“So…what ski pass did you get this year?”
Every fall, when our new seasonal shop staff starts to roll in, perhaps our favorite icebreaker is, “What ski pass are you on?” As skiers, we’re always looking for the best bang for our buck, right? Which has the most ski areas, the fewest blackout dates, where our friends are skiing, and what makes the most sense for our families? In our ski pass comparison for the 2026/2027 season, we break down what changes each ski pass got for this season, who they’re best for, and our favorite resort from each.
Epic Pass
Usually the biggest rival with the Ikon Pass, the Epic Pass provides exclusive access to the Vail Resorts. In the last few years, Epic expanded across the country, with new additions in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and East. This makes Epic a great all-around option for lots of local skiing for skiers everywhere. The Epic Local Pass (similar to the Ikon Base, with more limited access compared to the full Epic) provides really extensive access for a lower price than the Ikon—$829 right now.
There are several regional Epic Passes as well that offer better access to the resorts in those regions, along with some access through big hits like Tahoe and the Rockies. You can see the full range here. A big bad Epic Pass will run you $1,119 for unlimited access at their core lineup, with seven days at resorts like Telluride and Kicking Horse.
Who’s it for?
Colorado skiers who ride and die by Vail, Breck, and Keystone, or anyone who vacations in Colorado. It also makes more sense as an unlimited pass option for folks in the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast, with eight destinations in PA and iconic resorts like Stowe. Tahoe skiers will enjoy Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood access.
Not to mention, the full Epic Pass is home to probably the largest spread of international destinations in Europe and Canada, so if that’s on your list this year, this could be a good option.
A Powder7 Favorite Hill: Crested Butte
Crested Butte holds a special place in many of our hearts. It’s a dream ski trip for us here in the Front Range — just far enough it feels like you’re going on an adventure, an unmatched ski town vibe, and world-class terrain. We’ve had many a wonderful ski trip to Crested Butte. For expert skiers, there are endless lines among the different steep bowls to explore. There’s also plenty of intermediate terrain to play on, and actually might have one of the more diverse terrain profiles among these iconic mountains. Read our full Crested Butte trip report if that piques your interest.
Ikon Pass
The Ikon Pass remains a staple in multi-mountain passes, with one of the deepest ranges of offerings for unlimited skiing at some of the most world-class resorts around. With it comes a world-class price. The Ikon Pass is the priciest option on the market, with the full pass hitting $1,449 as of early August.
Ikon is never stagnant, with a few new changes for their pass offerings. For 26/27, the Ikon Base Pass gets unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin, where last year you needed the head honcho full pass. You could say we saw this coming since Alterra purchased a few seasons back. Another notable change is the Base Pass comes with five days at Snowmass in Aspen, rather than needing to splurge for the full pass. Ikon has also new access to Snowriver, Lusten Mountains, and Granite Peak, expanding their Midwest offerings.
Ikon does come up with some extra perks for the price. They offer a full roster of partners like heli skiing operations, first tracks opportunities, extensive apparel outfitters like Smartwool and The North Face, and even Spot Injury Insurance.
Who’s it for?
With unlimited access to Winter Park, Copper Mountain, and Eldora, and several local Colorado hills with partial access, the Ikon makes for a great Colorado pass for the folks skiing out of the Front Range or I-70. California skiers enjoy full access to Mammoth, June Moutnain, and Palisades Tahoe.
While Epic offers more unlimited options, Ikon provides significantly more stateside partial access with five to seven days depending on your pass selection. A wide variety of additional locations makes finding ski vacation destinations covered under your pass easy.
A Powder7 Favorite Hill: Arapahoe Basin
With Arapahoe Basin landing in the unlimited category this year, we thought it’d best to induct the Legend into our favorite hill status. And of course, this mountain is a Powder7 hit. Everything from sunny groomers with the friends, to East Wall and Steep Gullies hikes, all the way back to hot laps on Pali means there’s something for everyone.
But the real draw to A-Basin? The parking lot scene. Core skiers in Colorado flock to the legendary steeps and excellent hangs on the Beach.
