SUGARBUSH, VT. (August 22, 2011) – With the first frost just a few weeks away, Sugarbush Resort is announcing winter season pass rates for 2011-2012.

Sugarbush will once again be offering four passes – the All-Mountain Pass for unlimited skiing and riding at both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen; the Mt. Ellen Pass; the Mt. Ellen Plus Pass; and the Fancy Pass.

In addition, for the first time ever, Sugarbush is rolling out a season pass option for skiers and snowboarders between the ages of 19-29. Known as the “For20s Pass ,” the option provides unlimited skiing at both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen for only $299 if purchased by Sept. 14, 2011; and for $399 if purchased on or after Sept. 15, 2011.

“With more than 300 inches last season, skiers and riders are extremely optimistic about the coming season,” said Win Smith , president of Sugarbush. “With our various pass options, our great new skier services buildings, and additional investment in snowmaking and grooming equipment, we’re equally excited to continue building the premier destination for winter adventure in Vermont.”

For all Sugarbush pass options, “early” pre-season rates are available through Sept. 14, 2011. For College and Graduate rates, the pre-season courtesy discount is extended through Nov. 1, 2011. All pricing listed does not include sales tax.

The All Mountain Pass offers unlimited skiing and riding at Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen. Rates for the All Mountain Pass include Adult 7 day (early $1259, regular $1569); Adult 5 day (early $529, regular $559); college and recent graduate (early $319, regular $419); senior (early $679, regular $789); 80-and-over (early $209, regular $219); youth ages 7-18 (early $429, regular $479); child 6&under (early $25, regular $25).

The Mt. Ellen Pass offers unlimited skiing at Mt. Ellen, known locally as “Sugarbush North,” including full access to the terrain park. This pass is valid at Lincoln Peak in the fall of 2011 prior to Mt. Ellen opening. Mt. Ellen will remain open, weather permitting, through Sunday, April 1, 2012. Rates for the Mt. Ellen Pass include Adult 7 day (early $549, regular $629); college and recent graduate (early $219, regular $319); youth ages 7-18 (early $249, regular $299).

The Mt. Ellen Plus Pass offers all the benefits of the standard Mt. Ellen Pass, with the addition of five individual days as well as spring skiing at Lincoln Peak. Rates for the Mt. Ellen Plus Pass include Adult 7 day (early $839, regular $949); youth ages 7-18 (early $329, regular $349).

The Fancy Pass offers all the access of an All-Mountain Pass, with the addition of spring and summer privileges for golf, mountain biking, Health and Racquet Club access, disc golf and zipline. Rates for the Fancy Pass include an individual option of $3800, or a family option of $7000.

For more information on Sugarbush Resort and their season pass options, call 800.53.Sugar, or visit sugarbush.com .

Sugarbush is also continuing their referral program. Passholders with a 2011-12 pass of any level who refer a new non-discounted 7-day adult passholder will receive a $100 Sugarbush gift card. Referrals for Mt. Ellen or 5-day All-Mountain passes will receive a $50 gift certificate.

ABOUT SUGARBUSH RESORT: With 2600′ of vertical, 111 trails, and more than 20 wooded areas on the trail maps, Sugarbush Resort’s two mountains of Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen offer a true alpine experience for all levels of winter adventurers.

In the 2010-2011 season, Sugarbush recorded more than 300 inches of fresh snowfall, and remained open for skiing and riding through the first of May.

Sugarbush’s remarkable terrain variety includes gentle groomers, quiet glades, backcountry adventures in the Slide Brook Basin, and the extreme tests of Castlerock. Sugarbush also hosts a full-feature terrain park at Mt. Ellen, and a comprehensive learn-to-ski/learn-to-ride program at both mountains.

For the apres-ski crowd, Sugarbush offers comfort and convenience in numerous pubs, restaurants and their new base area plaza featuring the “Farmhouse” and “Schoolhouse” skier services buildings.

Sugarbush was rated by OnTheSnow.com as having their “Favorite Downhill Terrain In the East” (2011), by Ski Magazine readers as being #1 in Terrain Variety in the East (2010), and by Outside Magazine as being the “Best Ski Town in the East” (2010). For a complete list of season pass options, or for more information on Sugarbush, please visit www.sugarbush.com or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/Sugarbush.VT . ###