It’s no secret that Colorado’s resorts seem to feel a bit crowded in recent years, and multiple spots around the state are starting to offer premium passes to help remove some of the headaches that come with that. After all, the crowded parking lots, long lift lines, and excessive wait times at on-resort restaurants can cut time out of the day that could be better spent on doing what guest came to do – cruising down the slopes.

One program meant to increase the amount of time spent on the slopes is Winter Park’s $2,499 ‘Reserve Pass’ upgrade, which lasts all season and offers premium lift lane access, ‘early-ups,’ and premium parking (the basic tier of the pass costs $999 and skips the parking benefits). As noted, this is a season-long upgrade though – and another resort is offering a similar option that takes it day-by-day.

This season, Steamboat Resort is offering the ‘True West’ pass option – and it comes at a typical price of $400 from Friday through Sunday and $280 on Monday through Thursday.

Purchased for each day it’s used and purchased on top of whatever ticket is providing the initial access to on-mountain lifts, the True West pass includes key three benefits.

For True West passholders, the day starts off with valeted priority parking at the top of the Wild Horse Gondola, which is located in the base area and about a minute walk from key lifts.

Once ready to hit the slopes, True West passholders get priority access to the Steamboat Gondola, Sundown Express, Sunshine Express, South Peak lift, and Storm Peak Express. This priority lift line is one that’s shared with Steamboat Resort employees and participants of the SnowSports school, ensuring as little of a wait as possible. Only the True West passholder is able to use this line, not other guests the passholder may be with.

A third key perk of the pass upgrade comes with benefits at Hazie’s Restaurant and Lounge. Here, True West purchasers get exclusive locker and boot-up areas, dedicated dining space, and more.

While many guests of Steamboat Resort are likely using various season passes that offer discounted rates, current pricing for single-day lift tickets on the resort’s website range from $200 to $295 at time of reporting. Purchasing a single day lift-ticket and tacking on the True West pass would mean paying a total of $480 to $695 for a day on the mountain.

A few other details related to the pass include that all members of a party will need to have a pass to take advantage of on-mountain benefits with the exception of children under age five. True West pass availability is limited each day.

Find additional information about the True West Pass here or plan a trip to Steamboat Resort here.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)