Epic vs. Ikon vs. Mountain Collective vs. Indy: Which Ski Pass is Right for You?
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Vail's Lost Boy Trail – A Fun Adventure on the Epic Pass.
Skiing and snowboarding are incredible ways to experience winter and the mountains—but let’s face it, they can be expensive. Thankfully, multi-resort ski passes like Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective, and Indy have made hitting the slopes much more affordable—if you ski often enough. And what’s even better? These passes let you explore multiple resorts, each with its personality, unique terrain, and vibe. Whether chasing powder in the Rockies, carving groomers in California, or discovering hidden gems at smaller resorts, skiing at so many places with one pass is a game-changer.
I’ve had firsthand experience with both the Epic Pass and the Indy Pass, and let me tell you—it was awesome. I skied at over 20 different resorts in one season using just these two passes. For reference, I bought the Epic Pass for $934.95 and the Indy Pass for $379.00. Later in this post, I’ll explain exactly what I would have paid at these resorts without the passes and how much money I saved.
Let’s dive into the details, cover pricing, controversies, and why these passes can be a lifesaver for your wallet.
Why Get a Ski Pass?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each pass, let’s talk about why you should even consider one. Lift tickets at most resorts have skyrocketed over the years, especially in the big-name mountains. Here’s what you can expect to pay for daily lift tickets at some of these resorts:
Vail (Epic Pass): $250+ on peak days.
Jackson Hole (Ikon Pass): $200+.
Alta/Snowbird (Mountain Collective): $175+.
Smaller independent resorts (Indy Pass): $80–$120.
Now, do the math. If you’re skiing more than 7–10 days a season, a ski pass pays for itself—and then some. For example:
The Epic Pass (around $899) could cost less than four peak days at Vail.
The Ikon Base Pass (around $1,000) might save you hundreds if you’re skiing Jackson Hole for a week.
The Mountain Collective ($629) covers 20+ resorts with two days at each, making it ideal for a destination-focused season.
The Indy Pass ($279–$329) is a bargain for families or skiers sticking to smaller, local mountains.
Plus, ski passes often include perks like discounted food, rentals, and lodging. If you plan your trips strategically, the savings can add up fast.
Epic Pass: Big Names, Big Coverage.
The Epic Pass, by Vail Resorts, is the juggernaut of ski passes. It offers access to over 40 resorts worldwide, including famous names like Vail, Whistler Blackcomb, and Park City. I
View from McCoy Park at Beaver Creek on the Epic Pass – A Beautiful Entry into Tree-Glade Skiing.
Pricing: The full Epic Pass typically runs around $899–$1,200. The Epic Local Pass costs about $600–$800 for a more budget-friendly option and includes some blackout dates.
Why it’s great: This is a solid pick if you like having many options—both in North America and abroad. Epic also includes discounts on food, rentals, and lodging, and it comes with the EpicMix app to track your stats.
Who it’s for: Skiers who want variety and plan to visit big-name resorts multiple times a season.
Keep in mind: Resorts can get crowded, especially during peak times. Also, the upfront cost means you’ll need to ski enough to make it worth it.
When to buy: The Epic Pass for the 2025-2026 ski season is expected to go on sale in March 2025, with early-bird pricing available for those who plan.
Ikon Pass: Premium Destinations, Unforgettable Runs
The Ikon Pass, created by Alterra Mountain Company, is a worthy rival to Epic. It’s known for its focus on premium, destination-worthy resorts like Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, and Mammoth Mountain.
Pricing: The full Ikon Pass costs around $1,200–$1,300. The Ikon Base Pass is cheaper at $900–$1,000, though it includes more blackout dates.
Why it’s great: You’ll get access to some of the most iconic ski destinations, along with partnerships at international resorts. It’s a great option if you love planning big trips to bucket-list mountains.
Who it’s for: Skiers who prioritize luxury, variety, and access to world-class terrain.
Keep in mind: Ikon’s partner resorts are top-tier, but the Base Pass can be limiting during busy holidays. Plus, these premium destinations can sometimes come with premium prices for lodging and dining.
When to buy: The Ikon Pass typically goes on sale in early March, and buying early often guarantees the best price and availability.
Mountain Collective: The Boutique Explorer.
If you’re not skiing every weekend but still want to visit iconic resorts, the Mountain Collective might be your perfect match. It’s designed for adventurers who prefer fewer resorts and don’t need unlimited access.
Pricing: At $629, it’s a steal compared to Epic and Ikon. The pass gives you two days at each of its 20+ resorts, with additional days at 50% off.
Why it’s great: The Mountain Collective covers amazing spots like Alta, Snowbird, and Revelstoke, all of which are known for incredible snow and terrain.
Who it’s for: Skiers looking for bucket-list trips without the commitment of a full pass.
Keep in mind: Two days per resort might not be enough if you fall in love with a specific spot. Also, this pass doesn’t include as many perks like discounts or extra features.
When to buy: The Mountain Collective Pass generally goes on sale in spring or early summer, so planning ahead is key for locking in your access.
Indy Pass: Supporting Locals and Independents
For those who love supporting local and independent resorts, the Indy Pass is the hidden gem of ski passes. It focuses on smaller, family-friendly resorts with great vibes.
Riding the Vintage Ski Lift at Little Switzerland in Wisconsin – A Classic Experience on the Indy Pass.
Pricing: At $279–$329, it’s by far the most affordable multi-resort pass. You get two days at each of its 120+ partner resorts, with additional days costing just 25% of the ticket price.
Why it’s great: It’s budget-friendly and perfect for those who prefer quieter slopes and less crowded resorts. You’ll find unique, smaller mountains with lots of character.
