Industry News
Skiers today have no shortage of multi-pass options, but deciding which state offers the best value can make all the difference for local skiers and boarders. The three major players—Epic, Ikon, and Indy—together cover hundreds of resorts across the country, from small local hills to world-class destinations. Since availability varies widely by region, comparing states is one of the clearest ways to figure out where each pass delivers the most bang for your buck.
Cost and Value Considerations
Prices for these multi-passes range widely, from $599 for the Indy Pass to $1,429 for the Ikon Pass. Each has multiple variations beyond the base package, which can raise or lower the overall price. The variety of options gives skiers flexibility, but it also makes choosing the right pass more complicated. The key question for most buyers is whether they’ll use the pass often enough to justify the expense.
No one wants to spend money on days they won’t ski or board. Maximizing value depends on how frequently—and where—a skier can get on the slopes. Some states boast resorts covered by all three multi-passes, while others have access to only one. States with several pass-affiliated resorts clustered close together give residents the best chance to make a pass pay off.
Resort Density and Accessibility by State
Breaking down the numbers is a great way to make things clearer when trying to make a decision. Looking at the numbers, Pennsylvania has the most ski resorts on the Epic Pass with seven. Colorado has the highest number of Ikon ski resorts, with nine. New York has the highest number of ski resorts in the country and also has the highest number of Indy Pass resorts, with 14.
Nine states have the most access to multi-pass resorts (Epic, Ikon, and Indy combined):
- Washington: 12 resorts
- Wisconsin: 13 resorts
- Michigan: 15 resorts
- New York: 15* Does not have an Ikon resort
- New Hampshire: 16 resorts
- Pennsylvania: 16 resorts
- Vermont: 16 resorts
- California: 17 resorts
- Colorado: 22 resorts
Several factors, including distance, number of resorts per state, quality of snow, terrain type, length of the season, and other essential variables, all come into play when choosing the best state for multi-passes. Breaking down each multi-pass by state can make the big picture a little easier to see.
Detailed Breakdown by Pass (Epic, Ikon, Indy)
Epic Pass: $1,097
The Epic Pass provides unlimited access to 42 North American resorts and now grants access to 34 resorts across 10 European ski areas as well. Epic Pass resorts are spread out throughout the United States, with the highest concentration of resorts in the Midwest region, where six states have at least one Epic resort. The top three states with the most Epic Pass resorts are New Hampshire with four, Colorado with five, and Pennsylvania with seven.
Pennsylvania’s Epic Pass resorts are located in three primary regions of the state: the Poconos, the South Central part of Pennsylvania, and Western PA. The Poconos have Jack Frost Big Boulder, which are two individual resorts, but are located so close to one another that they operate under the same management. Liberty, Whitetail, and Roundtop are situated in the South Central part of Pennsylvania, and visitors come from Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. to hit the slopes. The final three Epic Pass resorts are Seven Springs, Laurel Mountain, and Hidden Valley, located in Western PA, and are a little more than an hour away from Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania might have the most Epic Pass resorts, but don’t be tricked into thinking you’d be able to hit all seven of the resorts in a week. Some of the resorts are more than five hours away from each other. The best way to visit all the Epic Pass resorts in Pennsylvania is to plan a designated ski trip to each region of the state.
There are other Epic Pass resorts grouped in areas where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy this experience around the country. In the Rockies, Vail Resort, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek are all lined up off the I-70 corridor. In the west, Kirkwood, Heavenly, and Northstar all surround Lake Tahoe in California. The Northeast region is also well-positioned to visit multiple Epic resorts conveniently without driving for many hours. Okemo, Mount Snow, Stowe, Attitash, Wildcat, Sunapee, and Crotched Mountain are all within a few hours of each other, with the longest drive being no more than four hours.
Ikon Pass: $1,429
The Ikon Pass offers 63 destinations across five continents and 11 countries, and it has just announced it added five more resorts in Italy last month. The top three states are Utah, California, and Colorado, all with six Ikon Pass resorts.
The Rocky Mountains are home to six of the most sought-after Ikon Pass destinations: Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, and Eldora. All of these great Colorado resorts are within one to four hours of Denver. Utah also has six top-notch ski resorts that are known for having some of the best snow in the country. Snowbasin, Deer Valley, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta are all very close to Salt Lake City. California also offers six Ikon resorts: Palisades Tahoe, Big Bear, Snow Valley, Mammoth, June Mountain, and Sierra Tahoe. The “Golden State” is one of the largest in the United States, making it more challenging for someone to visit each resort frequently.
All three of these states offer premier ski destinations that are known throughout the world for their expansive terrain, snow conditions, and long seasons. For faster access and shorter travel distances, Utah beats out the other two, but all three states are great options.
Indy Pass: $599
At $599, the Indy Pass is the most cost-effective multi-pass option on the market, which gives passholders access to an extensive collection of resorts throughout the United States and abroad. The top three states with Indy Pass resorts are Michigan and Wisconsin, with 12, and New York, with 14 resorts.
The Indy Pass continues to grow each year, offering more ski resorts than any other multi-pass on the market, with over 270 resorts. The East region of the Indy Pass has the largest number of resort partners, with 49 across six states (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and New York). This small geographic region gives states such as Vermont an advantage in terms of proximity, as many Indy Pass resorts surround it.
The Indy Pass stands out from other multi-passes by offering resorts in the Southeastern United States. No other pass has the selection of resorts in Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, or Tennessee. If you’re a skier or snowboarder living in one of these states, the Indy Pass is a great choice.
This multi-pass is known for adding more resorts every year. Last week, Indy Pass announced a partnership with Winter Sports Retailers (WSR), an independent ski and snowboard retailers association, to offer exclusive discounts on gear and tune-ups for Indy Pass holders at participating shops. The WSR Association comprises over 200 independent ski shops across the US. Many are expected to join the program for 2025-26.
Recommendations & Summary
Choosing the best state for a multi-pass (Epic, Ikon, or Indy) hinges on cost, resort proximity, and skiing preferences. Colorado tops the list with 22 resorts (nine Ikon, five Epic, and eight Indy), offering world-class terrain and snow. New York boasts the most Indy Pass resorts with 14 resorts, and is especially strong in the East and Midwest states. Pennsylvania’s seven Epic resorts and the Northeastern state resorts provide easy regional access. Utah’s six Ikon resorts near Salt Lake City deliver quick access and excellent snowpack and conditions. At $599, the Indy Pass is the most budget-friendly option, covering over 270 resorts, including access to Southeastern ski destinations that other passes do not offer. Skiers and snowboarders should consider cost, travel distance, resort quality, and season length to get the most value.
Overall, Colorado is the best state for a multi-pass that offers access to 22 resorts with unmatched variety, world-class terrain, and consistently high-quality snow. Resorts like Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen Snowmass, all within a few hours of Denver, ensure accessibility and extended seasons. No other state combines this density of premier destinations with such diverse, top-tier skiing options, making Colorado the definitive choice for the best state for a multi-pass.
