I was not paid or compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are my own and based on my personal experience.
Updated for the 2025–2026 Season
Growing up in Colorado, skiing was simple. If my friends and I wanted to hit the slopes, we’d swing by the grocery store to grab a $25 discount lift ticket and be on our way. No stress, no planning, and definitely no gridlock on I-70. I’m not sure if that says more about how old I am or how drastically the ski industry has changed, but these days, choosing the right ski pass feels like you need a Ph.D. in lift ticket economics.
The cost of skiing adds up fast, so I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the most popular ski passes for Colorado so you can spend less time decoding options and more time on the mountain.
Skiing with Kids?
There are often free or discounted tickets available for little ones. Don’t miss my guide for money-saving tips with all the details on kids’ passes, rentals, and lessons.
The Best Time to Buy Your Colorado Ski Pass
Long gone are the days of showing up at the ticket window and scoring a deal. If you wait until the day of, expect premium prices and sticker shock. Planning ahead is your best bet.
HOT TIP: If you’re already a passholder, springtime – when the current season wraps – is prime for renewal discounts. Epic and Ikon both roll out early bird pricing if you commit for next year.
For everyone else figuring out next season’s plans, the sweet spot for deals tends to land around Labor Day weekend. After that, prices climb steadily and once the snow starts falling, so do your chances of scoring a good rate.
Why Buy a Ski Pass?
With single-day lift tickets soaring in price, a ski pass is almost always more cost-effective if you’re hitting the slopes for more than a couple of days. On top of that, many passes come with perks like:
- Lodging and food discounts
- “Buddy” passes that offer discounts for friends
- Summer lift access for hiking, biking, or scenic rides
Some passes don’t require a full-season commitment – you can opt for passes that cover specific numbers of days, giving you flexibility without the steep price tag.
Which Ski Pass Should You Buy?
If you’re loyal to one resort and plan to ski regularly, the resort-specific season pass might be your best value. But for those seeking variety – whether across Colorado, the U.S., or even globally – you’ll want to consider one of these major multi-resort options:
Epic Pass
Owned by: Vail Resorts
Top Colorado Resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, limited access to Telluride
Total Resorts: 40+ plus international partners
Pass Types: Full, Local, Day, Military, College
Price Range: $1,075 (full), $799 (local), custom multi-day options
Blackout Dates: Full: No blackout dates; Local and Day: Blackout dates apply
Benefits of the Epic Pass
- Great value if you’re skiing Vail-owned resorts
- Epic SchoolKids offers 4 free days of skiing at each resort for kids in K-5th grade
- Solid perks with Epic Mountain Rewards (20% discounts!)
- Summer lift access included
Ikon Pass
Owned by: Alterra Mountain Co.
Top Colorado Resorts: Aspen, Copper Mountain, Winter Park, Steamboat
Total Resorts: 50+ worldwide
Pass Types: Full, Base, Session, Military, Student, Youth
Price Range: ~$1,400 (full), ~$1,000 (base)
Blackout Dates: Full: No blackout dates; Base: More restrictions, fewer days at elite resorts
Benefits of the Ikon Pass
- Ideal for skiers who like to travel and mix things up
- Access to premium and exclusive resorts
- Discounts on retail, food, and lodging
Limitations of both the Ikon and the Epic Passes
- Limited days at top-tier resorts depending on the pass type
- Higher cost
- Popular resorts = crowded slopes
- Only covers resorts within each pass’s network
Colorado Gems Passes
Prefer something more low-key and budget-friendly? The Gems Discount Card gives you two discounted days at 10 of Colorado’s lesser-known but beloved ski areas. You’ll still need to purchase lift tickets – but at a much lower cost. Passes that provide two days at each resort are also available for kids, teens, and parents with restrictions.
Top Resorts: Arapahoe Basin, Cooper, Echo, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Sunlight
Pass Types: Gems Discount Card, Parent, Teen, Kids, Gold
Price Range:
- Gems Discount Card: $50
- Parent Pass: $337
- Teen Pass: $207
- Kids Passport: $67–$72 (access to 19 resorts, including Ikon Pass resorts)
Blackout Dates: Some, especially around holidays
Benefits of the Colorado Gems Passes
- Way more affordable than Epic or Ikon
- Mellow terrain, fewer crowds – perfect for families and new skiers
- Great for Denver day trips
Limitations of the Colorado Gems Pass
- Only two discounted days per resort
- Not a full season pass
- No access to big-name resorts or passholder perks
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ski pass depends on your skiing frequency, budget, and ultimately, where you want to ski. Whether you’re chasing powder at Vail or sipping cocoa at Sunlight, having the right pass can make or break your season (and your wallet).
Not sure which resorts are the best for beginners? I’ve got you covered! Send me a message and I’ll send you my guide to Colorado ski resorts!
