cultivate. Since the introduction of the 4x4, I’ve seen the mountain community grow from hardcore boarders and skiers to people who just do it for fun and can actually afford to learn, thanks to lower pricing on season passes! Like I said, lower the 4x4 to $400, then freeze the prices for a few years and you will be doing such a remarkable favor to your customer base!

Thanks for an amazing season!

Ohlaph

# June 17, 2006 7:29 AM

concerned ski dude said:

I would like to see you give a discounted pass to 05/06 pass holders. The 4x4 and other passes seem like a good deal to me. If you make the price to much lower it will probably atract way more people and we don't need it to get more crowed than it already is. Maybe for an incentive for previous pass holders to signup again you could give us a discount on the money that we could put on our passes so we could buy discounted food ect. So like if we wanted to put $50 on our pass only charge $40 to do it. Just a thought. On a side note how about spending some of this years profits on opening more runs for night skiing?

# June 17, 2006 7:54 AM

Anjie said:

I think a reasonable price for the lifts is between $30-35. But if there is a really special event then maybe could charge a little more.

# June 17, 2006 8:35 AM

Cathy said:

To be honest, it's been a while since i've skied locally because of price, so i don't remember what prices are (except for special Girl Scout Days); but I think that if prices were like $20-25 across the board, many more people would come to ski much more often! At this price, throw out all discounts (except for military discounts! Too many places think that if they raise their prices, they will of course get more money as an end result, but that causes the masses to not purchase the "item". Actually, if prices were lowered, more people would not only want, but actually purchase your product! At $20, many more high-schoolers could afford to go - they also eat a lot (more $).
As for this other guy's responce, I've never heard of a $200 season ticket, but I would certainly buy one for each of my family members!
At the above listed prices, my family would be skiing locally ALL THE TIME!
Thanks for the special Girl Scout Days in the past!!!!!
Please fix the food area! It's way too crowded and slow!
THANKS FOR ASKING OUR OPINIONS!!!!!!!

# June 17, 2006 8:49 AM

stephen schneider said:

I think the whole 4 x 4 pricing system is an unnecessary nuisance. Anyone should be able to go online and buy the pass at the same price as your planned 4 x 4. Why force customers to jump through hoops to get the price? The messages boards are filled with ads to "arrange" groups of complete strangers who never meet each other just to get the price. Frankly, we all have better things to do with our time. Decide on the best price you can afford to give and let us buy it in the most convenient manner. For an area like the Meadows with a typical season of 5 months - plus occassional extra's of a month or so -I think $495 is about right - and then offer a $50 - $100 discount for purchase BEFORE the close of the previous season! Also - offer a midweek only pass - like Timberline does - for about half price. You need to increase traffic on non-holiday weekdays and maybe reduce traffic on big weekends and that should help a lot.

# June 17, 2006 8:58 AM

NIck said:

Family deals would be great. The present kid ski/Disney room service was great. Really liked dropping the kids off to learn fundamentals while I was able to really ski. However, how many $300 days can I afford? (2 kids @ $80, 2 adults @$50 plus lunch). It should be better next year as the lessons won't be so important and we've been getting equipment. A daily family pass for $100-$125 would be nice. Family multi-passes would be good as well. Family learn to ski packages might also be good.

# June 17, 2006 9:13 AM

Don't Hate Me said:

Meadows is already too crowded on the weekends. Until you can increase your capacity for parking, lifts and dining space, I see no reason to cut prices and encourage more people on the weekends. You should focus on improving the quality of the experience rather than increasing the quantity of people you can cram into the resort on weekends and holidays.
Midweek is a whole different story. You could use more specials and promotions to increase the weekday visits.

# June 17, 2006 9:15 AM

Barry said:

I would love to see a daily family rate - e.g., a flat price for a family of 4 or more of $120 or $125. My sense of the skiing community at large is that families can't ski every weekend due to other commitments and the overall cost. They can only afford to do on an occasional basis, and they certainly can't ski on weekdays. Further, if one or more of the kids is racing, you can't really buy a season pass anywhere, let alone Meadows. Most families are therefore not going to buy season passes. But, if they want to ski at Meadows five or six times a year, a flat rate daily family pass makes much more economic sense, and creates untold good will for Meadows. Finally - PLEASE figure out how to issue actual tickets over the internet. Certainly, if airlines and other ticket vendors can do it, so can Meadows. Buying on-line at a discount - slight as it is - is nice, but then you still have to wait in the ticket line on the mountain to get the acutal pass. The efficiencies for the customer are lost. Thanks!

# June 17, 2006 9:24 AM

Woodie said:

How about a family day pass? With the high prices for a daily pass, for many families it is too expensive to bring the family every weekend.
If you did a 4 for the price of 3, just for families, many of us would skip the drive to Bachelor. Or maybe make it 25% off for families so that not matter the size, a discount would apply.
Also, skip the group pass prices for the season tickets. It's not fair for newbies to the area who need to get up to the mountain more often to make more of what we have, and a big hassle for everyone else. Just give everyone a lower price on tickets and we will all be there more often to eat and drink more.

# June 17, 2006 10:11 AM

Steve said:

Unfortuantly I am one of those who can not benefit from a "season" pass because my work schedule is so chaotic. I never know at the beginning of the season how much time I'll have to be able to bring the family and I skiing. What I would like to see is some sort of "frequent Ski program" something like once you buy four tickets the fifth is free..
With the technology now days it would be easy to track.

