The Aspen Ski Company is offering a very exclusive – and very expensive– option for anyone who wants to hit the slopes in the Colorado mountain town this season. Skiers and snowboarders with deep pockets can opt for the Ultimate Ski Pass, which grants them a bevy of special privileges but comes with a hefty $25,000 price tag. Before you experience cardiac arrested brought on by sticker-shock however, you should know that money raised is going to a variety of good causes.

The perks for Ultimate Ski Pass holders include the opportunity to meet the U.S. Women's Ski Team when they compete in Aspen later this month at the 2011 Winternational World Cup. They'll also receive two VIP passes to that event, as well as breakfast with Bill Marolt, the President of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. Additionally, they'll be entitled to a behind the scenes tour of Aspen-Snowmass and be allowed to ride along on a snowcat grooming session.

While those opportunities may be intriguing to some, the real benefit for avid skiers is that the pass includes unlimited first tracks on fresh powder. What that means is that pass grants its holder, and three of their friends, access to the mountain before it opens to the public, on any day of the season, giving them the opportunity to be the first down the hill on those days.

The Ultimate Ski Pass provides access to four different hills, including Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk. Additionally, there are only 18 Ultimate Passes available for sale, one of which has already been sold.

Proceeds from the sale of these rather pricey tickets will go to public schools in Aspen and toward supporting World Cup skiing events that take place there as well.

[Photo courtesy Aspen Snowmass]

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