Like mom’s dinner bell, the roar of the snow guns this time of year sends college kids racing to Snowshed Lodge at the base of Killington Ski Resort.
And these days at Snowshed, college students can purchase the new College 4.0 season pass, a four-mountain pass that is an upgrade from last season’s that included only Killington and Pico.
On Aug. 15, Killington announced its new partnership with Okemo Mountain and Mount Sunapee.
“We are thrilled to partner with Okemo and Sunapee to offer the best value in a New England college season pass,” said Mike Solimano, president and general manager for Killington Resort and Pico Mountain.
With the same $369 price plus tax, the four mountains offer a combined 378 trails, 150 miles of skiable terrain with 8,727 vertical feet and some of the best conditions in the east.
“This age group is key to our future success because if we can create loyalty at this age, hopefully they will graduate, get a job, get married, have children and continue skiing and riding at the resort they fell in love with as a student!” said Kelly O’Brien, marketing manager at Killington Resort and Pico Mountain.  

But the 4.0 pass offers a lot more than just a lift ticket to ski and ride.
It also includes discounts for friends and deals of up to 10 and 20 percent at local restaurants and ski shops around all four mountains.  

“I love when my friends come visit from home and they get 50 percent off their lift ticket,” said skier Allie Dwinell.
Each college student, when they purchase the season pass, gets five 50 percent off college buddy lift tickets for the 2013-14 season.
On Dec. 12, Killington will be hosting a movie premier and college pass event at the X-Bar in Rutland. Students will have a chance to win prizes like DVDs, iPod speakers, shirts, and even a snowboard, according to Rob Bresnan, Castleton student and Killington representative.
Killington officials say they are excited at the possibilities with their new partners.
“We are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with our new resort partnership,” Solimano said.