By Karen D. Lorentz
posted
Dec 13, 2012
Pico turned 75-years young this past Thanksgiving Day, a
huge accomplishment in the ski world.
In fact it is one of the 30 oldest continually operating major
areas in the country. But unlike those who grow stodgy with age,
Pico grows better as it "packs on the years."
This grand dame of classic and tradition is going adventurous,
as if in her second youth.
She's adding elements, not pounds, gates not walkers.
The plan is for more terrain park features (in the Triple Slope
terrain park, and some additional identified areas of the mountain)
for young or old, big or little, can try a jump, slide on a box,
jib a rail, or daffy off a kicker. Pico is definitely going the
freestyle action route for newbies with its lower-to-the-ground
challenges that even Grandma might try.
You'll find some mid-sized elements, too, but not the tough
biggies. You'll have to visit the younger 'big K' which turns 54 on
Dec. 13 for that.
Pico is giving the young and young-at-heart their chance this
season. Pico is also offering freestyle lessons so those who don't
have the faintest idea of how to handle those elements can safely
do so.
There's a renewed emphasis on racing, too. So Action Jackson
meet Classic Cathy - you both can have fun and meet in the base
lodge. With a second timing system, it won't just be the Pico Ski
Club kids running fast and loose. College teams, ski councils, and
clubs will be enjoying the gates every weekend.
But there's more for us traditionalists, too. Like great
discounts all season long and the wonderful return of the
children's center! Plus a new book and continued support of United
Way with a two-day opening fundraiser.
PICO DEAL
The celebration spirit reigns with the Pico deals that celebrate
the beginning of Pico's 76th season. The area is starting with a
Dec. 14 slope sneak preview for season passholders (aka
Appreciation Day for My Pico Pass holders) and for those who have
an Express Card. The latter will receive free skiing on this day.
Those who purchase the card on Dec. 14 will also receive free
skiing. Plus Pico will donate $10 of the card purchase price to the
United Way.
Then on Saturday, Dec. 15 the area opens to the public. Express
Card holders and purchasers will pay for lift tickets on that day,
but $20 from each purchase will go to United Way.
"Pico's continued United Way support is a big part of our annual
campaign; it goes to support everything from housing to health
agencies," noted Traci Moore, executive director of the Rutland
County United Way.
Tracy Taylor, Pico's Director of Operations, commented that Pico
"strives to support our community through various fundraisers,"
adding that, "It's a great way for our guests to give back to an
organization dedicated to the community we love so much."
The Pico Express Card retails for $45 on Friday, Dec. 14 and
increases to $55 from Saturday, Dec. 15 until Sunday, Feb. 24,
2013. The card offers discounted lift-ticket rates for the entire
2012-13 season with mid-week tickets $29, and weekend/peak day
tickets, $39. Like a season pass, the Express Card has a photo of
the skier or rider, and is scanned directly at the lift. It's
linked to a credit card, which charges the discounted rate.
The deals get better as everyone gets a chance to purchase a
lift ticket for $19.37 from Dec. 15 - 21 in celebration of Pico's
1937 debut.
Ski council members will also be able to purchase $19.37 lift
tickets on Fridays throughout the season with exception Dec. 28 and
Feb. 22, Taylor added.
Every non-peak Thursday will be "Ladies Day" when women can pay
$19.37 each for tickets, rental equipment, lessons, half-day child
care, as well as a half-day ski or snowboard lessons for kids.
Want to ski with a friend or introduce someone to Pico?
All My Pico Pass holders are invited to bring a friend to ski or
ride midweek (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) non-peak for $19.37
lift tickets.
Taylor explained the wonderful deals, noting, "We wanted to take
this opportunity to showcase Pico's diverse terrain by offering a
variety of 75th Anniversary promotions throughout the winter."
For those without snow in their yards and wondering how Pico can
open when we've had no major storm, Taylor said he was watching one
of his workers snowboard down Lower Pike as we spoke on Monday. He
added that they have put a "ton of snow down and plan to be open
for Friday and Saturday on Fools Gold to Lower Pike and on
Forty-Niner to Lower Pike and possibly Bonanza as well if the
weather forecast holds.
As Pico turns 75 this season, there's also an updated Pico book,
which includes its 75 year-history available locally and from
author Linda Goodspeed.
Pico is still a dramatic, tall, and broad mountain but now
sports 53 trails with a 1,967-foot vertical on a big 265 skiable
acres! Lift hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays,
and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and peak days.
At 75, Pico is one gorgeous and exciting lady to dance with-and
one of the least expensive dates in skierdom! A true mountain of
value.
