Discounts a Real Lift for Skiers

An increasing number of seniors are enjoying snow skiing. The ascendancy of this market has not been lost on ski resort operators, many of whom now offer reduced rates on lift tickets and programs for senior skiers. In many instances, lift tickets are free for older ski buffs. Some resort areas have gone even further and offer discounted rates in chalets and ski lodges during midweek. Some ski areas that offer lift discounts include:

* Alaska: Alyeska Resort, 40 miles south of Anchorage, is a 307-room lodge with complete facilities. More than 60 trails, three double chairlifts, 60-passenger aerial tramway. $29 all-day ski rate; $17 for guests over 60. Contact: Alyeska Resort, P.O. Box 249, Girdwood, Alaska 99587; telephone (907) 783-2222.

* Colorado: An association of 27 Colorado ski resorts offers discounts for seniors. Age to qualify for discounts ranges from 60 to 69; the discount varies with individual resorts. For skiers over 70, most lifts are free. For a brochure, call (303) 837-0793 or write Colorado Ski Country, 1560 Broadway, No. 1440, Denver, Colo. 80202.

* California: Alpine Meadows on the California side of Lake Tahoe offers a full-day lift ticket for skiers 65-69 for $29, a $14 discount. Over 70 is free. Two Prime Time Ski Weeks packages in January and February are available with or without lodging. For details, call (800) 441-4423.

Mammoth Mountain in the Eastern Sierra Nevada holds five-day Senior Ski Camps that begin on the second Monday of each month from December to April. Price for seniors, including lessons and lifts, is $298, a saving of $87. Daily and multiple-day lift tickets (2-5 days) are reduced 50%. Major holiday weekends are excluded. For brochures, write to Ski Seminars, Mammoth Ski Area, P.O. Box 24, Mammoth Lakes, Calif. 93546; tel. (800) 832-7320.

Northstar at Tahoe offers seniors over age 60 a free one-hour Senior Ski Improvement Clinic each Wednesday at 10 a.m. They also hold three-day seminars on specified dates for skiers over 60. Prices for ages 60-69 is $135, for over 70, $90. Includes three days with three-hour lessons and all-day lift passes. Seniors ages 60-69 receive 50% off $42 adult all-day lift tickets; over 70 pays $5. Northstar is located between Truckee and Lake Tahoe’s north shore. For information, write Northstar/Tahoe, P.O. Box 129, Truckee, Calif. 96160; tel. (916) 562-1010.

Sierra-at-Tahoe has a range of discounts for skiers ages 60-69 with a choice of half-day, all-day plus two- and three-day passes. For example, an all-day lift ticket that runs $37 for adults is $17 for seniors. Over age 70 it’s $5. A two-day pass that is regularly $65 is $30 for seniors and $10 for over 70. For information, call (916) 659-7453. For lodging information, call (800) 288-2463.

Squaw Valley offers what is probably the most generous discount ever for skiers over 65: $5 for an all-day lift ticket that normally sells for $43. Several lodgings in the area also offer senior discounts. Among them: The Resort at Squaw Creek offers American Assn. of Retired Persons members a 50% discount off rack rates; tel. (800) 327-3353.

Ski area roundup will be continued in the next Mature Traveler column.