POWDERCHASERS- CONCIERGE UPDATE 2020-21 SEASON

Hello from the Powderchasers Team! Concierge Prices go up October 15th!  Book early for your best deal on the Powder Concierge. La Nina is forecast this season which brings the possibility of cooler temps and above average snowfall to the PNW and perhaps the northern Rockies if historical averages hold.

The leaves are beginning to change, temps are finally cooling after a hot summer across the Western US, and we are starting to think about the upcoming winter. There is much anxiety in regards to this season, with no single model to follow with respect to COVID. Some areas require reservations for tickets, and others for parking. Snowbird is limiting daily tickets AND requiring parking reservations. Vail owned ski areas are requiring pass holders to make reservations to limit crowds. Jackson Hole is requiring all but resort sold season pass holders to make reservations. Family run and smaller resorts may limit ticket sales or have very few changes, but it's too early to expect a game plan from many areas.

COVID cases are likely to go up this Fall and Winter, leaving ski areas at the mercy of local policies. The Bottom Line: The policies/procedures in place at the beginning of the season could change at any point. We see no reason, however, for a national shut down like last season, since social distancing practices have proven effective enough to enable summer operations. Some resorts had the busiest summer on record providing ample opportunity to institute new practices. Forget about crowded cafeterias, yelling single in a lift line, or tightly packed lift mazes. Forget about crowded trams. Snowbird announced a maximum capacity of 25 riders down from 90-110. Still, we expect ski areas to continue operating this season.

Accurate snow forecasts may be even more essential than ever this winter, especially with limited parking, ticket sales, and the difficulty of planning trips well in advance due to COVID. We will also account for crowds, lift capacities, reservation processes, and pass types when assisting on your chases this winter.

We will be watching the weather models even more closely to provide you the best solutions for the East, Midwest, and West.  It is no secret that we devote more time in the West, being based out of Utah and Colorado. Our Concierge forecasters are specific and detailed when it comes to snowfall timing and location. We have local knowledge and are familiar with the countless microclimates that effect ski areas in the US. 

The Concierge packages are going to increase by 25% this season after October 15th. Depending on demand, we may limit the amount of members. We won't evaluate that until late December or mid January. This 25% increase is shown on the website (levels and prices). For those of you that join the Concierge prior to October 15th, you will receive the same rates we had last season. Also, if you commit to the Concierge and for any reason don't utilize our services this season, you will have the option to carry your membership over to 2021-2022. There are a few of you that signed up late last season that we are carrying over to this season at no charge.  We offer that assurance to all of our members! Use it or defer it! 

Powderchasers is run by a core group of 3-4 folks that are passionate powder riders. We are a small company that supports our costs and powder habits by your donations. Please consider supporting the Powder Concierge this season. 

IKON has returned for the 3rd season as partner, and most recently we added the newer Indy Pass as well (50+ smaller resorts for $199). Last season we offered a discount on Mountain Collective Passes (let us know if that interests you). If you are looking to purchase Ikon or Indy, please click on the links or banners in this post or on the website. Ikon rates go up October 13th. 

Snow has already fallen in the northern and central Rockies. Colorado received up to 18 inches at Monarch Mountain, Wolf Creek got 12+, and 18-20 inches fell at Red lodge Mountain in southern Montana. We were on top of that forecast 7 days prior to the storm. Surprisingly the models were showing us good data 7-9 days out, especially the European. Some folks took advantage of this September snowfall and made some sketchy turns.