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So the crew at ZRankings did all the research for you. We calculated the total acreage, the overall ratings of each pass's resort portfolio, its price, the average resort snow quality and more. Then we crunched the numbers so that you can figure out which pass is the best investment for you, where you'll get the most bang for your buck and what you'll need to do to get each pass's highest value.
So sit back, marvel at your options and buy quickly before the prices go up—and they're always going up.
Presented by Vail Resorts, the Epic Pass is among the pioneers in the business of bundling season passes. Brighton , and Wilmot. Internationally, Australia's Perisher resort is also Epic. New for Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, and Nakiska. In total, the Epic Pass grants access to 31, acres of ski terrain. The average PAF of the resorts, excluding the three urban resorts, is a respectable Wilmot is an hour from Chicago and less than an hour from Milwaukee, Afton Alps is less than an hour from Minneapolis and Mt. Brighton is less than an hour from Detroit.
These hills are great for teaching the kids and give skiers in these markets extra incentive to go with the Epic Pass, which can double as the local pass and the vacation pass. If you want to spend less and can deal with restrictions and blackout dates, the Epic Local Pass is a more affordable option. The Mountain Collective was the expeditionary force that held back Vail's ambitions as well as it could for several years, but the Ikon Pass is the vehicle that can actually match Vail mountain by mountain, vacation by vacation.
As for which of these two ski passes skiers should buy, we put together something on that: Epic Pass vs. Ikon Pass. The Ikon Pass itself is a fantastic asset to those who choose to buy it. It offers full, unlimited access to flagship ski resorts across Colorado and California:.
Among this group:. Banff Sunshine, Norquay, Lake Louise. Many skiers will be pushed toward the Ikon Pass thanks to these independent resorts. A family could combine a week trip during the holidays, another week at spring break and a long weekend trip to a combination of resorts such as Jackson Hole, Deer Valley and Steamboat—with all skiing covered by the Ikon Pass. This is the kind of top-shelf variety that, before, was only available to Epic Pass holders.
In the east, the Ikon pass offers full access to a wide collection of ski resorts, from Loon Mountain, Killington and Sunday River, among others.
Skiers who spend serious time mining New England will want to consider the Ikon Pass. This discount is valid at all Ikon Pass destinations. Here's how it works: There are 10 North American destinations that include 17 mountains, which are listed below in a table. Certain mountains are grouped together into destinations.
Alta and Snowbird are one destination; the four Aspen mountains are one destination; Mt. The number of resorts in the Collective keeps growing, with Sun Valley as this year's newest addition. Jackson Hole, Snowbird, Whistler and Alta. So while it might not be unlimited access, the MCP brings plenty of elite powder and terrain. The average true snowfall at Collective resorts is inches. And you can't beat the quality of the snow. Alta has a perfect total snow score; Snowbird isn't far behind with a score of Supply is limited at this price, so expect prices to go up throughout the year as the ski season draws nearer.
You'll also get an additional day at the resort of your choice.
Perhaps the best part of the deal is the deal you get for additional lift tickets after your two days at each destination. Not only does mean you're not limited to just two days at each destination but it means that the MCP can be used as a local pass. Here's the math: By the time you've skied four days at Jackson using the MCP you've already saved money in comparison to buying daily lift tickets.
One thing you're not getting with the MCP is access to Colorado.
You've got the four Aspen mountains but that's it. Unless you swear by Aspen, if you're Colorado located this might not be the best pass for you. We want to help you choose. Quite a lineup.
It offers full, unlimited access to flagship ski resorts across Colorado and California: Solitude And it also gets skiers into Eldora, a family spot on the Denver side of the range. Among this group: Aspen Highlands. A group of elite ski resorts came together to form the Collective as a way to combat the sheer awesomeness of the Epic Pass. Rather than offering unlimited skiing at each resort, the Collective created something different entirely.
Therefore, if you plan on taking one winter trip West, you're better off with the MCP. Even without that trip, you'd need to ski 40 days before you'd lose money on the MC. The Collective features no urban resorts like the Epic Pass does. Telluride Ski Resort CO.
Vail Ski Resort CO. Whistler BC. Beaver Creek Resort CO. Breckenridge Ski Resort CO. Get Access.
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Two skiers head up the Lenawee Mountain lift at Arapahoe Basin ski area for some late spring skiing June 02, (Andy Cross, The Denver. Be sure to check back as more resorts announce their season pass lineup and be aware that pricing is subject to change. Check back in the fall for the season. . Additional discounts available at Silverton Mountain.
Close 1 of 2. Facebook Twitter Email Print. Show More Show Less. Facebook Twitter Email. Here's a look at the best deals available now: Seth Boster Seth is a features writer at The Gazette, covering the outdoors and the people and places that make Colorado colorful. Follow Seth Boster. Close Get email notifications on Seth Boster daily!
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