Killington. Photo by Emily Ho on Unsplash

What’s one thing that will never get old when it comes to the ski industry? Complaining about lift ticket prices.

Skiing and snowboarding are inherently expensive sports, but do they really have to be? It seems like some resorts really push the envelope to squeeze as much money out of the pockets of paying skiers and riders as they can.

“But Matt, why don’t they just buy an Epic or IKON pass. That makes skiing way more affordable if they plan on going at least 10 days this season.”

Well, imaginary internet commenter I created for the purpose of making an argument, it’s because most people only ski a day or two a season. Think about how many people you’ve met over the years that tell you they go once, or maybe twice a year, if that. The fact is that most people can only afford to splurge one day out on the mountain at a time, and they aren’t diehard passionate skiers or riders like you and me.

That’s why it feels almost criminal that these east coast ski areas are flirting with $200 daily lift tickets for peak days and weekends.

Here are the anticipated lift ticket prices for Sugarbush, Killington, and Stowe according New England Ski History. Unbelievable.

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I know the effects of the pandemic are still hitting hard, and inflation is running rampant, but how in the hell can these resorts expect a middle-class family to pay for a day of skiing or riding for their family of four?! We’re talking over $700 for one day of skiing.

Add on lodging, food, and other accommodations and these resorts are effectively pricing out a huge chunk of America.

I truly believe that the only way skiing and snowboarding can survive is if we make it more accessible to the masses. Snowsports need to become more inclusive so we can get the general public more interested, encourage more middle-class families to try it out, and build a larger base of passionate skiers and riders.

Stowe Resort. Credit: Visit The USA

Continuing the terrible tradition of skiing as an ‘elite’ sport can only be a bad thing. I know some of you might disagree with me, but surely we can agree that near $200 for a day pass at an East Coast ski resort is absurd, right?

Right?!

Here are some awesome ski areas/resorts in Vermont with significantly lower single-day ski lift ticket prices. Consider checking these places out so you don’t have to sell your house to go skiing.

Note: All numbers pulled from New England Ski History and show the highest lift ticket price for each resort/area. Lift ticket prices will be lower on non-Holidays and weekdays.

Suicide Six: $79
Magic Mountain: $83.75
Smugglers’ Notch: $94.34
Jay Peak: $96

Featured Image Credit: Sugarbush Resort

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