Industry News
Loup Loup Ski Bowl, located in north central Washington, recently announced a new innovative lifetime season pass. The cost of the pass is a seducing $6,000.
Along with other resorts throughout the country, the resort is experiencing a challenging snow year highlighted by warmer temperatures and less snowfall. Because of this, by offering the lucrative pass, it is hoping to create a cash influx to keep the area operating sustainably.
As part of the announcement, Loup Loup said the decision to offer the pass came with “much discussion and debate,” but ultimately the ski area decided it was a “win, win, win” for all involved. First, there is the benefit of the purchaser getting to ski at “The Loup” for the rest of their lives. Second, the financial infusion of cash to the ski area will help ensure that it is around long into the future for the community to enjoy. Lastly, the purchase insulates the consumer from inflation. The cost of skiing and season passes have gone up over time just like the price of other goods and services, so buying your lifetime pass today protects you from future price increases.
If the conditions this season are deterring some buyers, the announcement also reminded us that the forecast for next season is already predicting to be a La Niña cycle, which tends to bring colder and wetter weather to the region Loup Loup is positioned in.
There doesn’t appear to be any age restrictions or price differences depending on how old you are to purchase the pass. This means the younger you are the better the deal. The current price of a season pass at Loup Loup for an adult age 20-64 is $569. That means the break-even point is about 10.5 seasons at the current price. If season pass prices continue to go up, then the number of years to break-even goes down. This means the pass could make sense for anyone as long as you are confident your body can handle another decade of sliding on snow. Season pass prices start going down for ages 65-69 and again at age 70+, so it may not make sense as you get older.
It’s possible that other ski areas will have to make the tough decisions to offer a product like this to stay afloat. Loup Loup is offering a “very limited number of Lifetime Passes,” so if you want one, don’t wait. You can purchase here.
