By Leslie James, reporter
Skiiers and bombers, you deserve some fun with winter break coming up. The college experience should not mean missing out on winter fun because you lack the funds to plow the powder.
COS area students can choose from multiple ski resorts within a three-hour-drive, but money is often a major block to college students skiing and snowboarding.
Many Colorado resorts, however, acknowledge the expense that college students live with, which is why resorts offer deals and discounts to students through Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA). Whether students want to ski/ride every weekend, or would rather go only a few times over winter break, CSCUSA offers both season and day passes.
Arapahoe Basin offers a four-day pass for college students at the price of $169, which is less than $45 per day at this resort. This pass also does not include any black out dates.
Monarch Mountain’s College Pass has unlimited skiing, plus 50 free or discounted days at partner resorts. The cost for college students is $269, giving students $200 off of the full price.
Winter Park College Season Pass includes all seven territories at Winter Park. A valid student ID is required to purchase this pass. Students pay $359 for the season pass, receiving more than $100 off the full price.
For those avid riders who want to chase down each snow fall, the Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus includes unlimited access to Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain, Eldora Mountain Resort along with six days at Steamboat and three days at Crested Butte and Mt. Bachelor with no black out dates.
With a valid student ID, the pass is $499, which is $140 off of the regular adult price.
Gear can be cheap, too. Not everything needed for skiing and snowboarding needs to be bought brand new (except maybe a helmet!). Jackets, pants, goggles, gloves, masks, etc. can be found at several used gear stores in Colorado Springs.
Local shops like Gearonimo Sports, Mountain Equipment Recyclers, The Ski Shop and Christy Sports provide sporty people with new and used gear. Strapped students can also rent expensive equipment, which saves a ton of money.
The stores have stacks of snowboards and skis ready to be used on the mountain for a greatly discounted price. They also have rows of snow jackets and pants, shelves filled with goggles and gloves all at reasonable prices.
Whether you’re a first time Green or a Double Black Diamond, a traditional downhiller or a hipster split-boarder, these links can get you on the mountain in record time.
