The Canyons Resort recently announced it would honor an arrangement made between the previous owners, American Skiing Company, and SDI Properties, developers of Escala Lodges, to provide condominium buyers with access to a 30-year ski pass at the resort.
Philip Grant, head of sales, marketing and owner representation with SDI Properties said the deal was made nearly a decade ago and was originally envisioned to provide access to all nine of the now defunct American Skiing Company’s resorts. In 2005, when SDI acquired the development rights to Escala Lodges, the deal was part of the purchase, but only in November were all of the complexities of the offer worked out, he said.
Mike Goar, general manager of The Canyons, said in a press release, “The Canyons and SDI Properties combined efforts to produce a ski pass that will help promote the resort and accelerate real estate sales at Escala Lodges.”
Lifetime ski passes or 30-year passes can be controversial. There was much concern to preclude the passes from being sold separately after the purchase of the condo but to still allow transferability to family members of the owners, he said. The final agreement permits Escala owners access to two passes that must be renewed yearly. Each October, the holder of the passes can change among direct family members. The pass cannot be loaned to nightly-rental clients, he said. But if the condos are sold at a later date, access to the two passes is sold with the property.
“This represents only one of its kind in North America based on my findings,” he said. “It’s a huge advantage for any existing owners or future purchasers.”
The announcement from The Canyons said the passes can also be upgraded to include membership in the new Canyons Club.
Grant said reaction to the deal has been very positive. Among existing owners, nearly all have gotten their passes.