The Most Expensive Ski Lift Tickets Last Season
If you’re planning a ski trip but watching your budget, knowing the most expensive ski lift tickets can help you decide between splurging or opting for passes. The 2024-2025 season saw record-high single-day prices, often exceeding $300 due to dynamic pricing during peaks like holidays. Resorts in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming dominated the list, with Vail Resorts properties leading thanks to demand and premium amenities. This post ranks the top 9 most expensive daily lift tickets in North America (focused on USA, as Canadian prices topped out around $210 USD equivalent), using data from May 2025 analysis of peak rates including fees. We’ll include charts, trends, and savings tips for your next adventure. Certainly, knowing which resorts have the most expensive ski lift tickets can guide your travel decisions.
Top 9 Most Expensive Daily Lift Tickets in North America (2024-2025 Season)
These prices reflect peak window rates for adult single-day tickets, often during holidays when the most expensive ski lift ticket rates apply. Many resorts use dynamic pricing, so costs vary by date and demand. All figures in USD; Canadian resorts like Whistler Blackcomb reached ~$210 but didn’t crack the top due to lower peaks. Overall, securing the most expensive ski lift tickets requires careful planning.
- Park City Mountain, UT
- Price: $328 ($354 with fees)
- Why It’s Expensive: Largest U.S. ski resort with 7,300 acres, luxury amenities, and Vail ownership. Epic Pass alternative.
- Best For: Families, intermediates; 330+ trails.
- Pro Tip: Epic Pass breakeven in 3 days.
- Vail Mountain & Beaver Creek, CO
- Price: $329
- Why It’s Expensive: Iconic back bowls, upscale villages, and global appeal. Combined access boosts value but not single-day affordability.
- Best For: Experts; 5,300+ acres.
- Pro Tip: Stay in Vail for free shuttles.
- Deer Valley, UT
- Price: $299 ($326 with fees)
- Why It’s Expensive: Skiers-only policy, gourmet dining on-mountain, and impeccable grooming. Ikon Pass resort.
- Best For: Luxury seekers; 2,000 acres.
- Pro Tip: Ikon Pass breakeven in 4 days.
- Arizona Snowbowl, AZ
- Price: $309
- Why It’s Expensive: Rare Southwest snow, Flagstaff proximity, and holiday surges. Indie resort with limited capacity.
- Best For: Locals; 777 acres.
- Pro Tip: Midweek visits save 41%.
- Steamboat, CO
- Price: $299
- Why It’s Expensive: Champagne powder trademark, family vibe, and Ikon affiliation. Dynamic pricing peaks at holidays.
- Best For: Tree skiing; 3,000 acres.
- Pro Tip: Bundle with lodging for 15-30% off.
- Northstar California, CA
- Price: $294
- Why It’s Expensive: Tahoe luxury, village perks, and Epic Pass integration. High demand from Bay Area.
- Best For: Families; 3,170 acres.
- Pro Tip: Avoid weekends; save via Epic.
- Big Sky, MT
- Price: $272
- Why It’s Expensive: Massive terrain, low crowds, and Ikon status. Lone Peak Tram access adds premium.
- Best For: Experts; 5,850 acres.
- Pro Tip: Mountain Collective for multi-resort savings.
- Jackson Hole, WY
- Price: $269
- Why It’s Expensive: Steep chutes, Teton views, and expert reputation. Ikon Pass resort.
- Best For: Advanced; 2,500 acres.
- Pro Tip: Book 90+ days out for 73% discounts.
- Aspen Snowmass, CO
- Price: $264
- Why It’s Expensive: Four mountains, celebrity appeal, and high-end vibe. Ikon Pass.
- Best For: All levels; 5,600 acres.
- Pro Tip: Spring skiing drops rates 55%.
Canadian highlights: Whistler Blackcomb (~$285 CAD/$210 USD peak), Tremblant ($185 CAD/$136 USD high season), Revelstoke (~$159 CAD/$117 USD).
Visualizing the Prices: A Chart of the Top Resorts
Here’s a bar chart of peak prices (including fees where noted) for the top 9, showing why USA Rockies dominate costs.
What Drove High Prices in 2024-2025?
Dynamic pricing pushed peaks over $350, up from prior seasons. Vail Resorts reported 3.4% revenue growth despite fewer visits, as 62% of income came from Epic Passes—making day tickets “punishment” for non-planners. Inflation, demand post-COVID, and luxury positioning contributed. USA resorts outpaced Canada due to U.S. tourism and conglomerates like Vail/Ikon. Historical note: Alta’s $6 ticket in 1971 equates to ~$45 today adjusted, vs. current $354 peaks.
Tips for Saving on Lift Tickets
- Buy Passes: Epic ($1,051) or Ikon ($1,249) breakeven in 3-4 days at pricy spots.
- Book Early: 73% off 90+ days ahead.
- Midweek/Spring: 41% cheaper Tuesdays-Thursdays; 55% off post-President’s Day.
- Bundles: 15-30% with lodging; military 22% off.
- Multi-Resort: Indy/Mountain Collective for independents.
- Check Apps: OnTheSnow for deals; avoid windows.
The 2024-2025 ski season showcased jaw-dropping lift ticket prices, with resorts like Park City and Vail pushing past $300 for a single day on the slopes. These costs reflect the premium experience offered by North America’s top-tier resorts, blending vast terrain, luxury amenities, and high demand. By leveraging season passes like Epic or Ikon, booking early, or skiing midweek, you can dodge the wallet sting and still enjoy world-class powder.
