BY KAREN BOSSICK

Sun Valley Resort is offering a renewal discount on 2020-21 season passes to make up for a shortened season caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

And resort officials said they will offer a free pass protection program covering pass holders in case of mandated resort closure or even personal injury or pregnancy. That includes a 100 percent refund if the resort is unable to operate for the entire 2020-21 season.

“In these unique times we are particularly grateful for all of our loyal season pass holders who share our passion and love for Sun Valley Resort,” said Tim Silva, president and general manager of Sun Valley Resort. “We are pleased to offer a new protection plan for all pass holders to address many of the questions and concerns around next winter and a 20 percent renewal discount for pass holders from last season.”

Silva noted the resort is also extending its spring sale through June and offering pass holders an opportunity to support the local community by supporting the Hunger Coalition.

Sun Valley Resort had to close a month early ahead of its scheduled April 12 closing date as the governor ordered Sun Valley residents to shelter in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. Its sister resort—Snowbasin in Utah—closed down on March 16, as well.

The new benefits:

20% RENEWAL DISCOUNT OR FREE LIFT TICKET—Sun Valley Resort is providing a one-time discount on season pass renewals for the 2020-21 season due to the early closure of the 2019-20 season. Guests must have had an eligible 2019-20 season pass. Those who choose not to renew by Nov. 25 will have a single-day ticket loaded to their pass for next winter. The ticket is non-transferrable and blackout dates apply.

NO COST PASS PROTECTION PROGRAM—This program protects season pass holders from future personal or community hardships. Covered events include a mandated resort closure, stay-at-home orders, personal injury, military service or pregnancy. Refunds will be based on the number of days skied and date of the request.

For instance, guests will get an 80 percent refund if they ski five days or less and ask for it by Dec. 15; 50 percent refund by Jan. 15 if they ski 10 days or less; 30 percent refund by Feb. 15 if they ski 15 days or less and 20 percent refund by March 15 if they ski 20 days or less.

If Sun Valley is unable to operate for the entire 2020-21 season, 100 percent refunds will be issued.

SPRING SALE PRICE EXTENSION—Sun Valley Resort is extending its early-season rates featuring the guaranteed lowest price through the end of June. A no-interest payment plan is available to spread the cost into five payments. Prices increase July 1, 2020.

CHARITABLE DONATION TO THE HUNGER COALITION—Pass holders eligible for a renewal discount have the option to donate the discount amount to benefit The Hunger Coalition. Sun Valley Resort is also donating to The Hunger Coalition, which has seen unprecedented demand for food during the corona-cession.

“The Hunger Coalition has gone above and beyond to help feed the people of Blaine County during this hard time,” Silva said.

The Hunger Coalition is thrilled with its new partnership with Sun Valley Resort, said the nonprofit’s Executive Director Jeanne Liston. The nonprofit has been feeding three times more families since the shutdown started in mid-March.

Passholders who renewed their season pass for the 2020-21 season prior to May 13 will receive the 20 percent renewal discount as a refund. They can visit www.sunvalley.com by June 30 to select whether they’d like to have the refund returned to their card or whether they’d like to donate the amount to the Hunger Coalition. If they do not make a selection, it will automatically be processed as a refund to their card.

The Epic Pass, which includes Sun Valley Resort among its list of resorts, also is providing a 20 percent credit to pass holders. Those who used their pass less than five days will be eligible for higher credits up to 80 percent for those who didn’t use their pass at all.

It's hoped that a vaccine for the coronavirus might be available by next winter. Mount Baldy near Los Angeles reopened this spring by having skiers wear buffs covering nose and mouth and practicing social distancing. Guests had the option of riding the chair by themselves, and the rental shop was closed.

Sun Valley already has committed to completing the Cold Springs lift extension, which will add 380 skiable acres in the area of Seattle Ridge, 25 snowmaking guns and replace the resort’s oldest chairlift with a new high-speed detachable chair.

“We know right now times are unsure, but we look forward to our guests joining us next winter on the slopes to enjoy all that Sun Valley has to offer, including the Bald Mountain Expansion,” said Silva.

For more information, visit www.sunvalley.com, call 208-622-6136 or email lifttickets@sunvalley.com.