Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Squaw Valley will be observing a couple of significant milestones next season: The 60^th anniversary of its founding and the 50^th anniversary of its hosting the VIII Winter Olympic Games.

But you may be doing the celebrating, too.

Skiers and snowboarders, for the first time in the resort's history, will be able to purchase season passes for the 2009-2010 winter at significantly reduced rates - as much as $1,000 over last year's prices.

The 50/60 Pass, as it is dubbed, comes in four different colors:

The Bronze Pass, which goes for $369, is good seven days a week except for Saturdays between Dec. 27, 2009 and Feb. 28, 2010 and the usual holiday blackout periods (Christmas-New Year week, MLK weekend and Presidents weekend).

The Silver Pass, which goes for $469, is good every day except for the holiday blackout dates.

The Gold Pass, priced at $949, is good all season, with no blackout dates, and you get a few extra perks, such as four vouchers $20 off lift tickets, four group lessons, use of the Cable Car this summer and 15 percent off Squaw Valley retail purchases.

The Platinum Pass, which costs $1,499 or as much as a regular early-season pass last year, gets you every-day lift access as well as two complimentary lift tickets, four vouchers $20 off lift tickets, 10 group lessons, 20 percent off retail merchandise, Ski with Jonny Moseley dates and other perks.

The prices on the 50/60 Passes are good until May 11.