Industry News
If there is one perk to aging, it‘s got to be free skiing. Growing older certainly is proving to have its benefits, with some resorts across North America offering free ski passes to those who meet their definitions of “Senior” or “Super Senior” (now there’s a super-hero we can all aspire to be one day).
As we age and our bodies lose their resiliency, many of us look for more mellow terrain, however, some of us continue to smash steep terrain and tight tree runs. The following list of ski areas cater to both the extreme skiing seniors and those who are looking for more easy-going laps.
Diamond Peak Ski Area, NV (80+)
On the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe is Diamond Peak Ski Area. Loaded with excellent gladed tree runs and over 1,800 vertical feet of skiing, this ski area packs a lot of terrain in its 655 acres. 500 acres are dedicated to 13 gladed zones, so for those 80 and over with the knees to crush deep Tahoe powder, Diamond Peak will be well worth it.
Schweitzer Mountain Ski Area, ID (80+)
Way up in northern Idaho is Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho’s largest ski resort covering over 2,900 acres. Schweitzer averages over 300 inches of snow per year to make its guided snowcat tours extra deep. Although the snowcat trips are not included in the lift ticket, the rest of the ski area’s inbounds terrain is free game. The free tickets for skiers 80 years old and older are only available at ticket offices at the mountain.
Mount Hood Meadows, OR (75+)
Mount Hood Meadows Ski Area is just over an hour east of Portland, Oregon, and is on Mount Hood, an active stratovolcano in the Cascade Range. The ski area averages 441 inches of snowfall a year and offers 2,777 vertical feet of skiing. Mt. Hood’s most recent eruption was in 1866, but currently does not hint any sign of imminent volcanic activity. Hot steam plumes can be be seen rising near Crater Rock on clear days. Those 75 and older can indulge in free skiing at Mount Hood Meadows.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, CA (80+)
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is in California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers a free pass to those 80 and over. Known for its historically long seasons and heavy snowfall, Mammoth is an iconic mountain to ski. The 2022-23 ski season at Mammoth was a mind-boggling 275 days, lasting from November 5, 2022 to August 6, 2023. With over 3,500 acres of skiing, Mammoth is one of the top ski areas for seniors to ski free.
Purgatory Ski Resort, UT (75+)
Tucked away in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains is Purgatory Ski Resort. Purgatory has over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain and 11 lifts. The origin story for the name “Purgatory” is disputed, but Visit Durango says the name came from a local farmer in the late 1800s who named a nearby creek Purgatory Creek because it is a tributary of the Rio de las Animas Perdidas (the River of Lost Souls). Purgatory is a part of the Super Senior Ski Pass which includes free skiing for those over 75 at Purgatory, Arizona Snowbowl, Brian Head, Sipapu, Pajarito, Nordic Valley, Lee Canyon, Willamette Pass, Valle Nevado, and La Parva.
Brain Head Ski Resort, UT (75+)
Another Super Senior Ski Pass Mountain makes the list, Brian Head Ski Resort in southwestern Utah and its self proclaimed The Greatest Snow on Earth®. The ski resort accesses two peaks, Brian Head Peak and Navajo Peak. Brian Head Peak holds most of the resorts intermediate and advanced terrain, while Navajo Peak is great for beginners. The location is great for exploring National Parks such as Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.
Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort, AZ (75+)
This one is for the snowbirds who retired and moved to Arizona. The Arizona Snowbowl is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and has a peak elevation of 11,500 feet and hike-t0 terrain at 12,000 feet. Last season was the Snowbowl’s longest season ever, starting on November 17, 2023, and operating through June 1, 2024. The Snowbowl is debuting the Aspen Chairlift during the 2024-25 season, its a brand new quad lift that will services beginner terrain. The Aspen Chairlift replaces a double chairlift that dates back to the 1960s. Seniors over the 75 and older are eligible for free skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl.
Bridger Bowl, MT (80+)
Bridger Bowl Ski Area is located near the college town of Bozeman, Montana. Bridger Bowl is known for its gnarly terrain and Schlasman’s lift that requires an avalanche transceiver to access. Bridger Bowl is equip with 2,000 acres and averages around 300 inches of snowfall annually to load the incredible terrain. For those 80 or older looking to get a free pass, make sure to book it online to avoid a $5 charge at the ticket counter.
Taos Ski Valley, NM (80+)
Located in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains is Taos Ski Valley. Taos is known for its impressive steep terrain and great fall-line runs off Highline Ridge and West Basin Ridge. The epic Kachina Lift takes skiers up to 12,481 feet that accesses world-class extreme skiing. Ski and impressive 3,131 vertical feet and 1,294 acres at Taos. Taos offers free skiing to seniors 80 years of age or older.
Many of the free senior passes have a minimum age of 80 years old, which is much older than the general senior citizen age of 65. Ski resorts tend to offer discounted tickets to folks over 65 so make sure to check each ski resorts ticketing information for discounted prices if you don’t quite meet the age requirement for free skiing.
