Which ski pass is right for me?

I got this question a couple times last night, and it is one of the most important decisions skiers make at the start of a season. Choosing a ski pass is not just about price, it is about matching your skiing habits, travel style, and budget with the right option.

The first factor is geography: how far are you willing to travel? If your weekends are built around day trips within a few hours of home, start by looking at which pass covers your local mountain. For this group, the split tends to be between Ikon and Epic. Both offer incredible access, but each has its own network of destinations. I personally own both, though most people only need one. I recommend pulling up the destination maps for each pass and asking yourself which mountains excite you most.

Cost is another key factor. A single-day lift ticket now averages around $180, which is outrageous, but it makes the math simple. If you plan on skiing just two weekends (four or more days) this season, a season pass will already pay for itself. Beyond that, you are basically skiing for free compared to day tickets.

You should also consider your style of trips. Do you chase powder out West, or do you stick to New England or the Rockies? Are you looking for flexibility and variety, or are you loyal to one home mountain?

Culture matters too. Epic Pass is known for being the most widespread, with a more corporate feel, heavy crowds, and great convenience. Ikon has built a reputation for being the “trendy” option, appealing to younger skiers who love destinations like Aspen and Jackson Hole. Indy Pass caters to those who want a throwback vibe, smaller mountains, and a grassroots community atmosphere. Mountain Collective is designed for travelers chasing bucket-list destinations with a few days at each spot.

Ultimately, the right pass depends on your skiing goals. I am always happy to answer questions, and for context, my home mountain is on the Epic Pass, so you will probably see me posting about those resorts.

Curious to learn more? Check out what SKI Magazine has to say here... https://www.skimag.com/ski-resort-life/how-to-choose-multipass-based-on-skill-level/