Long celebrated as the most exclusive season pass in Colorado, the Colorado Ski Country USA Gold Pass has provided access to unlimited powder days across the state for more than 50 years. Today, Gold Pass Membership grants unlimited access to 22 of Colorado’s world-class ski resorts all season long, with no black-out dates and fully transferrable access for colleagues, clients, family and friends. But what about Gold Passes of seasons past?
As the Colorado ski industry has adapted to the changing times, the Gold Pass Membership Program has adjusted accordingly. While several hundred memberships were sold in the early years, today the Gold Pass membership is more sought after than ever, with a very limited number of memberships available each season and a waiting list for future membership consideration.
Since the early years of CSCUSA in the 1960’s, Gold Pass Membership has inspired envy among Coloradans and visitors alike. Long-time Gold Pass members have seen the pass evolve from a pin to a medallion to an RFID-enabled ski pass, with numerous variations in between as different artists and designers put their own creative influence on the Gold Pass.
Among the first iterations of the pass were Colorado Ski Country USA pins worn on the member’s ski jacket to indicate Gold Pass Membership to lift operators at participating resorts. These pins were displayed proudly on each member’s chest as a symbol of true powderhound status.
As resort technology became more sophisticated, Colorado Ski Country transferred to Gold Pass Medallions that commemorated each ski season with a custom design and valid season dates. The Gold Pass Medallions have changed in size, shape, material and motif over the years, but they have always retained their stylish charm and emphasis on skiing and snowboarding.
With the advent of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, CSCUSA implemented RFID-enabled Gold Passes in 2010. Today’s Gold Pass Membership utilizes RFID technology that provides members or their guests with direct to lift access at most ski areas and a medallion made from wood to allow the RFID scanner to read the pass.
No matter how much the Gold Pass has changed over the seasons, one thing has remained the same – The Gold Pass is the most exclusive pass in Colorado, granting access to more resorts, more powder days and more fun than any other ski pass in the state.
If you’d like to learn more about Colorado Ski Country USA Gold Pass Memberships, call 303-866-9728 or email Katherine Rainbolt at katherine@coloradoski.com.
