Industry News
The Indy Pass, a cost-effective alternative to major ski passes like Epic and Ikon, designed to introduce skiers to smaller, independent resorts, was launched in 2019 with 34 member resorts, growing to more than 230 worldwide. It aims to make skiing more accessible by offering two-day access to participating resorts at a fraction of the cost of larger ski destinations. With daily lift ticket prices at major resorts often exceeding $200, smaller ski areas provide a more affordable experience, including lower ticket prices, free parking, and cheaper dining. For skiers looking for variety and savings, the pass allows exploration of multiple destinations.
- Related: Indy Pass Adds Another 52 Resorts for Winter 2024-25, Including Loveland, CO, and Bear Valley, CA
Elaine Glusac, who is the Frugal Travel columnist for the New York Times, focused on budget-friendly trips and journeys, tested the Indy Pass by embarking on a 1,200-mile ski road trip between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Missoula, Montana, with her family. Their seven-day journey included visits to five ski resorts across Utah, Idaho, and Montana. Compared to buying individual lift ticket prices, they saved significantly using the Indy Pass while discovering resorts with a more relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere. Additionally, they experienced fresh powder, affordable lift tickets, short lines, and budget-friendly dining.
Their trip began at Beaver Mountain, Utah’s oldest continuously family-owned ski resort. With a 1,700-foot vertical drop, intermediate and advanced runs, and a relaxed atmosphere, it provided an alternative to crowded corporate-owned resorts. Travis Seeholzer, the third-generation general manager, emphasized that skiers appreciate the slower pace and traditional ski experience.
Next, the family traveled to Pomerelle Mountain Resort in Idaho, a hidden gem located in the Sawtooth National Forest. With 500 acres of skiable terrain, a 1,000-foot vertical drop, and an impressive annual snowfall of 500 inches, it offered a pristine skiing experience. Lift tickets cost only $53, and the resort maintains a welcoming environment with a family-friendly ski school. The base lodge, featuring a cast-iron wood stove and affordable meals, added to its charm. Mountain manager Zack Alexander highlighted Pomerelle’s mission to provide quality skiing without the high costs.
Their journey continued to Soldier Mountain in Fairfield, Idaho, but they learned firsthand the importance of checking resort schedules. Soldier Mountain, with 1,150 skiable acres, operates only from Thursday to Sunday due to its remote location and lack of nearby lodging. Former general manager Paul Alden explained the challenges of maintaining a full-time operation in such an isolated setting.
Instead of detouring to the renowned but costly Sun Valley Resort, where lift tickets were priced at $255 per person, they stayed committed to their Indy Pass itinerary. They traveled 200 miles north to Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho. Despite its troubled financial past, Tamarack offered an upscale experience with high-speed lifts, stunning views of Lake Cascade, and a 2,800-foot vertical drop. The recently opened mid-mountain lodge signaled the resort’s aspirations for luxury, but it still maintained an accessible atmosphere for skiers using the Indy Pass.
- Related: New Runs, New Lodge, and Private Club Among Huge Updates for Tamarack Resort, ID, in 2023-24
The final stop on their journey was Brundage Mountain Resort, with McCall serving as their base. McCall, a winter adventure town, provided an affordable lodging option at the Nordic Inn. Known for its laid-back après-ski scene, the town featured local restaurants and historic bars. Brundage Mountain Resort offered excellent snow conditions and terrain variety, rounding out their ski road trip.
Through their experience, the family proved that the Indy Pass delivers on its promise of affordability as it cost as low as $67 a day to ski, when it could have cost as much as $94 a day by buying day passes. A savings of over $132 per person for the entire trip. It also offered variety, and access to smaller, more welcoming ski resorts. For skiers looking to escape the crowds and high costs of large resorts, independent ski areas provide a nostalgic and enjoyable alternative, preserving the essence of traditional skiing while making the sport more accessible to a wider audience.
