Colorado Lift Ticket Sticker Shock

I thought the scariest part of skiing in Colorado was looking down a steep run. Turns out, it’s looking at the ticket price before you get there.

Beaver Creek’s lift ticket page lists a one-day adult advance-purchase ticket at $392 for Peak dates. Aspen $309. Breckenridge $332.

Come again? For that kind of money, I’d like the chairlift to have heated seats, someone to compliment my turns and a financial adviser waiting at the top. Also, I can embarrass myself for free. Just give me a patch of ice outside the grocery store.

To be fair, planning ahead can help. Beaver Creek says buying lift tickets online at least seven days in advance can save up to 10% compared with its peak window price.

My advice? Check your exact ski date and compare ticket and pass options before committing. Don’t assume the headline price is your only option.

And if you do spend that much, please enjoy every run. No casually calling it a day because your toes are cold.

Colorado skiing: Come for the mountain views. Stay because you need another 12 runs to feel better about the purchase.