Echo Mountain, the closest ski area to downtown Denver, announced a rock-bottom pass price of $109 for the entire season.

The season pass will be available at Sports Authority's Sniagrab sale over Labor Day Weekend or online while supplies last at www.echomt.com or by phone at (303) 325-7347.

Echo Mountain General Manager Doug Donovan called the ski area "a complement to other resorts in Colorado due to our location, our pricing and our programs."

Echo Mountain improvements for the coming season include an expanded beginner area with a handle tow lift and a new junior program for kids, ages 3-12. The area will offer additional tree skiing and on-mountain evening programs for adults.

The ski area, located west of Evergreen, will be open seven days a week and until 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Opening day will depend on conditions. Full-day lift tickets will cost $39, while afternoon/evening tickets will cost $29. Kids, age 6-13, pay $25 daily.