Canyons Resort announced its season pass offerings last week, and they are a different approach than last year.

Both Canyons and Park City Mountain Resort introduced more “choices” in passes last year, with the Canyons offering a Silver, Gold, or Platinum pass each having different levels of perks.

This year, that idea was scrapped with the resort offering a more traditional adult pass.

The biggest change is the creation of a “family pass.” Two Utah Student passes are available for half off with the purchase of an Adult Full pass.

“The Family Pass Program provides the opportunity for a family of four to ski every day, all season,” said managing director Mike Goar via email.

The price of the Adult Full pass for the 2011-2012 season is $1,149. That’s about half-way between the price of last year’s Silver and Gold levels.

The pass includes one complimentary day ticket, summer Red Pine Gondola privileges, and discounts on rentals, lessons and repairs, Goar said.

The Utah Student pass for those age 12 and under this year is $249 and $319 for ages over 12. That compares with $179 and $229 last year.

The resort has worked on a “re-creation” for the last year, and this upcoming season marks the “grand opening” of the new resort, Goar said.

“Guests can enjoy the full complement of enhancements implemented as part of the resort’s multi-million dollar re-creation project,” he said. “Canyons unveiled more on-mountain enhancements than any other ski resort in the country throughout 2011 to improve the skier and rider experience.”

Mountain improvements, including the orange bubble chairs, have changed the skier and rider experience, while new food options have been added on and off the slopes. A new ski beach is complete with food carts and après ski offerings, he said.

Many of the changes were inspired by comments from season pass holders. The resort values their input and business, Goar said.

Ticket options are available at a variety of prices for locals, he explained.

“The Sunday-to-Friday mid-week package, the locals-only Cherry Picker pass, as well as coupon books with rollover days are all great options at different price points,” he said. “The Cherry Picker product includes five full days of skiing or riding for only $58 per day, which represents a savings of 40 percent.”

These pass prices are only good through Oct. 15. Opening day is scheduled for Nov. 25.

Adult Full: $1,149

Adult Mid-Week: $899

18 to 24-year-olds: $599

Seniors (65-69): $659

Super Seniors (70+): $260

Child (Age 6 and under): $59

Utah Student (7-12): $249

Utah Student (13-17): $319

Utah Honor Roll (13-17): $279

Discounts for teachers, firefighters, police, military and spouses.

Student passes are more for non-Utahns.

Visit www.thecanyons.com/seasonpass2012.html to learn more or buy online.