Mountain Collective
Started by the Aspen Skiing Company back in 2012, the Mountain Collective compiles some of the highest-quality terrain and mountains into one pass. The Mountain Collective offers two days at each partner resort, similar to the Indy Pass. With destinations like Aspen Snowmass, Snowbird and Alta, Jackson Hole, and Taos, you get a lot of the hits off of the Ikon Pass without the Ikon Pass price. If you plan on skiing more than two days, you can snag 50% off on additional days. You can also get 25% off day tickets for friends and family for this season.
For the 26/27 season, there are no changes to the mountain lineup. Though, over the last three years they have added four new mountains, including Whiteface in New York, Sunday River up in Maine, Megève in France, and Bromont over the border in Quebec. Mountain Collective also boasts discounts through brand partners (like heli operations including Silverton Mountain and Selkirk-Tangiers, along with some travel partners), and discounts on lodging at most partner resorts. Ski-in, ski-out!
International destinations also rival the Ikon Pass, with Valle Nevado, The Remarkables, and Coronet Peak in the Southern Hemisphere, along with Niseko in Japan, and the iconic Chamonix and Megève in France. This ski nerd took her Mountain Collective to Canada last year, with days at Revelstoke, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise.
Who’s it for?
Compared to other multi-mountain passes, the Mountain Collective offers no blackout dates flat out. If you find yourself traveling on hot ticket holidays, this is a more affordable option to avoid blackout dates. And while you don’t get full access to any mountain, this pass works very well if you travel to a region and ski multiple resorts. Link up a six-day Utah trip, four-day Tetons trip, or a six-day Canadian Rockies trip.
While the spirit is similar to the Indy Pass at a higher monetary cost, these mountains are world-class with deeper terrain options. If you’re a skier who loves steep and deep terrain, this is the pass for you.
A Powder7 Favorite Hill: Revelstoke
It may not be stateside, but it’s worth a shoutout. The Canadian Rockies are worth an excuse, and nothing like the extensive Canadian Rockies days on the Mountain Collective and relatively affordable flights to Calgary as an excuse to take an international ski vacation. Revelstoke days are on your pass, it’s worth a trip up north. Truly steep terrain and some of the best advanced glades I’ve ever skied join up deep snow totals. The surrounding mountains offer up tremendous sidecountry and views. The mountain is huge, and two days of skiing will leave you wanting more.
Indy Pass
The Indy Pass entered the scene back in 2019 and provides a unique offering for riders everywhere with over 100 partner resorts. Passholders get two days at each resort, with additional discounts for extra tickets and at other partnered areas, like cross-country skiing facilities. The focus of the Indy Pass is on independent resorts (hence the name), but also smaller resorts that prioritize small ski area vibes. These aren’t world famous resorts with steeps that’ll make you pucker, but in exchange, you’ll find short lift lines, affordable hot chocolates and lodging, and the best community vibes around.
For 26/27, Indy Pass is still adding to their roster. At this rate, you’ll be hard-pressed not to live near one.
If taking a trip to Colorado has always been on your list, but you’re not interested in big resort vibes, the Colorado offerings are pretty impressive. Powderhorn, Sunlight, Powder7 favorite Loveland, and Granby Ranch are all on the list and offer a wide variety of terrain for different skill levels.
The only bad news? The Indy Pass crushes so much, it’s already sold out for the season. You can join their waitlist to be alerted if any other passes go up for sale in the fall. The limited passes allow Indy to retain the vibe of the independent resorts they partner with. These days, they’re selling out in a day.
Who’s it for?
Perhaps the best compilation and representation in the Midwest of all the ski passes. It’s great for folks based in the East and Midwest, but provides plenty of options for destination skiing out West.
The Indy Pass is ideal for folks who don’t need unlimited access to any mountain, and are happy to adventure off the beaten track for high-quality skiing. Indy is probably the best option for families who find the big resort scene expensive and overkill for a casual family ski vacation.
A Powder7 Favorite Hill: Sunlight Mountain Resort
Just down the road from Aspen Snowmass, Sunlight is a Roaring Fork Valley locals favorite. Avoid the crowds (and ritzy vibe) of Aspen, with a lot of the same incredible terrain. The Indy Pass added Sunlight last February, which combined with Bluebird would make for a great hit of Colorado ski areas.