Who it’s for: Families, beginners, and anyone who wants an affordable season while exploring resorts that are off the beaten path.
Keep in mind: If you’re chasing iconic destinations or large ski areas, this pass won’t cover those. Some resorts might be a bit out of the way, but that’s part of the charm.
When to buy: The Indy Pass typically goes on sale in spring, with pricing increases as the season approaches. Snag it early for the best deal!
The Controversies Around Multi-Resort Ski Passes
While these passes are great for skiers, they’re not without their critics. Here are some of the common issues, with real-world examples:
Overcrowding:
The affordability of passes like Epic and Ikon has drawn more people to the mountains, resulting in crowded slopes, long lift lines, and packed facilities. For example:Vail Resorts saw a significant spike in visitation after reducing the price of the Epic Pass in 2021. This led to congested parking lots and overburdened lifts, with skiers reporting wait times of over an hour at resorts like Breckenridge and Park City.
In Utah, locals have criticized the Ikon Pass for increasing traffic on routes to resorts like Snowbird and Alta, with some claiming it has “ruined” their ski experience during peak times.
Local Impacts:
Resorts in ski towns have seen housing shortages and rising costs of living due to the influx of seasonal workers and visitors.Crested Butte, a Vail-owned resort in Colorado, has faced challenges with housing for resort employees, leading to tension with the local community.
Big Sky Resort in Montana, an Ikon partner, has experienced rapid growth in tourism, straining local infrastructure and creating affordability issues for residents.
Environmental Concerns:
The growth of large resorts to accommodate the increased traffic has raised questions about their environmental footprint.Whistler Blackcomb, part of the Epic network, has invested in snowmaking and expanded facilities to handle more skiers, but these changes have also drawn criticism for their impact on local ecosystems.
Many resorts, including those under the Ikon Pass like Mammoth Mountain, are grappling with balancing growth with sustainability initiatives, such as reducing energy use and improving water management.
Price Creep:
While the passes themselves are affordable for frequent skiers, the cost of on-mountain essentials can make the overall experience expensive.Resorts like Aspen Snowmass (Ikon) and Beaver Creek (Epic) are known for high prices on dining, rentals, and lodging, which can offset the savings from a pass. For example, a family meal at Beaver Creek could easily cost $100+, and hotel stays during peak season often exceed $400 per night.
Breaking Down the Savings: My example.
For the 2023-2024 ski season, I purchased the Epic Pass for $934.95 and the Indy Pass for $379.00. I skied at over 20 resorts in a single season with just these two passes. The Indy Pass was a great addition because it allowed me to explore more minor, local ski spots that I might not have tried otherwise. (On the Indy Pass, you get two days at each resort.)
Here’s a breakdown of where I skied, the number of days, and the estimated cost of lift tickets if I hadn’t used these passes:
The Iconic Orange Bubble Lift at Park City – A Must-Ride on the Epic Pass.
Epic Pass Trips:
Heavenly Ski Resort (California/Nevada): 4 days
Estimated lift ticket cost: $255/day x 4 days = $1,020
Northstar (California): 1 day
Estimated lift ticket cost: $172/day = $172
Park City (Utah): 4 days
Estimated lift ticket cost: $225/day x 4 days = $900
Breckenridge (Colorado): 6 days
Estimated lift ticket cost: $225/day x 6 days = $1,350
Beaver Creek (Colorado): 1 day
Estimated lift ticket cost: $295/day = $295
Vail (Colorado): 3 days
Estimated lift ticket cost: $329/day x 3 days = $987
Wilmot (Wisconsin): 2 days (local)
Estimated lift ticket cost: $80/day x 2 days = $160
Total Epic Pass Days: 21 days
Total Estimated Lift Ticket Cost Without Pass: $4,884
Epic Pass Cost: $934.95
Savings: $3,949.05
Indy Pass Trips:
Little Switzerland (Wisconsin): 2 days
Estimated lift ticket cost: $65/day x 2 days = $130
Chestnut Mountain (Illinois): 1 day
Estimated lift ticket cost: $70/day = $70
Tyrol Basin (Wisconsin): 1 day
Estimated lift ticket cost: $55/day = $55
Powder Mountain (Utah): 1 day
Estimated lift ticket cost: $110/day = $110
Total Indy Pass Days: 5 days
Total Estimated Lift Ticket Cost Without Pass: $365
Indy Pass Cost: $379.00
Savings: While the pass cost was slightly higher than the estimated ticket cost by $14, it provided flexibility and access to more resorts for future trips.
Overall Savings:
Total Ski Days: 26 days
Total Estimated Lift Ticket Cost Without Passes: $5,249
Total Pass Costs: $1,313.95
Total Savings: $3,935.05
Pro Tip: Finding Deals for One-Day Passes
If you’re not ready to commit to a season pass or want to ski for a day or two, there are still ways to save. Websites like SkiTickets.com offer great deals on one-day lift tickets for many resorts, including some on the Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective, and Indy Pass networks. It’s worth checking out if you’re planning a quick trip or testing out a new mountain without the upfront cost of a complete pass.
The Perfect Combo: How the Epic and Indy Passes Made My Ski Season
The Epic Pass and Indy Pass combination was a fantastic investment for my ski season. Not only did I save nearly $4,000, but I also had the opportunity to explore a diverse mix of big-name resorts and charming local mountains. We could have passed on the Indy Pass at the end of the day. But I don’t think I would have gone to those local places had I not had the Icon Pass. I think overall, we got our ski legs in good shape. If you plan to ski often, these passes are an incredible way to maximize your experience and budget.
To read more or learn about these ski resorts and my experiences, check out our blogs on our Snow Ski page or visit our YouTube channel @overlandgirl. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest tips, winter adventures, and more from the slopes!
