Do Ski Season Passes Make a Good Investment?

Ski season passes are a wise purchase for anyone who regularly love skiing. But if you only occasionally ski, a pass might not be worth the money. A ski pass's value can be assessed by taking into account the cost per ski, the number of mountains it includes, and the distance travelled.

Cost-Per-Use Report

Purchasing a season pass rather than daily lift tickets will save you money if you intend to go skiing more than a few times this winter. When determining whether a ski pass is worth the money, there are a lot of things to take into account. The number of new passes that provide access to numerous upmarket resorts has increased dramatically for the 2024–2025 ski season. Nevertheless, a lot of these new deals provide savings on day passes to other destination resorts and have a two-day maximum per resort. Although the market is still dominated by megapasses like Epic and Ikon, there are a number of other possibilities, such as Power Pass, Mountain Collective, Indy Pass, and other local options. We will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each in this section so you can decide if a season pass is best for you. As we go through the specifics of these new passes during the spring and summer, be sure to check back often!

The Pass's Value

Many skiers and snowboarders are debating whether a season pass is worth the money given the growing cost of day tickets. The good news is that there are lots of possibilities, and the season pass can quickly pay for itself if you are a frequent tourist or intend to spend a lot of time at a particular mountain. For $676, you may enjoy 7 days of unlimited access to Breckenridge, Keystone, Wilmot, and Afton Alps with the Epic Local, which is a fantastic choice if you're looking to minimise costs. Ten days of holiday-only skiing at Beaver Creek and Vail, as well as limited access to Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood, are also included. Another excellent option for skiers and riders who want to visit several mountains is the Ikon Pass. More than forty resorts are covered, including lesser mountains like Stratton and Sugarbush and larger ones like Aspen, Jackson Hole, Deer Valley, and Alta. Additionally, it provides limited access to a few more Eastern ski destinations and unlimited access to a number of them, including Sugarloaf and Killington.

Easy accessibility

Season passes can save travel expenses for skiers who are not from the area. This covers travel, housing, meals, and vehicle rentals. These costs should be taken into account when determining the cost-efficiency of a pass in order to have a more realistic view of the whole investment. The amount of skiing you will do in a particular season is another thing to take into account. Track the number of days you spend skiing using a spreadsheet or ski tracking tool, then compare that number to the number of days the pass you are thinking about paying for. The cost of a pass will usually be recouped in full if you only want to ski a few places. Unexpected problems, like bad weather or injuries, can, however, ruin all of your preparations and drive up the cost of a pass. Because of this, it's crucial to carefully consider your skiing goals before committing to a pass of any kind. Choose the pass that best suits your winter travel needs by looking through the alternatives below.

Distance of Travel

Travel expenses can apply depending on which pass you choose and where you live. This element has the power to make or break a ski season pass's financial value. When weighing your pass alternatives, it's vital to factor in the duration and cost of your travel as well as the cost of lift tickets. For instance, unrestricted skiing is available at several expensive resorts across the nation with the Epic and Ikon passes. To cross the distance, you will need to include in the cost of your airfare and rental car. Investing in the appropriate pass may prove to be worthwhile. Making a list of the ski resorts you want to visit and the amount of skiing days you want to obtain this winter is a smart idea. Next, evaluate which pass option best suits your budget and skiing objectives by comparing the lists with the available pass options. Season passes for 2024–2025 are available now through autumn.