The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Ski Pass for the 2026 - 2027 Season
Published by Allie Hochman
Why Summer Is the Best Time to Buy Your Season Pass
While ski season may still be months away, now is the time to start preparing for the upcoming season, especially if you plan to invest in a season pass. Most major passes - including Ikon, Epic, Mountain Collective, and various regional options - launch their lowest prices in the spring and have historically increased throughout the summer and fall. Whether you’re loyal to your favorite local mountain or strive to explore new terrain across North America and beyond, purchasing your pass early helps you get the most value out of every day on the slopes.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Pass
- Where do you ski most often?
- How many days do you typically ski each season?
- Do you prefer destination trips or staying close to home?
- Are blackout dates a dealbreaker?
- Are passholder perks important to you?
Determining Which Pass Is Right for You
No two skiers or snowboarders have the same winter goals, preferences, or dream destinations, and it’s important to note that the pass with the most resorts doesn’t necessarily make it the best fit for you. Prior to committing to a pass, keep in mind how often you hit the slopes, where you’re hoping to travel, and what kind of overall experience you’re looking for. From destination passes that unlock bucket-list mountains to regional options for magical weekend getaways, there’s a pass designed to accommodate every style of skier and snowboarder.
We’ve broken down some of the most popular passes for the 2026 - 2027 season to help you compare pricing, perks, destinations, and other key information.
For Skiers Who Love Variety and Destination Trips
Ikon Pass: Best for Destination Skiers & Variety Seekers
If your ideal ski season involves checking off bucket-list resorts, exploring new terrain, and planning destination trips across North America and beyond, the Ikon Pass is hard to beat. Offering access to over 70 mountain destinations worldwide, this pass is designed for skiers and snowboarders who value variety over familiarity, as many affiliated resorts have a limit on the number of visits. From Vermont’s glades to Colorado powder and Canadian peaks, the Ikon Pass provides maximum flexibility and certainly rewards those who plan ahead.
Best Suited For
- Destination skiers and snowboarders
- Travelers who enjoy visiting multiple resorts each season
- Western ski vacations
- Bucket-list mountain trips
Standout Destinations
- Aspen Snowmass
- Deer Valley Resort
- Steamboat
- Mammoth Mountain
- Killington Resort
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Sun Valley
- Big Sky Resort
- Mont-Tremblant
- Zermatt
Pricing & Ways to Save
- Base Adult Price (Summer 2026): $1,019
- Adult Price Without Blackout Dates: $1,449
- Next Expected Price Increase: Early September
- College Student Discounts: Eligible students can receive discounted pricing through verified student programs
- Child Savings: Save up to $100 on every child pass (ages 5-12) with purchase of an adult pass
- Renewal Discounts: Returning passholders receive preferred pricing
- Flexible payment plans welcome
Noteworthy Perks
- Friends and family lift ticket discounts
- Discounts on food, lodging, rentals, and ski school at select destinations
- Free Bike Park Day at participating resorts
- Adventure Assurance refund program
- Access to exclusive promotions throughout the season
- Two free days at each of the nine bonus mountains
Choose the Ikon Pass if: You typically take multiple destination ski trips each year and enjoy having the flexibility to experience iconic resorts across North America and beyond.
Mountain Collective: Best for Bucket-List Ski Trips & Independent Resorts
If unlimited access to dozens of resorts simply isn’t a necessity for your ski season, and your ideal winter consists of a handful of trips to independent resorts worldwide, then the Mountain Collective Pass might just be exactly what you’re looking for. Rather than limiting yourself to one resort network, you’ll gain access to some of the most iconic independent ski destinations throughout the globe with the flexibility to venture on your terms. For winter enthusiasts who live for chasing powder, conquering new terrain, and accomplishing bucket list items, this is certainly one of the most rewarding passes on the market.
Best Suited For
- Skiers who value iconic, independently-owned resorts
- Bucket-list ski vacations
- Skiers who don’t require unlimited access to specific resorts
- Western U.S., Canadian, and international ski travel
Standout Destinations
- Alta Ski Area
- Snowbird
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Mammoth Mountain
- Sun Valley Resort
- Banff Sunshine Village
- Lake Louise Ski Resort
Pricing & Ways to Save
- Starting Adult Price: $699
- Starting Teen Price: $554
- Next Expected Price Increase: Likely end of summer or early fall
Noteworthy Perks
- Two days at every participating resort, often with no blackout dates
- 50% off additional tickets after your included days have been used
- No reservations required at many participating resorts, making spontaneous trips a breeze
Choose the Mountain Collective Pass if: Your perfect ski season is all about bucket-list destinations, world-class terrain, and exploring legendary mountains rather than sticking to just your local resort.
For Frequent Skiers Who Want to Maximize Every Day on Snow
Epic Pass: Best for Frequent Skiers & Vail Resort Enthusiasts
If your goal is to spend as much time on the mountain as possible come winter, the Epic Pass offers tremendous value. With unlimited access to many Vail-owned resorts across North America and Europe, valuable regional pass options, and discounts for college students, the Epic Pass is an extremely versatile option, especially for those who often visit the same mountains throughout the season. From weekend trips in the Northeast to bucket-list vacations like Colorado or the Alps, the Epic Pass makes it easy to maximize your time on the slopes.
Best Suited For
- Skiers and snowboarders who frequent Vail-owned resorts
- College students, especially in the Northeast
- Travelers planning trips to Colorado, Utah, or Europe
- Skiers who desire unlimited access at various resorts
- Families looking for access to a variety of destination mountains
Standout Destinations
- Vail Mountain
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Park City Mountain
- Whistler Blackcomb
- Stowe Mountain Resort
- Keystone
- Crested Butte
- Mount Snow
Pricing & Ways to Save
- Adult Price (Summer 2026): $1,119
- Epic Local Pass (With Blackout Dates): $829
- Next Expected Price Increase: Early September
- Young Adult Discount: Savings on select passes for skiers and riders ages 18-30
- College Student Passes: The Northeast Value College Pass offers discounted rates for eligible college students attending participating schools
Noteworthy Perks
- Epic Mountain Rewards: Includes savings on food, lodging, equipment rentals, and more at participating resorts
- Friends and family lift ticket discounts
- Exclusive access to promotions and seasonal offerings year-round
Choose the Epic Pass if: You’re a frequent skier and want unlimited access to many Vail-owned resorts, with the added bonus of valuable discounts and pass options for bigger trips.
For Skiers Who Call the Northeast Home
New England Pass: Best for Northeast Skiers & Weekend Getaways
If you live for a quintessential East Coast ski season spent exploring the mountains of New Hampshire and Maine, then the New England Pass provides incredible value. With unlimited or flexible access - depending on the tier you select - to three of the Northeast’s premier resorts, it’s a great choice for skiers and snowboarders who spend the majority of their weekends slopeside and prefer driving to the mountain versus a cross-country flight.
Best Suited For
- Skiers and snowboarders who primarily ski in the Northeast
- Weekend warriors looking to maximize days on the mountain
- Budget-conscious skiers seeking regional value
Standout Destinations
- Sunday River
- Sugarloaf
- Loon
Pricing & Ways to Save
- Adult Gold Pass: $1,529
- Adult Silver Pass: $769
- Adult Bronze Pass: $1,019
- Option to add Ikon Base Pass: Additional $299
- 50% off Mountain Collective resorts
- No blackout dates
- Discounts on dining, lodging, retail, and equipment tuneups
Choose the New England Pass if: Weekend road trips and making the most of every East Coast snowstorm are what your ski season is all about.