BIG SAVINGS IN COLORADO

FOR AT LEAST TWO decades, the Colorado Gems discount card has provided savings at 10 of the state's lesser-known resorts.

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The card is geared toward skiers who want the flexibility to make last-minute plans, going where the snow is best on a particular weekend. New this winter is a simplified pricing structure: The card costs $49.99, and it lets holders pay a discounted price at each area, which can range from $44 for a weekday ticket at Ski Cooper to $129 for a weekend ticket at Arapahoe Basin.

"Part of our work is letting the infrequent skier know these options are out there," said Sarah Beatty, communications director for the ski-area trade group Colorado Ski Country USA, which administers the pass.