SAM Magazine-Seven Springs, Pa., Mar. 5, 2010-With skiers and riders till feeling the pinch of the recession, areas are ramping up efforts to lock in passholders for next season.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort is offering season passes for the 2010-2011 ski/board season starting at $399 if purchased by June 1, 2010. New skiers and snowboards who purchase a pass this March can ski free for the rest of this season. June 1 through Sept. 15, the rate will increase to $599, and then finally $699 beginning Sept. 16.

Current Seven Springs season passholders who purchase a regular season pass by Apr. 15 will receive a $50 Seven Springs gift card. Those who purchase a midweek adult, junior, senior, child or college student pass will receive a $25 gift card. The gift cards are good for virtually anything at the resort, including dining, ski/board tickets, rental equipment, spa services, sporting clays and more. The offer does not apply for super seniors, ages 5 and under, or age 80 and older.

Welch Village, Minn., hopes to tap the excitement of the Winter Games with its Olympic Pass, on sale through Mar. 31 for only $99. This pass offers unlimited use for the 2010-11 winter season, and when purchased by new passholders, offers a discounted $30 lift ticket for the duration of this ski season. The program is an attempt to build skier visits and make skiing and riding lifelong sports for all ages. All pass offers after this one will cost more, according to the area.

Big Sky Resort is offering 40 percent off the price of a Gold Unlimited Season Pass ($799) for the 2010-2011 winter season. A College/Junior Pass is $699. The discounted rates are valid until Apr. 30. Passes can be secured with only $249 down ($239 down for the collegians and juniors), with additional payments in June and August.

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