Wow. That sucks. I hope we will see some improvements for that money.
BUT WAIT!
2012 Early Bird $499
2013 Limited Quantity $549
So that's a 10% hike. BUT - no PST anymore on lift tickets, so its really a 3% hike (they basically gave a "return to GST" haircut that is the norm in BC commerce).
2012 Early Bird $499
2013 Early Bird $599
20% increase becomes 13% after you eliminate PST.
I wonder what the "limited quantity" is? Will it accomodate everyone who tries to buy on Apr 16, or are they just gimmick-f*cking with everyone's minds? I'm paying for 2 (me+my kid) so it adds up.
At least for the winter passes, which are on sale now for next season, the customer rep told me they strategically raised the prices so that the net 'tax in' price would be the same. Remove the HST, add back GST, then you can raise prices 7% at least. It's a smart cash grab on their part.