Industry News
Parents with Indy Passes can enjoy long family ski weekends for under $600
A recent analysis that compares the cost of family ski vacations determined that Indy Pass resorts provide a long weekend at an independent, authentic ski area for less than half the cost of a major US resort.
The study found the average cost for a family of four was $882 compared to $1868 at a big resort. If both parents purchase an Indy Pass for $199 each, kids receive 25% off lift tickets and the gap is even greater. An Indy Pass Getaway averaged just $583 for lift tickets and lodging.
“While Indy Pass resorts may not have the luxury amenities of the bigger, more posh resorts, they offer an uncrowded, family-friendly environment, great terrain and snow conditions, and an authentic alpine experience,” said Jeff Colburn, GM at Silver Mountain, Idaho, one of the Northwest’s top family-focused ski destinations. “All kids who ski should experience the joy of a family vacation in the mountains and our affordability helps make that possible.”
There are 44 independent resorts each offering two days of free skiing for Indy Pass holders. Kids 12 and under who accompany a pass holder receive 25% off their lift ticket. Indy Passes are on sale now for $199 at indyskipass.com but the price increases to $219 on December 1.
Participating resorts for the 2019-2020 season are:
WESTERN REGION – 15
- ALASKA – Eaglecrest Ski Area
- ALBERTA – Castle Mountain Resort
- ARIZONA – Sunrise Park Ski Area
- BRITISH COLUMBIA – Apex Mountain Resort
- CALIFORNIA – Mt. Shasta Ski Park
- IDAHO – Brundage Mountain, Silver Mountain
- OREGON – Hoodoo
- MONTANA – Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Red Lodge Mountain
- UTAH – Beaver Mountain
- WASHINGTON – 49 Degrees North, Hurricane Ridge, Mission Ridge, White Pass
MIDWEST REGION – 14
- MICHIGAN – Big Powderhorn Resort, Caberfae Peaks, Cannonsburg Ski Area, Pine Mountain Resort, Shanty Creek, Swiss Valley Ski Area
- MINNESOTA – Giants Ridge, Spirit Mountain, Powder Ridge Mountain Park, and Resort
- SOUTH DAKOTA – Terry Peak Ski Area
- WISCONSIN – Little Switzerland, Nordic Mountain, Trollhaugen, Tyrol Basin
EASTERN REGION – 15
- CONNECTICUT – Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
- MASSACHUSETTS – Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Catamount Mountain Resort*
- NEW HAMPSHIRE – Pats Peak
- NEW YORK – Catamount Mountain Resort*, Greek Peak Mountain Resort
- NORTH CAROLINA – Cataloochee Ski Area
- PENNSYLVANIA – Blue Knob Resort, Shawnee Mountain
- TENNESSEE – Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area
- VERMONT – Bolton Valley Resort, Magic Mountain, Suicide Six
- VIRGINIA – Bryce Resort, Massanutten Resort
- WEST VIRGINIA – Canaan Valley Ski Resort
*Catamount straddles NY/MA border
37 of 44 participating resorts offer UNRESTRICTED, season-long access. Five have holiday blackouts and two allow weekday-only access. See indyskipass.com for details.
