We will be making a group purchase for the Northstar and Sierra-at-Tahoe
double whammy pass. The pass is good for everyday at both resorts, except
some blackout days at Northstar (good all days at Sierra). The normal
price is $489, the group price is just $399 - a savings of $90 per person.
In the old days the group pass included vertical plus, now it no longer
includes it. However you can add
Fast Pass or Vertical Plus to your pass for an extra
fee. Fast Pass lets you
get into priority lift lines, it costs $99 more. Vertical plus
lets you into priority lift lines, and lets you accumulate vertical feet
that you can exchange for awards, it costs $159 and includes a free lift
ticket for a friend. For this group
we wont be getting the upgrades, you can always add the upgrade yourself
at the resort when you pick up your pass.
For further info click this link:
More info at
this web site. There is also an FAQ you can read.
You can still goto Northstar on a blackout day and pay the afternoon price. You can also go to Sierra-at-Tahoe any day all season - no blackouts!
BONUS: All members will receive a FREE TRIAL SNOWBOMB CARD and a 1 year subscription to either FREESKIER or SNOWBOARD magazine. A $20 value! Note: only my group gets this bonus. At this time the benefits of the SNOWBOMB card have not been finalized, however in past years its always been a magazine subscription and access to the online discount lift ticket store. Really nice way to save if you want to try some different mountains, good also for resorts all around the country.
We must have a group of 10 people sign up BEFORE Sept 25 2010 for this rate. If you like to participate you will need to do the following asap:
1. email me to let me know you are interested: david _AT_ powder-rider.com . (replace _AT_ with @). I'll keep you informed as to whats happening by email.
2. (by mail) print out this form fill and sign only page 3 and 4; and leave Group Organizer and Member# blank. Also I recommend you not fill in the credit card info for the Resort Autocharge, someone may steal your credit card info. Its safer to add Resort Autocharge in person at the resort when you pick up your pass. If you want vertical plus or fast pass, I recommend you add it in person at the resort, it will cost the same and it makes my job much easier. Mail the signed forms, and a check for $399 payable to David Lai to
David Lai
11309 Wolverine Circle
Truckee, CA 96161
I must receive all payments and forms by Sept 25, so I can hand-carry the application to the mountain by the deadline. Note that this is a guaranteed group application - we already have the minimum number of people for a group, so we can just add your application.
I have bought the group pass for the last 9 years, and its always been worth it. Tell your friends, there is no limit on the group size.
I will keep a web page online showing the status of the group so you can keep track of where we're at.
Email me if you have any questions
The price is the same as the amazing 2009-2010 season. I cant guarantee the snow will be as good this year, but I have my fingers crossed!
Can I get the pass refunded for health reasons?
A few members during the season got their passes refunded due to health reasons - so as long as you dont use the pass, you can request a refund from N*, they basically have to refund to me, then I in turn will send you a check. A bit convoluted but since I basically PAY for everyones passes, Northstar will only refund to me.Note: Northstar has been generous in this regard in the past but there is no guarantee they will continue to refund in the future.
Can I use paypal to pay you?
People in the past have inquired about using Paypal or some other online payment system, unfortunately paypal puts large limits on how much money can be sent/received; and other online payment systems charge fees which will add to the costs. In any case you still need to send me the signed forms, because Northstar will only accept an original signed liability-release form. So you can't escape licking a stamp.
Can I meet you in person?
Someone asked if they can meet me in person and hand me the forms and check. Yes you can, if you want to meet me in Truckee. Call me and we can arrange a convenient meeting time and place. Example: Wild Cherries Coffee Shop, BTW they have great coffee and baked goods!
Can I get a discount for a junior pass for my kids?
Sorry, the group discount only applies to Adult (23-69) passes. For other types of passes (student, kids, senior) you probably get a better deal directly from Northstar.
How do I get my pass?
Some people have inquired how they will be informed about getting the passes. Here is the breakdown:
- A couple of days before I deposit the checks, I will email everyone that I received a check from, that I will be depositing their checks in the bank. This would be the final date you can email me and tell me you want out - I will shred your check and take you out of the group.
- I will deposit the checks.
- approx 3-5 business days later I will check with the bank to make sure none of the checks bounced - if your check bounces you will be removed from the group.
- I will bring the applications to Northstar and pay for the passes. I'll send an email to the group letting you know this has happened.
- It takes about a week or two for Northstar to process the passes. Northstar will inform you directly about your passes. Typically they will mail you a form and you can bring that in to pick up your pass the first day you goto the resort, you can also pick up your pass at Sierra. They may take your picture for the pass. At that time you may also sign up for autocharge by giving them your credit card. Bring your ID with you, they will only issue the pass to the correct person. Your passes will be ready by opening day. If you've had a pass before, the resort may re-use your last years picture and mail you the pass so you dont need to wait in line.
Update: You can now upload your picture on the internet, and your pass will be mailed to you. Go directly to the lifts on Day 1!
Can I use my $50 discount voucher?
Some people have inquired if they could use the discount vouchers that Northstar or Sierra issued them as a prize for vertical-plus. Northstar informs me that I can accept these vouchers in lieu of $50 payment, and I can turn them in on behalf of the member. So if you want to use your voucher, send it and a $349 check.
What about this SNOWBOMB thing?
SNOWBOMB is a web site that sells discounted lift tickets to many resorts. They offer trial memberships during the season - which gives you a free magazine subscription and access to their online discount store - save up to $10 per lift ticket. This is good if you want to try some different resorts.Why do you spend so much time organizing the group?You will need to enter a code on the website to activate your magazine and discount. I usually get the codes sometime in January, and will email them directly to you.
I started out by joining a group organized at the company I worked at in the Bay Area, it was great for a few years. Then I moved to Truckee, its very convenient for me to bring the applications right into the Northstar Seasons Pass office, as its only a few minutes drive from home. So I started organizing the group because I was the closest person to the resort. I ride Northstar at least 20 days each season, so its worth it for me to get a pass. Me and my friends get a great discount too. And I love the sport so I do what I can to help promote it. So its a win-win for everyone.Why join this group instead of another group?
Lots of reasons, including:
- Free Snowbomb access and free magazine subscription
- I can hand-carry the forms to Northstar
- I've been doing this for 9 years, we've always had enough people to complete the group. Many group members renew each year.
- The best organized group on the web with our own dedicated web site.
- You get first chance at the additional discount next season (this special offer is sent to past members only).
- Summer benefits at Northstar (if you joined my group before June 11).