# June 17, 2006 11:20 AM

Gary Harris said:

Thanks for a great season. Props to you Dave and all the staff. Much respect for patrollers.

Please keep the 4X4 pass deal.

Parks keep gettin better each season.

Gary

# June 17, 2006 11:26 AM

dude said:

you should have discounted tickets for college students. Mt Bachelor does it, which is a major draw for college kids. People of college age probably enjoy skiing more than any age group, however have the least amount of money (even less than highschool kids.
Sweet, take care.

# June 17, 2006 11:26 AM

Ben said:

Your Weekday annual pass was way more expenisve then your competitor - Timberline Lodge. I wish you would be able to match them; you will have more customers next season if you would. Your promotion online one day pass was awesome, I wish you keep this promotion next season.

Thank You.

# June 17, 2006 12:23 PM

Sam said:

I think the $44 pricepoint is a good one. The lifts are already crowded on weekends, and pushing the price down more for weekends will just make everyone less happy in the end. I would rather pay $10 more and have it be somewhat less crowded.

On the flipside, I think having midweek deals and spring deals is what needs to happen. Somehow even the load between weekends and weekdays. I can't comment on the 4x4 pass, since I haven't owned one, but I think the 3x3 is a much better idea. Perhaps you should drop the 4x4 and make the 3x3 groups bigger. Teens don't like to spend money to come up, but if a lot of them convince friends to buy passes for cheap, they will come.

I like the idea of having passholder benefits. Rather than lowering the price of passes, I like the idea of giving 15% free when loading passes up with spending money. I think if you had to do it in $50 increments at the time of purchase for your pass, it would be a good way to bring in extra revenue from people who otherwise may bring brown-bag lunches.

# June 17, 2006 12:33 PM

Danny said:

Some interesting comments, I'll add TWO new ideas.

The FIRST idea is a 4 day mini-pass that must be obtained like every other pass with photo ID for $50.

I got this idea from really becoming the source of information at Meadows to some acquaintances and friends (ages 18-25) who never knew even what the price of a season pass was until I told them. They don’t ever check the Meadows website or stay informed, but act on a word of mouth basis. I was surprised how common it was when I realized it. Of course I end up spending time with a much more informed group, who are likely to “head up” very often so I didn’t notice this pattern before. To tap this other group how about a pass good for four times for $50. You can advertise that as $12.50 a day. I think this will get some ears perked up and people who seem to be more dormant during the season will taste of it and be more motivated to get involved in the mountain in general or be more likely to buy a pass the next time around because of familiarity with the process especially at ski fever. And if there is some feature about it that encourages checking the Meadows website, or activating a ticket, it may lead to a more informed group.

The SECOND idea is a much cheaper deal for large groups or organizations. At PSU we have a snow club and if we could get a prorated deal for passes - say a limit of $100 a pass if we get 50 people, or $200 for 30 or so forth, then a whole lot more people are going to get passes that season. We also use a blog/forum type of site and a lot of people get info that way.. which is really an electronic form of word of mouth.

I got the 3x3 which was a good deal, and I’m going for my last round next season before I get moved up to the next price bracket. For college students the 3x3 was a good deal considering our budgets are different than those who work only.

# June 17, 2006 1:22 PM

tvwxman said:

I can't believe so many people are suggesting price decreases. I guess it's easy to forget that Meadows already offers a season pass at nearly a 50% discount. If we need to form a group of four to get that discount, then so be it. It's worth it. The market accepts Meadows' prices the way they are, as evidenced by the record number of visitors to Meadows this season. Let's be realistic with our suggestions to Dave and acknowledge that prices for the "regular" products will only increase with time, not decrease.

That said, two of Meadows' main goals should be 1) to pursuade more guests to attend midweek, and 2) to make family visits more affordable.

Specifically, here are my suggestions:

1) DAILY TICKETS. How about a pricing structure like this:

JAN/FEB WEEKENDS & ALL HOLIDAYS - increase adult day ticket price to $57. This price increase may act to lower attendance slightly... but that's why I'm suggesting this idea. The busy weekends are too busy. Slightly fewer guests would improve the experience for those who are there. You might also consider a $49 peak weekend ticket that is only valid from 9am-1pm on those days. It's a cheaper option for people, and the early departures would free up parking lot spaces and help ease 4pm traffic congestion.

ALL OTHER WEEKENDS - $49 for adult day tickets.

WEEKDAYS - I believe that discounting the price by $5-$10 won't be that effective in increasing midweek attendance. So I guess it's probably best for Meadows, financially, to hold to the $49 adult price. However, I believe Meadows should offer more discounted special days. It could be a regular thing, such as "two-for-one Tuesdays", or it could be an irregular thing (such as random midweek e-ticket specials on the website).

2) SEASON PASSES. I feel that the 4x4, 3x3 and 2x2 passes are great products that serve the market and Meadows well. No changes suggested here -- you've found the right balance, in my opinion.

