Conway, NH - As the crisp autumn evening air settles in and winter approaches, it’s time for snowsports enthusiasts to pay attention to deals on season passes, passports, and tickets as well as the dates of ski sales and gear swaps to get outfitted for the season ahead. Many ski areas are still offering steep discounts on most ski pass products, including special passes for college students, US service members, and seniors either through Oct. 9 or the end of next month.
To help skiers and riders evaluate their New Hampshire 2024-25 season pass options, Ski New Hampshire has posted links to season pass deals at more than 30 New Hampshire member ski areas on its SkiNH.com/deals/season-passes page. This page features passes to both Alpine and Nordic areas and includes information on multi-mountain, uphill, and multi-Nordic area pass options.
Ski New Hampshire also recently opened sales for its 2024-25 4th & 5th Grade Passport Program. The passport product is designed to provide an affordable option for parents to introduce skiing and riding to kids at an age when they are able and willing to learn a new sport. At just $59, the passport provides students access to one lift ticket or trail voucher at each of Ski New Hampshire's 30+ member ski areas. Parents and guardians are encouraged to dig out last year's report cards (these are used to verify student grade levels), and then visit SkiNH.com/passport for further information on how to obtain the passport.
For those looking to upgrade their winter equipment, Ski New Hampshire has posted dates for a series of gear sales and swaps happening at various NH ski areas and other venues at SkiNH.com/deals/ski-swaps. These events not only provide a large selection of affordable equipment (including soft goods like jackets and snow pants) to suit all skill levels, but many also offer the professional staff to help shoppers find the right equipment and fit.
Some upcoming ski swaps and sales include opportunities to enjoy fall activities, games, entertainment, food, and German Beer Gardens. This Sunday, Sept. 29, Ragged Mountain will be hosting their 2024 Annual Harvest Party with live music, yard games, craft beer, and an equipment sale. The Waterville Valley Resort’s Fall Foliage Festival is happening on the weekend of Oct. 11-14. This event will feature road races, outdoor concerts, games, tent sales, and a ski swap. Additionally, the Pat’s Peak Oktoberfest and Ski and Snowboard Sale will take place on Nov. 3. As a bonus, this is the last chance to purchase a Pats Peak Season Pass at a discounted price.
Snowsport enthusiasts don’t want to miss out on one of the largest ski sales in New England, the 2024 Gunstock Ski Sale, taking place on Nov. 1-2 at Gunstock Mountain Resort. Additionally, McIntyre Ski Area will host its Tent Sale Oct. 18-20, the UNH Ski Sale will be held Oct. 27 at the UNH Field House, and Plymouth Parks & Rec will host their swap Nov. 22-23 at Plymouth Elementary School.
Some ski swaps provide opportunities to support local ski clubs and teams while gearing up for the season. The WVBBTS Ski Swap is taking place from Oct. 11-13, where 70% of each sale goes back to the seller and 30% goes to the team. The Franconia Ski Club Ski and Snowboard Swap is set to take place on Nov. 2 at Cannon Mountain. Eastern Slope Ski Club will host their swap at the North Conway Community Center Nov. 8-9; and The Abenaki Ski Team hosts its 51st Annual Abenaki Ski & Skate Sale at Kingswood Regional High School on Nov. 9.
For those who prefer cross country skiing, Jackson XC will host its Annual Ski Swap on Nov. 9, and Great Glen Trails is hosting their Skiers Open House on Nov. 22. Both events will feature skis, boots, poles, clothing and accessories, opportunities to buy a season pass, and more.
Besides shopping for equipment on sale dates, skiers, snowboarders, and even in some cases skaters looking to declutter their gear collection can opt to drop off their gear, but will need to pay close attention to times and dates to do this in advance of the sales. For more information on these dates, visit SkiNH.com/deals/ski-swaps.
To learn more about New Hampshire ski areas, including fall activities, hours of operations, contact information, and events, visit SkiNH.com, or follow Ski New Hampshire on Instagram and Facebook.
Ski New Hampshire is the statewide association representing 30+ alpine and cross-country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, trail conditions, vacation planning, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, visit SkiNH.com. For statewide travel info, go to VisitNH.gov.
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