The American Ski Exchange offers a variety of opportunities for both locals and visitors to experience the thrill of winter sports. From discounted lift tickets and equipment rentals to cultural exchange programs, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Lift Ticket Deals and Savings
One of the primary draws of the American Ski Exchange is the chance to save on lift tickets. Here are some key points to consider:
- Advance Purchase: Get the lowest prices when you purchase your tickets in advance.
- Multi-Day Tickets: Save on your daily rate by committing to multiple days in advance.
- Rest Day Comfort: This tickets deal offers “rest day comfort” when you purchase 3 of 4-day, 4 of 5-day, or 5 of 7-day lift tickets, giving you the convenience to pick which day(s) to take off.
- Eligible Passholders: May purchase discounted lift tickets through the online calendar using pre-assigned codes.
- Free Tickets for Kids: Don’t worry about getting lift tickets for those little shredders ages 12 and under, just get them a FREE Power Kids Pass.
Important Reminder: Only tickets purchased directly through the online store are guaranteed to be valid.
Resort Credit
Purchasing tickets on eligible dates can also earn you resort credit. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Earn resort credit when you purchase on eligible dates.
- Prior to 11:59 pm on the day before your Lift ticket and Rentals become valid, you may be eligible for a resort credit.
- Credit amounts will be based on the ticket purchaser’s actual purchase price, less insurance, if applicable.
- Credit may be used at Purgatory Resort for lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and Purgatory operated Food, Beverage, and Retail outlets.
Note that lift tickets received as a benefit associated with other tickets or complimentary passes are not eligible for credit.
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Equipment Rentals
Renting equipment is a convenient option for those who don't own their gear or prefer to try out different types of equipment. Here's what you need to know:
- Rental Agreement: Each person renting equipment must be present for proper fitting and to sign the rental agreement. If under age 18, a parent or guardian must be present.
- Fitting Time: Holidays and weekends can become very busy. You can call your rental location in advance for advice on the best fitting time for your pickup day.
- Rental Returns: Are due back the day after your rental date has expired. Please be sure to return your equipment by 10 am.
- Damage Waiver: All Christy Sports locations offer a damage waiver for daily rental equipment. The cost is $4 per person, per day for winter daily rentals.
- Helmets: If you would like a helmet please reserve it with your rental. The cost is $14.95 per day.
Kids Rent Free Program
Christy Sports offers a "Kids Rent Free" program, providing additional savings for families:
- Kids 12 and under ski or ride free with a 4+ consecutive day adult daily rental.
- Full adult ski or snowboard rental packages are required to reserve KRF in advance.
- Kids Rent Free is not available for rental delivery.
- Helmets and damage waivers are not included but can be added to your reservation for an additional fee.
Blackout date restrictions apply, so make sure to check the dates when booking.
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Season Rentals
For those planning to ski or snowboard frequently, season rentals can be a cost-effective option:
- Season rentals are due at the end of the ski season, generally around April 20th.
- You can swap sizes in either skis or boots during the season at no charge.
- Christy Sports offers a complimentary tune when renting season rentals.
Season rental stock is not available past the pickup deadline date.
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Foreign Exchange Students in Ski Towns
Ski towns often host foreign exchange students, providing them with a unique cultural experience. These students live with local families and immerse themselves in the community.
While in Steamboat, foreign exchange students live with three different families throughout the year to give them a taste of real family life. A family can be anyone from a couple with children to families with no children or even single people. They just have to be willing to take in a student for three months and pass a background check.
Local organizations, like the Rotary Club, play a crucial role in supporting these students. Local Rotary members like Ray Martinez also keep an eye on the foreign students, inviting them to family dinners or trips.
As the two boys wrap up their exchange trip, they’re collecting donations for their end-of-year fundraiser so they can go on an epic trip across the West with other foreign exchange students.
Additional Information
Here's some additional information to keep in mind when planning your ski trip:
- Ticket and Rental Purchases: All ticket and rental purchases are non-refundable, except for up to a 48-hour cancellation period immediately following the time of purchase and before the date of your arrival.
- Reservation Changes: You can make changes at any time. Requested changes are subject to availability.
- Late Arrival: If you do not arrive within 1 hour of your reservation time, your reservation will become subject to forfeit.