3) FAMILY PACKAGES. The Safeway Club card promotions are great deals. But I feel like there could be a better package deal that would encourage families to spend a day at Meadows. Perhaps you could offer a $144 "family 4-pack" -- an on-line promotion where one customer pays the $144 via credit card and prints an e-receipt/certificate that could be redeemed any day at Meadows for 2 adult and 2 child daily lift tickets.

Thanks again, Dave, for offering this place to exchange information. I am excited to hear about what you and your team have planned for next season!

# June 17, 2006 2:29 PM

Poor college student said:

I think a good idea would be to offer discounts to college students. A lot of the mountains from my home area offer discounted prices on lift tickets and season passes to college students. I tried to bring friends up numerous times this year but many of them could not afford the price of lift tickets plus rentals. Also if you were to discount prices for college students it would attract a younger crowd that might just keep coming to mt hood meadows for great snow. just an idea. thanks for your concerns.

# June 17, 2006 7:51 PM

Peter said:

I would love to see a season pass around 200, but i doubt that you'll do that. How about offering discounts off season passes next season for those of us that bought spring passes this year and are starting to like the flexibility? Also, being a high schooler, i don't really have any money. If pass (or day ticket) prices don't drop, i'm gonna end up nightskiing at skibowl for $22 every weekend!! I just don't know if i could take that ...

# June 18, 2006 12:05 AM

Mark said:

If you lowered day prices, you could really get more beginners and intermediate people up to the mountain. The biggest turnoff to riding for me is the price, and I would come up way more often if prices were lower. BTW, thanks for the new blog!

PS: Just wondering, what percent of your profits are from normal tickets, season passes, or other services?

# June 18, 2006 12:09 AM

Michael said:

That's awesome that you are asking us! Whether you listen to what we have to say and do something about it is another thing...

The only thing I have to say about the whole ticket price is that gas is getting really expensive... I know being a college student it is really hard to justify spending $30+ on gas just to get to the Mt. and pay more...

If the tickets cost less I know that I would be up there a lot more.. and I have a lot of friends that keep saying the same thing to me..

Just my 2 cents.

# June 18, 2006 1:58 AM

Ben Trujillo said:

This was my 2nd season pass in a row with meadows and I think it was worth it. I also think the lift ticket prices are too high, look at how much you pay for mt. bachlor for the same price. I also was not very happy with the parks this year, that is the main reason I snowboard. Many times the jumps were not groomed and maybe add a decent funbox. the one you had late in the year was falling apart and lumpy. The few times I went to timberline I was impressed by the quality of their parks, and all for a lower ticket price. I'm really thinking of just getting a timberline pass next year for that very reason.

-ben

# June 18, 2006 7:29 AM

Emilio Trampuz said:

I believe the various passes are priced more or less right, including the 10-time pass and the 4x4.

However, the single day ticket is really expensive. It may discourage people who ski only a few times a year, or people who are just starting to ski. If any prices are lowered, it should be the price of the day ticket. Over the past 10 - 20 years, the price of the day ticket has consistently risen by a dollar or two every year. It seems to double in price every 10 years or so. I don't think the average person's salary doubles every 10 years. Which means skiing is becoming more expensive.

The 4x400 is a great product, but why not make it into a 1x400? It's a big hassle to find 3 other people to group with. I have been helping a lot of our ski club members to pair up into foursomes. But not a single person was ever talked into buying a 4x4 just for the sake of completing a group.

People are either interested in buying the season pass or they are not. Forcing them into groups of 4 doesn't bring in any more people. It just creates a problem for the single person who needs to find 3 other people.

People have been finding other season pass (4x4) seekers either through a ski club (like our Mountain High club) or through web sites such as www.mthoodlist.com (sort of like a local version of the famous Craig's List). But, note that they are simply finding others who are already interested anyway. The 4x4 program is not bringing in any additional people.

# June 18, 2006 8:23 AM

Barry said:

First: I would like to see a flat rate for a family - something like $125 for a family of 4 or more. My sense of the skiing families in the area is that they are occassional skiers, either because of other commitments, or perhaps due to racing. In those situations, families cannot justify season passes. If, as I believe, most families can only ski together a half dozen times a season, they are going to choose Meadows if there is a great deal like a flat rate family pass. Second: PLEASE figure out how to make the e-ticket system truly worthwhile. There must be a way to have passes printed off at home. The couple of dollars saving buying on line is lost by then having to wait in line once you get to the mountain to redeem the coupon for actual passes. Certainly if airlines and others can do it, so can Meadows. Thanks.

# June 18, 2006 9:13 AM

Tiffani said:

Dave,

How about a discount on the daycare when two adult tickets are purchased? We spent more time at Skibowl this year because our 3 year old could get daycare for $45 instead of the $80 at Meadows. She also gets a free ticket for that "one run she must have" instead of paying $6 at Meadows.

# June 18, 2006 10:36 AM

Ben said:

Lowering the daily lift ticket from $49 would be insane. People obviously aren't thinking what the effects of a decrease in price would do. If the price was $40 or below, people from Timberline and Ski Bowl would possibly come to MHM. That would causing even more overcrowded lift lines, overcrowded lodge, nightmare parking, nightmare on 35 and would be like Portland traffic on the slopes. Then people would be complaining how overcrowded it is; wanting more lifts. For the daily tickets, I say an increase of a couple dollars on weekends($50-51) and peak ($53); regular price midweek($45-$48). For the season pass deals, I think that they are fine. How about this, offer front row parking for a certain price near HRM and the lodge. If people go for that, offer a special season pass price as an incentive. I just think that people are too greedy.

