Snow Skills

A season pass represents a big commitment with regard to funds and a pledge to get out skiing and riding in the coming season. Whether a Season Pass is right for you, however, is all in the details. From a details standpoint, here are some good reasons to get a season pass:

1. Buy a season pass if you plan to ski/ride more than the number of break-even days. Calculate the break-even days by dividing the pass price by the highest day lift ticket price at the resort. If you plan to ski/ride more than that number of days, it’s probably a value to buy a pass. For comparison, skiing magazines have stated that the average skier/rider goes 4 to 6 days a season. An avid skier/rider goes 7 to 12 days a season. From experience, most season passes break-even somewhere in the 7 to 12 days/season ranage.
2. Buy a season pass if you will use the discounts associated with it.   Most areas offer season passes that include discounts for other retail including the area’s ski shop, restaurants, lessons, rentals, and other services. If you typically use such services, the season pass can save you time and money. For example, there can be a huge convenience and value to using an area’s ski shop in lieu of off-mountain shops. The ability to acquire prompt attention to your gear could be priceless if you break a binding on the biggest powder day of the year.
3. Buy a season pass if one meets your specific needs. Most areas offer various season pass packages that have a scaled price depending on the limitations associated with the pass. For example, a pass which has restrictions on weekends and holiday weeks could be very beneficial and cost effective to someone who has a flexible schedule and usually avoids higher use days.