Parents with Indy Passes can enjoy long family ski weekends for under $600.
PORTLAND, OR — A recent analysis that compares the cost of family ski vacations determined that Indy Pass resorts can 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 $885 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 more significant. An Indy Pass Getaway averaged just $583 for lift tickets and lodging.
More On: Indy Pass
Average Cost $835 Average Cost $1,868
Beaver Mountain, UT Park City Resort, UT
Blue Knob Mountain, PA Squaw Valley Resort, CA
Bolton Valley, VT Stowe Mountain, VT
Brundage Mountain, ID Sun Valley Resort, ID
Castle Mountain, AB Jackson Hole Resort, WY
Greek Peak, NY Killington Resort, VT
Massanutten Resort, VA Stratton Mountain, VT
Red Lodge Mountain, MT Big Sky Mountain, MT
Shanty Creek Resort, MI Boyne Mountain, MI
Silver Mountain, ID Vail Resort, CO
Parents with Indy Passes $583 Comparison based on a family of four, kids 8 and 10, January 25-27, 2020. Two days skiing, two nights lodging. Lodging based on advance purchase of 2BR w/ kitchen from AirBnB or a resort-owned property, whichever was cheaper. Lift ticket pricing based on advance purchase. Kids tickets 25% off with parents on Indy Pass.
A complete compilation of the cost comparison can be found here.
“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 Lindsay DesLauriers, GM at Bolton Valley, Vermont, one of New England’s top family-focused ski areas. “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