# June 18, 2006 11:00 AM

sean said:

I think you should consider a student ticket like from people 15-22 some kind of reduced day ticket. As someone in college who rides everyweekend, i always have a season pass but my buddies are awfully hard to convince to come from eugene when tickets are so expensive. More park staff! thanks

# June 18, 2006 11:43 AM

KC said:

I think you guys had an awesome season last year we had the snow and everything. I purcashed a season pass last year but It was a lot of money for a college student. We had to travel an hour an half to the mt. and with gas prices that was tuff. I think if you guys lowered your season price you would have a lot more people come. Also if you had more deals like the wensday night dicount etc. That might bring more people. Thanks for asking for imput. I am looking forward for next season.
Kc out

# June 18, 2006 6:08 PM

Mike said:

Dave, I agree with the comments already posted that pricing incentives that increase peak season weekend and holiday attendance is insanity! Where are these people going to park? Hwy 35?!? Perhaps there is some more that could be done with half day or nite weekend tickets which could stagger arrival and departure times and provide a reduced ticket price for those on more limited budgets, but i know some of that has been tried in the past with limited success. Until there is more infrastructure to handle larger crowds it seems to me pricing that could increase weekday attendance and potentially decrease weekend/holiday attendance (while maintaining revenue)would be a good thing. Right now there is no real incentive for someone that has the flexibility to ski weekdays to buy a weekday only pass. The incentinve is to buy the 4x4 and ski as much as possible, including weekends/holidays. just a thought...

# June 19, 2006 12:46 AM

Chartshark said:

$40 for day
$20 for night

I'll come up more if the price is lower. I usually spend 20 bucks in the lodge also on food and drink.

# June 19, 2006 5:55 AM

Tim Mayer said:

I like the early season pass deal - 4 X 4 or whatever works well for us. Naturally I would like them stay the same price but I know there are other considerations. I often wish there was some kind of family pass deal since its gets to be expensive buying passes for the whole family. The spring season pass available in early March for $99 seemed like a great deal. How successful was this and are you going to repeat the offer? If these are available again next year, I think my wife might just do this instead - she's not into the crowds in Jan and Feb. Finally, one more comment on the top 10 blog - I hate to see too many Meadows customers driving through Hood River. I don't want Hwy 35 to become another 26.

# June 19, 2006 6:29 AM

Jeff said:

I'd like to see a couple things.

First, lower prices for season passes. I know a lot of resorts have actually increased revenue with the $199 pass (the pass is usually a short-term offer and has to be purchased at the beginning of the summer). I would imagine a significant number of people would jump on that offer.

The other one is I'd love to see a joint pass or ticket with the other resorts on Hood. Building on the idea above, would be great to see a $199 pass for Meadows if bought before, say July 1, and a $299 pass that was good at Hood, Timberline, Cooper Spur and Ski Bowl.

# June 19, 2006 7:11 AM

Jason said:

Once again, thanks for the great 1st season I had on the snow.

For daily lift tickets I feel that the price should stay the same. I know that they are very competitive and from what I also hear about other resorts around the northwest they are quite cheap in comparison. What I would like to see though is a balance between the 3X3 and the 4X4. Most of the people buying the 3X3 are still living with parents and dont have the bills that some of us slightly older folks have to pay. I would like to see the price for the 4X4 come down some and to make up for that, if needed, the price of the 3X3 come up a bit. Also, a decrease in daycare price would be nice as I would like to bring my kid up, but he is too young to start hitting the slopes yet and needs the daycare assistance. Guess thats my 2 clickity clanks...

# June 19, 2006 8:00 AM

Ginny from Ohio said:

I have never actually tried Meadows out before. I have, however, snowboarded at Timberline twice. I just moved here from Cleveland, Ohio in Nov. 2005 and was put off by the prices and the reputation of overcrowding at Meadows. I would probably buy a 10 time pass if I could use it on the weekends, because as with most people I work during the week normal 8-4:30 hours, but would go during the week if the ski hours permitted.
I wouldn't pay more than $300 for a season pass and I also wouldn't go more than $35 for a single ticket... A girl's gotta eat and buy gas.
I like the one comment of: buy 4 and the 5th is free!
I am not sure if you have this program, but a once a week or every other week pass, would be great with a discount worked in.
I should probably just stick to fishing, because skiing seems to be the "rich" man's sport!!

# June 19, 2006 8:29 AM

Peter said:

For me it is all about the risk of weather and snow quality. I will simply not ski in the rain. Furthermore, my schedule does not permit weekday skiing. I have never bought a full season pass at Meadows becuase I was never confident I would break even. I purchased 10 times on two occasions and did not break even either time. I did buy a spring pass this year and got a lot of value, however, the risk was very low because the snow quality was quite good. I have seen ski areas do a flat fee at the beginning of the season that entitles you to a significant discount for each day ticket you buy. Something like $100 at the beginning of the season which would entitle you to $20 or $25 off a daily ticket. From my perspective this would lower the risk becuase I am only out the $100 if it is a lousy season. From your perspective you get my $100 no matter what an then $25-30 everytime I come up. Give it some thought!

