United Way Day Kicks Off the Ski and Ride Season at Pico Mountain

KILLINGTON, VT, (December 13, 2011) – Skiers and riders rejoice, Pico Mountain will be welcoming the 2011-12 winter season with United Way Day on Saturday, December 17.

Pico Mountain will donate $20 from every $39 Pico Express Card purchased on Opening Day to the United Way of Rutland County. It’s a great chance for Pico Mountain and Pico fans to give back to an organization dedicated to the community we love so much.

“We really appreciate the continued support from Pico Mountain and the community. This event is a really creative way to benefit locals and get involved in helping a broad spectrum of people across the community,” says Traci Moore, executive director of the Rutland County United Way. “Pico’s United Way Day is a big part of our annual campaign; it goes to support everything from housing to health agencies,” continued Moore.

The Pico Express Card retails for $39 and offers discounted lift ticket rates for the entire 2011-12 season. Cardholders receive mid-week lift tickets for just $29, and weekend/peak day tickets for $39. Like a season pass, the Express Card has a photo of the skier or rider, and is scanned directly at the lift. It’s linked to a credit card, which automatically charges the discounted lift ticket rate at the skier or rider’s first run of the day. Express Card price increases to $49 on December 26, 2011.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the United Way of Rutland County again this year,” said Tracy Taylor, director of operations for Pico Mountain, “Pico Mountain strives to support our community through various fund raisers and it’s great to way for our guest to be involved and give back.”

The United Way of Rutland County is celebrating its 68th year as one of 1,400 nationwide non-profit chapters dedicated to serving their communities. Last year’s United Way Day at Pico raised more than $6,000 for the Rutland Chapter, and this year is off to a strong start raising nearly $5,000 at Pico’s Summer United Way Day.

Pico Mountain will open for its 74th season on December 17, 2011. Lift hours are 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekends and peak days.

About Pico Mountain:
With all the charm of classic Vermont and all the challenge of the best of New England skiing, Pico Mountain welcomes fans old and new, time and again. A family-loving resort, Pico’s Planet Kids keeps the smallest skiers entertained, while 52 trails, 265 skiable acres and seven lifts give every guest plenty of room to play in the powder. Pico boasts more vertical drop than 80 percent of New England mountains along with mogul trails, glades, groomed cruisers, and the Triple Slope Terrain Park. Pico’s snowmaking system was upgraded for this season and will continue to make great snow across the mountain, from gentle beginner slopes to two brand-new gladed trails. At the end of the day, it all leads back to our classically cozy base lodge. Pico Mountain is also Vermont’s only non-smoking ski resort. Pico – Big Mountain Terrain, Small Mountain Charm. www.PicoMountain.com .