Pros and Cons of Different Types of Passes at Ski Resorts: How to Get Your Moneys Worth

Day Pass vs. Season Pass vs. Hybrid

If you are planning to go skiing or snowboarding, you most often have two choices for entry. You can purchase a day pass/lift ticket, or you can buy a pass for the season. Both of these can be a better financial decision depending on the situation. It's all dependent on how many days you plan to go, and if the number of days you'll go will make your day/season pass more worth it.

Day Pass

Pros:

• Cheaper up-front cost

• More flexibility

• Good for inconsistent skiers/snowboarders

Cons:

• Expensive for frequent visitors

• No season pass holder discounts/perks

• Fluctuating, inconsistent prices

Summary: If you aren't going to the mountain often (less than 10 times a season) and you don't want to deal with blackout dates, a day pass is the better option for you. The main thing to consider is how often you go because that's the biggest financial factor. However, if you are a frequent skier/snowboarder, and want perks/discounts, and stable prices for your day in the powder, consider a season pass.

Season Pass

Pros:

• More cost-effective if you frequently go

• Unlimited access (except for blackout days)

• Perks/Discounts

Cons:

• Very high upfront cost (Typically $1000+)

• Not worth it if you're inconsistent

• Blackout dates, restricted dates

Summary: If you plan to ski or snowboard often and go enough times to make the season pass cheaper than or equal to the cost of what day passes would be. This ensures that your investment in a season pass is worth it. Overall, it's not worth it for inconsistent goers, if you dislike the prospect of blackout dates and some restricted days/times, and don't want an extremely high upfront cost.

Hybrid (Epic Pass)

Pros:

• Gives you the best of both worlds

Cons:

• Still requires a small commitment

Summary: Hybrid passes are a pretty solid option, if they are available at your resort, or brand of resorts (ex: Vail, Alterra). They give you multiple days' worth of skiing without the needed commitment of a whole season or dealing with the fluctuating prices of day passes. It's generally just a good middle ground option for people who are able to get away for a week but don't want to ski for a whole season due to outside responsibilities and factors. However, if you still see yourself not being able to commit multiple days to skiing/snowboarding, maybe just stick to day passes.