# June 19, 2006 8:35 AM

Steep & Deep said:

Here are a few options;

2x2 - remains @ $200 (ages 7 -14)
3x3 - remains @ $300 (ages 15 -22)
4x4 - remains @ $400 (ages 23 up)

(all repeat season ticket holders get $20, $30 or $40 coupon on ticket for lodge purchases).

New;

2x2 (mid week) - $145
3x3 (mid week) - $195
4x4 (mid week) - $295

Offer Military & College Student Discounts on daily lift tickets (10 - 20%).

Offer good discounts on multiday lift passes (2 or 3 days @ $35/day, 3 of 5 days @ $30/day & 5 of 7 days @ $25/day) - must be purchased all at once and used in set timeframe.

Last, but definitely not last, pray for another great ski season 2006/2007!!!

# June 19, 2006 8:36 AM

Randy said:

More than $50 for a single day is getting too expensive. A season pass should pay for itself after 8 days of skiing. I would pay to be able to park toward the front of the parking lot.

# June 19, 2006 8:37 AM

the whiteds said:

We agree with the comments of many others -- that the pricing seems reasonable as-is, however would like to see some incentive to try and shift some visitors to weekdays.

We also like the thought of helping out families + rewarding returning pass purchasers. (Our foursome has been together since the inception of the 4x400, and in that time we have grown to a group of 7 paying skiers.) You can accomplish both by offering a free 2x200 for returning 4x400 purchasers??

One more thing = someone asked earlier about offering free passes to people with season passes from other resorts (I assume this is done on a reciprocating basis). Great idea. I know of a number of people who buy season passes and season lockers at Meadows, but also own homes at other resorts (Red and Bachelor come to mind) -- I can only assume that many of these folks are thinking about forgoing the season-pass route, for day passes == resulting in fewer trips to (and less money spent at) Meadows.

Thanks for the opportunity to share opinions.

# June 19, 2006 8:38 AM

E-Skier said:

Foremost - I would be hardpressed to note a bad experience with crew, staff, support, ski patrol, or the lodge. Job well done.

The internet email is great, but I get them the afternoon before. The discount flyers are super but how can I go skiing tomorrow with 2 hours notice to clear my schedule today?

The season for most it seems is split into two halfs. Thus people are reluctant to get a 10x for fear they might not get to use it all. How about a rollover (ticket or credit) for unused tix next year? Or offer a 15x or 20x that will roll over.

I agree with several comments about the 4x4's. Hard to get people together and sadly get them to pay. The clearinghouse/dating game is a nice option.

The hours are odd - if I can't get there before 10, then I may as well wait until 11 so I can get what amounts to an all day ticket for the same price. Since I feel squeeze because I'll ski well past 4pm, but won't make it till 7. Got an alternate all day option?

Finally - the weekend is a social event (though I like that too) - but how about an option for those that take a day off at the office to ski all day? Can I get a reward for using a precious day off to come up and see you folks :)

# June 19, 2006 9:10 AM

Rod said:

I like the 199.00 pass if bought in the summer. This seemed to work well for summit county. It would also give you some cash flow for the summer months.

# June 19, 2006 11:30 AM

Steve said:

How about making the pass $400.00 across the board (early season pricing). Trying to round up another 3 can be a pain.

# June 19, 2006 12:27 PM

PJ said:

I really enjoyed my Spring Pass this year. As a new snowboarder I liked the flexibility of going anytime and staying as long as I wanted. My legs just aren't strong enough to go all day. With the pass there was no penalty if I could only ride 3-4 hours at a shot.
I would like to see Meadows offer "points" tickets like Bachelor. Benefits:
One person can use their points across several days
A family could share their points on one day
If the weather changes I can go home and come back another day.

By the way, the 3 Time Beginner deals were great!!!

# June 19, 2006 1:14 PM

Hidalgo said:

Meadows big powder 2006. Float like ninja mountain dream. Stampede of families bad, crowded mountain not so big any more. 2006 Dave Big money. $400 max dollars trade for tickets. More no, too much. Up I-5 to Washington, good mountain times...Meadows please big change to less corporate ways 2007. Snow spiritual, not greed.

# June 19, 2006 1:25 PM

Billy said:

How about a Sunday-thru-Friday pass for $199?
Additionally ,give a lift ticket discount (afternoon rate?) to the passholders, so they might ride the occasional Saturday. A cross resort / sister resort pass would also be welcome. Some Tahoe area resorts(Sierra/Northstar and Sugarbowl/Kirkwood) have had great success with this concept.

# June 19, 2006 6:57 PM

Jessi said:

Military/College STUDENT rates would be awesome.

Look into some sort of Mountain Pass that allows you to attend any park on the mountain (or at least more than one).

I disagree with "Don't Hate Me"... If you lowered prices a bit, yeah it may cause the weekends to become a little more crowded, but it would encourage people to avoid the crowds and come on weekdays as well.

This last season, towards the end, I didn't hear the music played as much. Keep playing music, it friggen rocks. Also, consider putting speakers for music at more locations in the park.

