Bad Economy Offers Big Savings To Utah Locals

Ski areas along the Wasatch Front have felt the chill of destination tourism in the wake of a shaky economy and low early season snowfall. So, reaching into their backyard, they're doing what it takes to lure locals to the slopes.

Buy a local resident $40 discount card to Powder Mountain and get $16 off a day pass Monday through Friday or $15 off a half-day pass. The resort also has also rolled back its night skiing prices to 2002 with tickets just $15 for adults, and $12 for kids. There's also a free shuttle bus from nearby Eden so guests won't have to navigate that steep windy road to the resort. 801-745-3772.

Snowbird's spring pass went on sale March 2 for $499. The price drops to $279 on April 1. If you don't think you'll get your money's worth, remember that The Bird stayed open until June 22 last year. 800-232-9542.

Alta is now selling their full season pass for $725 (was $1,099 before Jan. 31, 2009). All you'd need to do is ski 12 days to pay it off. 801-359-1078.

Brighton is offering a half-price Twilight Pass Thursdays. Just show a Maverick Adventure Card (get it free at any Maverick gas station) and night ski for $29. 801-532-4732.

The Canyons' Pair Pass Promotion is over but you can still ski the world-class resort for nearly half the regular ticket price of $81. Stop into a Costco store in Salt Lake City on your way up to Park City for a two-pack to The Canyons for $104.99.

Costco is also selling a five-ticket voucher card to Park City Mountain Resort for $249.99; making the tickets $50/ea instead of $79.

The "45 Special" at Wolf Creek will get you a night pass, snowboard rental, and a two-hour snowboard lesson for $45. 801-745-3511.

Other Wolf Creek night specials include:

Sunday and Monday are Family Nights - $40 for a family of 4 (each additional child is $10); individuals pay $10.

Ten Buck Tuesday - Buy a full price ticket and the second ticket is only $10.

Wednesday Youth Group Night - (any youth organization) $10 tickets.

Thursday Night is Student Night - $15 tickets for K through graduate level. Includes a slice of pizza and a small drink.