Industry News
For those who want the ultimate no-strings-attached relationship with the mountains of the Sierra and beyond, the wait is almost over. In a press release shared with SnowBrains, Ski California has announced that the highly exclusive 2026-27 Gold Pass will officially go on sale May 1.
Priced at $4,250, the Gold Pass is widely considered the holy grail of California mountain access. What sets it apart from typical season passes is its transferability. Because the pass is not tied to a specific individual, it can be shared among family members, friends, or used by businesses as a high-tier employee or client perk.
Unrestricted Freedom Across Two States
The pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to 36 downhill and cross-country ski areas across California and Nevada. Most notably, the Gold Pass has zero blackout dates, meaning holders can ski during the busiest holiday windows without a second thought.
“The Gold Pass is unmatched in terms of the access it provides all season long,” John Rice said, Ski California president, in the official release. “It truly is the ultimate ski pass.”
Participating Resorts & Direct-to-Lift Access
The 36 participating locations include a “who’s who” of iconic West Coast destinations, from the steep chutes of the Tahoe basin to the high-altitude peaks of the Southern Sierra. For added convenience, the majority of these resorts offer direct-to-lift access, allowing pass holders to skip the ticket window entirely.
- Related: Sonora Pass (State Highway 108), CA, Opens Today—Is This One of The Earliest Openings Ever?
How to Buy
Due to its high demand and limited annual production, these passes typically sell out quickly.
-
Price: $4,250 per pass.
-
Payment Options: Purchasers can pay in full or opt for a $1,150 non-refundable deposit if secured by May 29, with the remaining balance due four months later.
-
Availability: Starting May 1, exclusively at skicalifornia.org/gold-pass.
Whether you’re a hardcore skier snowboarder looking to hit every resort in the state or an organization looking for the ultimate hospitality tool, the Gold Pass remains the gold standard for California skiing and riding.