You guys totally rock- thanks for a great season! You'll be seeing me next season for sure

# June 20, 2006 9:32 AM

Bill H said:

I would like some sort of deal for repeat pass holders. I know it will bring me back. I know there are other resorts I could go to but cause of the deal you gave me this year for having one last year ($25 off and 10% of the purchase price put on the pass to purchase food, drinks, gear, or drinks- did I already say drinks). And maybe once you have had a pass that you don't have to find 3 other people. All I do is go on Craigslist. It just hassles me, and I don't feel it gets more people to buy passes. Maybe it does, I don't know many people out here anyways. Please don't raise prices. It is hard to afford the pass and buy new equipment every year. (I go so often, that I go through most of my gear every year). Or maybe if you buy a pass that you get locked into that price every year in a row that you buy one so it encourages you to get one. And raise the prices for everyone else.

# June 20, 2006 9:51 AM

Bill H said:

Another idea to help you that I have seen in Colorado is when a pass holder brings a friend up, that friend gets a discount. And maybe every friend that the Pass holder brings up, they get points and get discounts the next year.

# June 20, 2006 9:53 AM

SkiFreak said:

There isn't enough of a price difference between the 10 time pass and a season pass. How about a family pack of passes of 2 x 5 or 4 x 5 to provide 5 passes for 2 or 4 people?

Also the age tiers on the passes don't match the age tiers on the daily ticket. Paying full adult prices for 13 year olds is though and I hate to set a bad example and lie about the kids age (but I'm sure many customers do given the the large difference between under 12 and over 12 pricing).

# June 20, 2006 11:27 AM

Riley said:

I think the pricing last year was ok, I think they fit in well with other ski resorts. I am a big fan of the discount on season passes when buying as a group. However, I do have some freinds who cannot afford a seasons pass and only come a few times a year. I was hoping you would consider selling discount tickets to friends skiing with buddies who have season passes.

# June 20, 2006 1:48 PM

Anddy said:

Family pass for $1000.00 bucks. Get all the kids going and Mom and Dad will be shelling out bucks for stuff the kids forgot, food, daycare etc.

# June 20, 2006 2:45 PM

David Schor said:

I have been thinking about this problem of pricing as well. I have a few ideas to share. First, I think some sort of pre-season discount for passholders is a good idea. Perhaps $400 for individuals who had a pass last year (with no group requirement)? A universal "Mt. Hood Pass" would be great (good at all three (4?/5?) ski areas on the mountain, though that would need to be a joint effort. As for daily tickets, I see little advantage in lowering the daily ticket rate. Pass holders are the real money makers, and the more you can get before the snow falls the better.

# June 20, 2006 3:47 PM

Eleanor said:

I have been buying season passes for the last 8 years for various members of the family. I like the 2x2, 3x3, & 4x4 structure. Although I have not had trouble finding enough members to form a group, I do understand the frustrations of others. I LOVED the food discount that was offered this year for those of us who weathered the horrible 04-05 season. Please continue to offer this very small incentive. My "free money" paid for lots of hot chocolate, which made buying lunch a better deal.

I also like the concept of 'family passes' that other people have mentioned. I would like to see a $100 family pass for two adult tix, 2 children. Increase the price to $125 to include 2 adults, 2 teens.

Why the funny amount for a daily ticket? Never understood this. Either go $45 or $50, not some incredibly weird amount to hold on to.

Regarding email specials, loved them, and used them to take visiting home college students skiing over the winter break. If you cab't come up with a way to produce real tickets on line -- I do understand the liability release printed on the actual ticket -- then set up a special 2 line counter/table/booth for ticket redemption.

Finally, thanks Dave for offering the customers a chance to weigh in during the season with ideas, complaints, kudos and suggestions. Keep up the good work!

# June 20, 2006 4:55 PM

Karissa said:

i think that there should be like a weekend pass where you can just go on weekends only with the pass because that is really the only time that most people can go expecially when you are driving from vancouver or somewhere else in washington. because even if i took a few days off work as a vacation to go up i wouldnt mind paying for the extra couple of days that my pass doesnt cover. like this last year we went up 32 times and (were idiots not to buy a season pass) but kept buying tickets and we kept thinking how great it would be if you could buy a weekend season pass....just for thoughts. :-)
-karissa

# June 20, 2006 8:21 PM

Ellen said:

I agree with the comments above to have a 5X pass or something similar. We only ski about 8 times a year and a few of those are at Bachelor, so the 10X pass is not practical.

My oldest turned 13 this year, and it was a shock that I had to pay adult rates for him. It made me think twice about making the trip up. Having a family rate or student rates for teens would be really helpful.

I thought the adult rates were reasonable for adults, but they put a strain on families with older kids.

# June 21, 2006 12:08 PM

Bob said:

1st this season was awesome. I think that the 2X2 3X3 4X4 should definitely be continued in future seasons. And it might be worthwhile not remove the age restriction on the 3X3. It's great marketing for you guys because your customers are selling season passes for you by talking their friends into buying one with them.
I think opening at 9:00 is fine it is hard to get up there a lot earlier and it is usually cold and icy.
48 bucks is a bit steep for a day pass. A lot of my friends can't face up to the 48 bucks, but said they would come if it was under 40. Psychological under 40 seems like a lot less than over 50.
Hopefully next season will permit the may challenge.

# June 21, 2006 3:29 PM

matty said:

jack up day tickets like 50 bucks to 100 dollars a day.

