Top Ski Passes to Consider This Winter

For many, the arrival of winter signifies one thing: fresh powder, and hopefully plenty of it. By mid-November, most resorts and ski areas are gearing up for the season, which means it’s time for dedicated skiers and snowboarders to choose their preferred ski pass.

With a wide variety of passes available, including popular options like the Ikon and Epic passes, you can access some of the finest mountains worldwide. However, don’t overlook some of the smaller passes that might be more suitable if the larger resorts are out of your reach.

We’ve compiled a list of the top four ski passes, helping you choose the one that best suits your winter sports needs. Keep in mind that prices may vary throughout the season.

Ikon Pass

Price: $319 to $1,309

Resorts: If you're planning extensive international travel this season, the Ikon Pass is an excellent option for exploring renowned resorts like Zermatt Matterhorn in Switzerland and Grandvalira Resorts in Andorra. In the U.S. and Canada, many resorts are concentrated in the west, such as Tahoe and Revelstoke, which may not appeal to East Coast skiers. However, it does include three options in Vermont and several in New York, Maine, and Pennsylvania.How it works: The Ikon Pass is a favorite among adventurous skiers and snowboarders eager to carve their way down famous mountains and hidden treasures, with over 50 destinations worldwide from California to Japan and Chamonix to Chile. The pass comes in several options: a two-, three-, or four-day Session Pass ($319 to $539), the Base Pass ($979), the Base Pass Plus ($1,199), or the comprehensive Ikon Pass ($1,309). The full pass grants unlimited access to 16 destinations in the U.S. and Canada, plus seven days at each of the remaining 41 locations.

The session pass allows you to choose from 42 destinations, while the Base Pass offers more flexibility with unlimited access to 14 destinations and up to five days at 36 locations.

Epic Pass

Price: $54 to $969Resorts: While the Epic Pass doesn't offer as many international destinations as the Ikon Pass, it provides a wider selection in the Midwest and on the East Coast, especially in Ohio, New Hampshire, and Vermont. You'll also find excellent options in California and Colorado, but only one resort in Canada: Whistler Blackcomb.

How it works: There are three options to choose from: the full Epic Pass, the Local Pass, and a customizable Day Pass. All passes come with Epic Mountain Rewards, giving you a 20 percent discount on food, lodging, lessons, rentals, and more.

The full pass provides unlimited access to major resorts with no blackout dates, plus three to seven days at selected ski areas in Europe, Japan, and the Canadian Rockies. The Local Pass is priced at $719 and covers fewer resorts, with restrictions during peak dates. If you prefer flexibility, the Day Pass lets you customize your experience by selecting the number of days (one to seven), the resorts you'll access, and whether it includes peak days, costing between $54 and $755 based on your choices.

Mountain Collective

Price: $650

Resorts: Since most North American ski resorts are situated in the western states and provinces, this pass may not be ideal for East Coast skiers unless you're in Maine or Quebec, where you can visit Carrabassett Valley or Le Massif de Charlevoix. However, if you're planning an international trip, this pass also grants access to several overseas destinations like Chamonix in France or Niseko in Japan.

How it works: Mountain Collective is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy exploring multiple mountains throughout the season. The pass offers two days at 24 mountain destinations, primarily in the U.S. and Canada, along with a few international resorts in Chile, France, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. You'll have two days to experience each resort and can buy extra days at participating mountains for a 50 percent discount.

Indy Pass

Price: $399 to $499

Resorts: The Indy Pass operates much like the Mountain Collective pass, offering access to over 180 fantastic mountain destinations where pass holders can enjoy two days of skiing at each location. Great news for skiers on the East Coast and in the Midwest: this pass features numerous resorts in states that often get overlooked by other passes, including Waterville Valley in New Hampshire, alongside more relaxed Rocky Mountain alternatives to the highly sought-after resorts in Colorado, Utah, and Montana.

How it works: The Indy Base Pass is priced at $399 and includes two all-day or all-night lift tickets at each resort, with some blackout dates. Alternatively, the Indy+ Pass, available for $499, offers two days or nights at each resort without any blackout dates. Additionally, pass holders can purchase third-day tickets at a 25 percent discount from the ticket window pricing. For more details, visit the Indy Pass website.

Though it may still be viewed as a newcomer among ski pass holders, the Indy Pass undeniably provides access to more resorts than any other option available. It's an excellent choice for domestic skiers, but the international destinations also serve as a compelling reason to plan that dream ski trip to Japan.