Which season ski pass is right for you?
As prices at the lift-ticket window surge as high as $189 for a day pass, even semiregular skiers are looking to multiresort passes to get the most bang for their buck on the slopes this season.
EPIC PASS
Vail Resorts pioneered the concept of a multiresort format season pass in 2008 and has grown it every year since.
Access: The most inclusive season pass on the market gives skiers access to 65 destinations with zero blackout dates. Unlimited ski days are included at 19 major resorts including Vail, Colo.; Park City, Utah; Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia; and Northstar, Calif. The pass also grants seven days at Telluride, Colo., seven days total at resorts of the Canadian Rockies and five days total at resorts of Hakuba, Japan.
Perks: Six discounted friend-ski-with-a-friend tickets (prices vary throughout the season) and six buddy passes (flat price discount) are loaded onto each pass. Who it’s right for: Anyone who calls one of the included resorts their home resort or skiers who plan to chase the snow this season and try out different resorts.
Price: $949, epicpass.com
IKON PASS
The most hyped pass of the season, Ikon was introduced by Alterra Mountain Co. this past January.
Access: Zero blackout days at 14 mountains including Mammoth, Calif.; Winter Park, Colo.; and Steamboat, Colo., plus seven ski days at 21 mountains including Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Big Sky, Mont.; Taos, N.M.; and Niseko, Japan.
Perks: Friends and family of passholders can get 25 percent off the ticket-window price at any included resort 10 days this season. Who it’s right for: Ikon is a smart investment for skiers that call California and Colorado home, as these states feature the most included resorts.
Price: $1,049, ikonpass.com
MOUNTAIN COLLECTIVE
Unlike the Epic and Ikon Passes, Mountain Collective gives skiers a taste of different resorts rather than all access.
Access: Skiers get two days each at 17 resorts, including AspenSnowmass, Colo.; Alta,
Utah; and Sun Valley, Idaho.
Perks: Passholders receive 50 percent off additional days at each of the included resorts, as well as benefits on restaurants, retail and lodging. Who it’s right for: This is a great pass for the snow chaser who plans to travel throughout the winter. Even if you plan to ski a week all season at just one resort on the pass, you’ll save money with the additional 50 percent ticket discount.
Price: $469, mountaincollective.com