# June 21, 2006 6:17 PM

Barbara Seibert said:

Dave,

Thanks for asking for imput. I would like to see the 10 time pass be transferable throughout the season. I have purchased one for several years but due to injuries I have not been able to ski a full season and many times I have only been able to use my pass just a few times per season.

Thanks for your consideration.
We love skiing at Meadows!!

# June 21, 2006 7:43 PM

whitney said:

I don't know how realistic this is but would there be anyway to have a pass good only for December and January so us college kids coming back for winter could get some kind of deal? Most of us are broke and any type of college discount during the winter months would be great. Many of us frequent the mountain when home but the cost can get prohibitive especially if your trying to get up as much as possible in two months. Other than that, here's hoping we have another season like the last!

# June 21, 2006 9:13 PM

Pete said:

An "early bird pass" that costs a lot more, but allows the holder to get on the lift at 8:00am, might drive some significant revenue.
I would pay twice as much for freshies all year. It could just be HRM and Heather chair. Jack's Woods is easy from HRM and the parking issue would be better if HRM was spinning earlier.

Awesome year.
Thanks,
Pete

# June 21, 2006 10:08 PM

Ryan aka DrSwoosh said:

Hey Dave here we go....

You're running a business first and foremost with the intent of making money; I'll try and keep that in mind as I give you my shpeel.

The 2x2, 3x3, & 4x4 are excellent and the prices should remain the SAME as I don't believe increasing them would result in more revenue due to lower demand. Here's the twist. Allow people to "load" there season pass with discounted regular passes that can be used for friends. For example I buy a 3x3 for $300 and decide to load it with 5 passes and end up paying, say $400 (upfront when buying the pass). The catch is I can only use one pass per a day and I have to accompany the friend. This allows for people who would normally never come up to do so and thus get hooked, which of course equals more money for you. The model could be altered but here's the basic premise:

Allow season pass holders "one-time" access when buying there pass to purchase a number of discounted passes with restrictions (i.e. one redemption per a day, must accompany person etc.)

Also I see people complaining about organizing a group. I don't like it either but if necessary here is my advice to people: Use google to look for message boards of people looking to form a group. I used http://www.mthoodlist.com/ this past season to put together 3 different groups which amounted to 8 people. It took less than 15 minutes of calling people to put this together. VERY EASY, be resourceful.

One last thing day passes are way too expensive. My advice would be to heavily discount weekdays to around $30-35. This is affordable, $50 is not.

Ok thats it, Later.

# June 22, 2006 12:41 AM

Chad said:

I never thought I would say something like this.....

I am personally annoyed at the amount of people with season passes this year. You didn't run the lifts until 9 but the lot was full by 8:30 with season pass holders.... even on week days.

Yes other mountains offer cheaper pass prices on early purchase, but there is a lot more competition in those regions or a lot smaller population near the mountain. Mt. Hood isn't big enough for the entire PDX metro population to ride at the same time. The lodge is to small, there isn't enough parking, and half the terrain (slight exaggeration) is closed on bad weather days.

I am selfish, so I say jack the cheap early pass price to $600. I will still get my days in, unless of course we have another winter like 04-05, but I woud have still bought my pass. Just like I did for the 04-05 season. It's just the risk you have to take.

I think daily lift ticket prices are OK.

To me it's not about getting as many people as possible on the mountian, it is about getting the best quality for the money. Right now I'm just not getting that waiting in a lift line for 45-min. or an hour or riding groomers because all the snow is tracked out by 10 AM. I get my pass cut if I go out of bounds so???????

Just my .02

Chad

# June 22, 2006 8:01 AM

neil said:

I had a great time at Meadows this past spring. I have been skiing at Hood for about 30 years and have watched the prices gradually climb to where I don't think the season pass and daily pass price is all that reasonable. My personal problem is that I usually try to hold out for close to 100" so I don't have to worry about my equipment and landings so much. This leads to many seasons where the snowpack gets off to such a slow start that I end up waiting way too deep in the season and don't get the ski vibe going at all for the year. I hadn't skied in two years which sucked and then all of a sudden we get this killer spring season and you offer the $99 pass. I was able to make about 13 trips to the mountain just since the middle of Feb. which is probably more than I've skied in the last four years combined. It's too hard to commit to an early season special when you know that the likelihood of a crappy season is all too possible. I think that $250-$300 is a solid price for a season pass and don't limit it for any certain period of time. After March rolls around if the snowpack is decent do another $99- spring pass in case there are others who didn't get in on the front. I think that if you crunch the numbers you can easily recoup the losses on the price of the season pass by getting way more people on the mountain spending money on rentals, food, beverages, snowparks, etc. Thanks!

