There are only 400 of these things made every year. Can you guess what the minimum contribution has to be to even get considered for a Gold Pass?
10 Grand.
Yup, that’s right, a minimum of $10,000 bucks. It doesn’t get much more prestigious than that.
What do you get if you do get a Gold Pass? We’re told you get unlimited access to ski resorts, and of course an invitation or two (or a hundred) to swanky parties and special events. Apparently the funds raised from a gold pass are crucial to ski athlete development in the U.S. The funds offset costs associated with elite training, education and travel.
Photo Credit: newschoolers Jen Hudak Soaring
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has created a partnership with Tiffany & Co, the famous jeweler, to put out the Gold Pass. Olympic champion Donna Weinbrecht, and Olympic medalists Lindsey Jacobellis and Andrew Weibrecht, as well as five-time X Games medalist Jen Hudak were all on hand to help kick off a recent press event in NYC to celebrate and announce the partnership…and of course to get some donors to throw down for a few Gold Passes.
USSA’s VP Trace Worthington shared, “Our athletes and organization rely on the dedicated support of donors, especially those who contribute at the Gold Pass level and above.” “We are grateful for their generosity and hope to provide an equally rewarding experience in return. We know that a Tiffany produced Gold Pass is a great start.”
Photo Credit: skiing.teamusa.org Olympian Donna Weinbrecht Getting Rad
We’re all wondering what “level” is above the Gold Status? Platinum? Maybe that’s 100k and you get whatever mountain you plan to ski at for an hour or two before the public, even on a powder day? Now that, would be worth something.
If you’d like more information on how to donate to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation, including more specific information about the Gold Pass, click here.