By committing some funds to Mt. Sima, skiers and snowboarders may actually end up saving some money over what they'd normally spend on a season's pass.

Volunteers working to get the beleaguered hill operating again for the 2013/2014 ski season, have posted a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/savesima

It asks supporters to make a financial commitment to the hill by pledging to buy passes for the season or, if they prefer, to make a donation should the hill reopen next winter.

Those who commit to buy the passes at this point would get a significant discount over the usual cost of a season's pass. The exact prices haven't been established for the next season, if there is one.

For those pledging a commitment now, an adult season pass for ages 19 to 64 would be up to $395.

Youth passes for ages 13 to 18 and seniors' passes for those aged 65 and up would go for up to $320. Finally, children's passes would be up to $200.

Lee Vincent, the secretary of the Great Northern Ski Society (GNSS, which has operated the hill), said this morning those rates are significantly cheaper than the regular rates or even the earliest of early bird charges.

Last year's prices saw adults pay $515 for the super early bird pass between Sept. 4 and Oct. 8, $550 for the early bird pass between Oct. 9 and Nov. 20 and $585 for passes purchased after Nov. 21.

Youth and seniors paid $410 for the super early bird deal, $438 for the early bird deal and $465 after Nov. 21.

Children's passes were $250 for the super early bird, $268 for the early bird and $285 after Nov. 21.

There was also family pricing based on the number of family members and their ages.

Those committing to buying a pass as part of the survey won't have to hand over any money right now.

Sima officials, however, will follow up on the pledges after the decision is made on whether to open the hill in the fall.

Vincent said the initiative is part of the work volunteers are doing to determine whether the hill can be used again for the coming season.

The GNSS board is focused on paying off its debts after shutting the hill, which offered an adventure park over the last two summers.

Vincent, however, said others are using the survey to gauge the level of community support for the hill.

The board voted to disband

There's been no set numbers on the commitments the hill would need to be reopened.

Vincent argued whether 10 people or 1,000 people respond to the survey, it should be clear where the community stands on the hill.

The survey asks those who regularly buy a pass to also consider making a donation, while asking those who typically buy day passes to consider pledging a season's pass.

Those who don't spend time on the hill, but want to support it, can make a donation, it's noted.

"It's all about financial risk,” Vincent said of bringing life to the hill next winter.

Residents are asked to complete the survey by Sept. 1.

While officials have stated Sept. 1 would be the final date to determine whether the hill can open, Vincent said this morning the determination would be within the first week of September.

Following the survey period, the GNSS and the committees formed last month to look at reopening the hill will meet to discuss where each group is in its efforts and determine whether Sima can once again host recreation enthusiasts.

The focuses have been on short-term and long-term funding and governance.

Vincent stressed that it's important supporters wanting to see Sima stay alive fill out the survey.

"We're doing everything we can to distribute the survey,” she said.

The city has paid off the more than $190,000 owed on the chairlift and secured title to it.

Vincent said the board is still working with the Yukon government after the territory pledged to pay off $190,000 in debts owed to local businesses.

There are also ongoing negotiations with WildPlay for the WildPlay adventure park which opened last summer.