Ski Resort Season Pass Comparison 2026
Save big on lift tickets! Compare season passes from major ski resort chains and find the best value for your skiing style.
Epic Pass (Vail Resorts) - $909
What You Get
41 Resorts Included:- Unlimited days at most Vail resorts
- 7 days at partner resorts (Whistler, Telluride, Sun Valley)
- Vail, CO
- Breckenridge, CO
- Park City, UT
- Heavenly, CA/NV
- Whistler Blackcomb, BC (7 days)
- Colorado skiers (10+ Vail resorts)
- Tahoe access (Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar)
- Park City as home mountain
---
Ikon Pass (Alterra) - $1,099
What You Get
50+ Resorts:- Unlimited days at 14 destinations
- 7 days each at remaining resorts
- Jackson Hole, WY
- Aspen Snowmass, CO
- Big Sky, MT
- Steamboat, CO
- Mammoth, CA
- Destination skiers (travel to different resorts)
- Utah access (Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley)
- Northwest skiers (Crystal, Revelstoke)
---
Mountain Collective Pass - $629
What You Get
2 days each at 23 resorts- Additional days 50% off
- Includes partner resorts worldwide
- Jackson Hole, WY
- Aspen Snowmass, CO
- Taos, NM
- Revelstoke, BC
- Niseko, Japan (international!)
- Casual skiers (10-15 days/season)
- Destination trips
- Skiers who like variety
---
Indy Pass - $349
What You Get
2 days each at 100+ independent resorts Philosophy:- Support small, independent ski areas
- No blackout dates
- Family-owned mountains
- Taos, NM
- Magic Mountain, VT
- Monarch, CO
- Bridger Bowl, MT
- Budget-conscious skiers
- Those who avoid crowds
- Exploring hidden gems
---
Regional Passes
Colorado - Epic Local Pass ($709)
Includes:- Unlimited Keystone, Breckenridge, Crested Butte
- 10 days Vail/Beaver Creek combined
- Restrictions during peak weeks
Utah - Alta/Snowbird Season Pass ($1,599)
Includes:- Unlimited at both resorts
- No Epic or Ikon affiliation
Tahoe - Palisades Tahoe Unlimited ($1,099)
Includes:- Unlimited Palisades Tahoe
- No other resorts
---
Pass Comparison Matrix
| Pass | Price | Resorts | Days | Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indy | $349 | 100+ | 2 each | Budget seekers |
| Mountain Collective | $629 | 23 | 2 each + 50% off | Travelers |
| Epic Local | $709 | Limited | Varies | CO locals |
| Epic | $909 | 41 | Mostly unlimited | Vail fans |
| Ikon | $1,099 | 50+ | 7-unlimited | Destination skiers |
How to Choose
Ask Yourself:
1. How many days will you ski?- 5-10 days: Mountain Collective or Indy
- 15-25 days: Epic or Ikon
- 30+ days: Local pass to home mountain
- One region: Local or regional pass
- Multiple states: Epic or Ikon
- Love variety: Mountain Collective or Indy
- Under $500: Indy Pass only
- $500-800: Mountain Collective or Epic Local
- $800-1,200: Epic or Ikon
- Yes: Epic, Ikon, or Mountain Collective
- No: Local season pass to nearest resort
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the Pass:- Gas/flights: $500-2,000 per season
- Lodging: $100-300 per night
- Food/drinks: $30-60 per day
- Rentals/maintenance: $200-500 per season
- Lessons: $100-200 each
---
Money-Saving Strategies
1. Buy Early (Save $200-400)
- Epic/Ikon: Prices increase in phases
- Early bird (spring): Cheapest
- Fall: Mid-price
- December+: Full price
- Epic: March 10 (lowest price)
- Ikon: May 20 (early bird)
2. Add-Ons Worth It?
Epic Plus Pack (+$250):- 5 buddy tickets (50% off)
- 5 ski-with-a-friend tickets
- Worth it if: You ski with non-passholders
- 5→7 days at restricted resorts
- Access to more dates
- Worth it if: Ski blackout periods
3. Share Lodging
- Rent house with friends
- Split costs 3-4 ways
- Save $1,000+ per season
4. Weekday Skiing
- Less crowded
- Better snow preservation
- Some passes include weekday-only options
Special Passes
Military ($109-409)
- Epic/Ikon offer military discounts
- 50-70% off retail
Kids (ages 5-12)
- Epic: $219 (unrestricted)
- Ikon: $399
- Many local resorts: FREE with adult pass
Seniors (65+/70+)
- Epic/Ikon: 20-50% off
- Local resorts: Often 50%+ discounts
College Students
- Ikon College Pass: $599
- Epic Student Pass: $559
New for 2026
Epic Pass Changes:- Added 3 resorts (Andermatt, Switzerland)
- Price increase: $50 from 2025
- Added Arapahoe Basin (unlimited!)
- Price increase: $100 from 2025
- Added 5 resorts
- Same price as 2025
ROI Calculator
Example: Epic Pass at $909 Scenario 1 - Colorado Front Range:- 15 days Breck/Keystone
- Single day tickets: $200 average
- Total value: $3,000
- Savings: $2,091
- 8 days total (mixed resorts)
- Single day tickets: $180 average
- Total value: $1,440
- Savings: $531
- 5 days total
- Total value: $900
- LOSS: $9 (should buy singles or Mountain Collective)
Bottom Line Recommendations
Best Overall Value:- Epic Pass ($909) - Best resort selection, most days
- Indy Pass ($349) - Amazing value for indie resorts
- Ikon Pass ($1,099) - Premier destinations
- Epic Pass - Kids $219, unlimited days
- Mountain Collective ($629) - Flexibility + 50% off