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With the record-breaking temperatures and wildfires that are scorching the country this summer, looking ahead to cool winter getaways on the slopes offers a refreshing mental escape. And how’s this for an incentive for powder junkies to start planning now for the 2012/2013 ski season: a newly announced Mountain Collective Pass, which allows participants two free days at some of the best ski resorts in the country – Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Alta in Utah, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows in California’s Lake Tahoe, and Aspen/Snowmass in Colorado.

Part of a partnership with Liftopia, the Mountain Collective Pass is an unprecedented collaboration among premier ski resorts and costs just $349 ($229 for children and $370 with insurance). The price includes two free days at each resort, and, once the complimentary dates are used up, pass holders will receive half off lift tickets for the rest of the season.

The eight total free days by themselves represent a savings of more than $300, there are no blackout dates, and pass holders will also receive offers for lodging discounts up to 25% off at participating resorts. In other words: This is a screaming deal.

The pass, which was announced online Tuesday, has received significant buzz in skiing and social media circles, says Amelia Richmond, public relations manager for Squaw Valley: "The reaction is has been extremely positive. A lot of the feedback included people being excited about the possibility of road trips to ski all these legendary mountains, the great price of the product, and the excitement that mountains were aligned based on their quality of terrain, which really isn’t something that has been done before."

The current rates for the pass are good through Nov. 19; prices will likely increase after that date. Passes are available at Liftopia or www.themountaincollective.com or by calling (800) 705-6286.

But the savings for the 2012/2013 ski season don't stop with the Mountain Collective Deal. Season pass holders at each of the resorts will also be offered 50% off the price of walk-up window tickets at the other three properties. And, at Alta Ski Area, which opened on January 15, 1938, stay tuned for an entire month of special events and lodging packages in January to mark the resort's 75th anniversary.

See our Lake Tahoe, Jackson Hole or Aspen Destination Guides for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rate on flights.