2016-2017 Multi-Mountain Ski Passes: We’ve Compared Them

Posted: March 18

Yes, we've still got a month (or two, we hope) of skiing left this season. But now's the time to buy next season's pass to get the best price.

Here's a glance at what's available for the 2015-2016 season (click here for hi-res version). But details may change, so be sure to click through to check the latest prices. And yes, you can get a refund if your plans change -- if you pay extra for pass insurance. (Photo: AP | Illustration: Nathaniel Minor/CPR News)

Epic Pass

Vail's Epic Pass jumped $50 over last year's spring price to $809 -- and it's set to get more expensive on April 10. The company's flagship pass will get you unrestricted access to 13 resorts including five in Colorado: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. Others include Utah's Park City, California's Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, Wisconsin's Wilmot, Minnesota's Afton Alps, Michigan's Mt. Brighton and Perisher in Australia.

Other choices include the Epic Local Pass ($609), the Summit Value Pass ($509) and the Keystone-Arapahoe Basin Pass ($299). 

Rocky Mountain Super Pass

Another option is the Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus ($499), which rose $30 over last year's best price . The price jumps on April 5, so don't wait for too long. This pass gets you unlimited access to Winter Park, Copper Mountain and Eldora Mountain Resort. Throw in six days at Steamboat Springs and three days at Crested Butte, and the Super Pass Plus shapes up to be the best Colorado-centric alternative to Vail's offerings. It also includes restricted access to an Alaskan resort and five resorts in New Zealand and Japan.

M.A.X.

For those that want to ski the Pacific Northwest, the Mountain West, and the Northeast, check out the M.A.X. pass. For $599, you'll get five days at 25 resorts across the country. That's $100 cheaper than last year's version.

Mountain Collective

And finally, the Mountain Collective Pass ($379, just $10 more than last year) gives you two days at 12 resorts across the country -- including Aspen Snowmass. 

Four Packs

If you're only going to get out a few times, check out four-pack lift tickets. Most resorts offer these deeply discounted passes, like Winter Park ($179), Aspen Snowmass ($239), and Loveland ($139). They are generally only available before the season starts, so don't wait too long.