# June 22, 2006 10:51 AM

Jesse said:

ok mt hood meadows is the most overpriced mountain i have ever been to and the only reason myself and others keep coming back is because you have a monopoly on the best terrain and snow in the portland area. ive been living in colorado the last 2 years and they have the idea cheap season passes for the core riders and expensive day passes for the tourists. vail has a pass you get 10 days at vail and beaver creek and a 3 season passes on to a basin breck and keystone for 350 dollars how much is one season pass to just meadows 400 dollars if you buy 4 of them if your a college student you can buy a season pass for copper and winter park for a 160 dollars once again i reiterate meadows 400 dollars meadows is great but its not that good a day pass a whistler is less then a day pass at meadows can you explain that to me you guys should take a lesson for the people that started the ski industry and start treating your loyal customers like they should be treated not like ATMS

# June 22, 2006 12:55 PM

Kraig said:

Thanks, Dave, for asking for our input. Last year was my first ski season ever and I thoroughly enjoyed it. During the season I came to appreciate what it takes to maintain and operate a resort like Meadows, and personally I thought the usual daily lift price was fair. Of course, I'd love things to be less expensive, but you have to make the operation work. No one ever said skiing is or should be a cheap pasttime.

One adjustment that could be helpful is to make a half-day pass less expensive. If I remember correctly, a half-day pass was hardly less expensive than a full day; not much of an incentive.

Same goes for a night-time only pass.

Here's another idea. I've seen a few folks mentioning the cost to families for a whole set of all-day lift tickets. How about having something like a coupon book or punch card or something along those lines sold on a per-lift basis? On a typical 9am-4pm day I was able to get in something like 18-20 runs. At $50 per ticket, that comes out to $2.50 each.

For people with children, however, things move a little slower. Watching my sister-in-law and her husband with two little ones learning to ski (or waiting in the lodge), they're each lucky to get in 4-5 runs.

So what if such little tear-off coupons or single-ride tickets went for, say $3 each? That'd make it possible to people to enjoy the sport without going broke or having to make a huge commitment every day. Since the lift operators have to check individual passes anyway, it doesn't seem like it'd be a huge operational impact for them to simply take a ticket or such.

(Certainly there'd be some complications with this--Heather Canyon would be exempted, for instance, since you can't just go up and down around that one chair.)

Thanks, by the way, for the spring season pass. It was a great way to experience what it was like to hold a pass, and for my part sold me on the idea. It would be nice to simplify the 4x4 scheme so you're not having to look around for total strangers to go in with. I'm not sure of the reasoning behind it all and how this benefits Meadows. That could be revisited; perhaps you might offer the 4x4 pricing to past pass holders?

# June 22, 2006 5:27 PM

One idea said:

I agree that forming groups to buy a pass is a real pain. Just offer the best price you can online for pre-season purchasers. I would get rid of the 4X4 and replace it with a $500 unlimited pass and a $250 midweek pass for early buyers. $500 is still affordable to people with "real" jobs who mostly ski weekends. $250 would be more affordable to the "underemployed" who have the freedom to ski mid-week. Hopefully, many of the previous 4X4 buyers would opt for the cheaper midweek pass and not be adding to the weekend crowds.

# June 22, 2006 8:07 PM

my two cents said:

Please reconsider the 8am opening on weekends and holidays. This would allow the powder hounds to get their turns in early and clear out by lunchtime. Keep the affordable family specials in the afternoons only. Most families take longer to get organized anyway and won't make it to the lifts before noon. The crowds might not be as bad if they can be split into two "shifts".

# June 22, 2006 8:18 PM

another idea said:

keep the 4X4 pass but drop the groups of four.
make it a midweek pass for $400 that also works like a 10X pass and can be redeemed for 4 weekend tickets during the season.

# June 22, 2006 8:23 PM

David Schor said:

If you do offer a weekday pass, consider offering weekday pass holders a discount on weekend tickets. Should be some synergy there.

# June 22, 2006 11:13 PM

Peter said:

How about lowering the 3x3 price and possibly raising the 2x2 price. 15-22 year old are probably gonna have to pay for their own passes but the younger kids can have their parents pay for them. The 15-22 group are the ones without much money, so they should get a cheaper pass. I know that i would buy one if the price dropped ($150 mabye?) and would probably get some friends in on it too. Also, i would love to see a student or military discount for day passes. Mabye 50% off?????????????

# June 22, 2006 11:18 PM

Ian said:

The season pass prices seem perfect and I will be buying one this season again for sure. But an idea i have is at big resorts like whistler, for parks you have to buy a parks pass, this pass gets you into the big, and more well maintained park. To get this pass you have to sign a liability form. The pass is cheap only like 40 bux for the year. I think if you started one of these programs, there would be a larger budget to inmprove the park. Also it would keep the less experienced riders out of the large parks, allowing meadows to set up more advanced features without having to worry as much about gapers injuring themselves. I ride the park all year long and would love to see some improvements, hopefully even get a park as good as the one I rode in whistler. Just a different take on the pass thing for this year! See you on the slops next winter, im excited!

# June 23, 2006 1:04 AM

tsfoust said:

I think you guys had good prices last year. Keep doin' what your doin'! If you lower the prices like so many people want, the lift lines will be longer than they already are, then everyone will be complaining about that ... more than they already are. Meadows is a small resort and can not handle the high volume of people that some of the larger resorts can. Come to think of it most the larger resorts I know have higher prices. I think the 4X4 is an awesome deal - the two years I've purchased the 4X4, I've done it with a group over the internet that I don't even know thru mthoodlist.com or some other 'blog' posting sight. I liked that you provided special mid-week internet deals - I think you should do more of that. I agree with some of the other posters about the special credit we rec'd on our season passes to buy stuff in the lodge - we should be able to add more credit to the card so we don't have to carry our wallet around. Thanks so much for a great season!!!

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