Aspen, CO: The Most Expensive Season Pass in the World?

Aspen Skiing Company, operator of the Aspen Snowmass Resort, CO, has announced their pricing structure for the 22/23 season. Their ‘Premier Pass’, which has no blackout dates and offers unlimited skiing, will start at $2,599 if purchased by September 16. After this cut-off, prices will increase to $2,799 until December 2 and to $3,099 if purchased after.

The Aspen Premier Pass provides access to 5,500 acres of skiing area spread out across the four Aspen ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Premier Pass holders also enjoy summer gondola access and discounts on lessons, rentals, and meals. It also includes the Ikon Base Pass which adds unlimited skiing in 13 further ski areas (such as Mammoth, CA, Winter Park, CO, and Sugarbush, VT) and five days in 30 worldwide destinations (such as Zermatt in Switzerland and Chamonix Mont-Blanc in France).

There are discounted passes available for locals, called Chamber Members, at $1,699 and seniors for $1,939. Kids 6 and under ski for free in Aspen Snowmass and kids 7-17 as well as college students pay only $779. There are even deals where kids 7-12 ski entirely free of charge.

If you think you can bypass all that and just hike or skin up the mountain, think again: Aspen introduced an ‘Uphill Pass’ last season. The introduction sparked a big debate at the time on whether charging for access to a National Forest land was justified. Aspen Snowmass management justified it with the cost associated with maintaining the infrastructure also used by uphill hikers as well as a search and rescue contribution. The ‘Uphill Pass’ is complimentary if you hold a Premier Pass.

Is this the most expensive season pass in the world? I have to admit, my eyes are watering just a little bit. My Hometown Resort season pass, the Engadincard 365, is a mere $1,281 (CHF 1,220) and gives you access to a comparable ski area when it comes to size and glitz and glamor. How does the price compare to your home resort? Let us know in the comments!