Industry News
The holiday season is upon us. This is the time of year when individuals and families plan their big trips to their favorite resorts. It is also the time of year we usually see resorts fully opening all available inbounds terrain. However, with irregular snowfall totals for some of the usual heavy-hitters, this year is different. While some legendary resorts are still waiting for their first major snowfall of the season, lift ticket prices aren’t waiting for anything.
While terrain is limited across much of the West and many lifts are idle, lift ticket prices continue to rise. Here are the top 8 most expensive lift ticket prices this holiday season.
#8: $279 – Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, Colorado
“A place where the beer flows like wine, where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. A little place called Aspen!” –Lloyd Christmas
Aspen may be a holiday and X-Games icon, but it is also skiing royalty–and that comes with a royal bill. At a base price of $279 for the holiday season, you’re paying for a premier ski environment as much as the skiing itself. If the skiing does not meet your expectations, enjoy the gorgeous city of Aspen, world-renowned for its dining and shopping.
#7: $285 – Big Sky Resort, Montana
Big Sky lives up to its name with spectacular views and expansive terrain, but does it also equal big prices? This holiday season, a single-day lift ticket costs $285. As of this writing, Big Sky has just 21 of 319 trails open, but with major storms approaching this week, that number is expected to increase quickly. When all terrain is open, one day is not enough to explore all that Big Sky has to offer, so if you’re headed that way this holiday season, grab a two-or perhaps a three-day pass, and take your time exploring the expansive terrain offerings of Big Sky.
#6: $304 – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
With the Aerial Tram open and over 100 inches of snowfall this season, Jackson Hole is perhaps the best “bang for your buck” on this list right now. With 8 inches of snow falling over the last 48 hours, and more on the way, Jackson Hole is planning to be fully open for the holiday rush. At $304 for a single-day lift ticket, you aren’t just paying for a lift ticket; you’re paying for one of the Western U.S.’s (hopefully) fully opened resorts.
#5: $328 – Northstar California Resort, California
The one and only California resort to make the list, Northstar, at $328 for a one-day lift ticket, reflects its commitment to managing capacity during one of the busiest times of the year. It’s a top destination for the San Francisco Bay Area residents by positioning itself as a luxury, family-oriented destination. While this resort is also experiencing low snowpack, the outlook for a very white holiday season remains optimistic.
#4: $329 – Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado
Home to the trademarked ‘Champagne Powder,’ Steamboat has the second most expensive single-day lift ticket this holiday season at $329. Much like other Colorado ski resorts, Steamboat is hopeful for some holiday magic in the form of snow. To its credit, just like Park City, Steamboat is a year-round destination that offers more than skiing. Just a few miles north of the city, Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs was the #1 most recommended stop by locals when I visited last year. However, locals and visitors alike are looking forward to some snow before this holiday season.
#3: $351 – Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
It is only fitting that North America’s 3rd largest ski resort comes in ranked 3rd for a single-day lift ticket this holiday season. While not all of that terrain is open, and the weather is not signalling a change, there is much more to do in Park City than ski. The culture, dining, and shopping truly make Park City a destination in its own right.
Tied 1: $356 – Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado
Tied up at the top is Beaver Creek. Known for its family-friendly slopes and luxurious atmosphere, Beaver Creek is a popular destination during the holiday season. Like other resorts in Eagle County and across Colorado, Beaver Creek hopes for snowfall as soon as possible. While only 11 of 168 trails are currently open, there appears to be some snow accumulation on the way this weekend.
#1: $356 – Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Tied for the top spot on this list of the most expensive holiday lift tickets this year is Vail. At a whopping $356 for a one-day pass, Vail’s pricing reflects its commitment to keeping the open terrain un-congested during this holiday season. When open, Vail is the 6th-largest North American ski resort, with 5,317 skiable acres. Of course, with Colorado’s below-average snowfall this year, most of this acreage will not be open. However, if not on the slopes, find time to enjoy the European alpine-town vibe and luxury shopping, which is sure to be fun for the whole family.
Despite rising holiday-trip costs and a slow start to the snow season at most western destinations, the experience at these resorts remains undeniable. From the hot springs in Steamboat to the luxury shopping in Aspen, Park City, and Vail, the holidays are about more than just vertical feet. Here’s hoping the upcoming storm cycle turns these notoriously expensive resorts into the beautiful powder playgrounds we know and love.
