The Pacific Northwest is brimming with outdoor adventure. In the winter, this scenic slice of the country fills up with fresh powder, creating the perfect playground for skiers and snowboarders. If you want to get in on the action and check out some amazing ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest, you might want to investigate buying a season pass.
The Ikon Pass gives you access to some of the best ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest, with several options to fit every adventure level and budget. Plus, it’s a convenient way to experience iconic destinations around North America and the world. Still not sure the Ikon Pass is the best ski pass for skiing and riding in the Pacific Northwest? Let’s break it down.
Is there a PNW ski pass?
Ikon Pass doesn’t have a pass specifically for the Pacific Northwest. But it does let you ski and ride at five of the top PNW resorts: Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington, Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, and Schweitzer and Sun Valley in Idaho. It’s important to note, though, that each pass product offers a different level of access at each destination.
The Ikon Pass gets you the most days at all destinations, including the PNW ski resorts. If you buy this season pass, you get seven days each at Crystal, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Mt. Bachelor, Schweitzer, and Sun Valley, with no blackout dates. This means you can ski or ride seven days at Crystal, seven days at Sun Valley, seven days at Mt. Bachelor, and so on until all your days are used up for the season.
The Ikon Base Pass gets you on the hill at most of the same PNW destinations, but there are some differences to note. With this pass, you get five days each at Crystal, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Mt. Bachelor, and Schweitzer. Blackout dates are also in effect with the Ikon Base Pass, which means there are certain days during the year that you cannot ski, usually during peak holiday times. There is no access to Sun Valley on the Ikon Base Pass. If you want access to all PNW ski resorts, you can upgrade for an additional $200 to the Ikon Base Plus Pass, which gives you five days at Sun Valley.
The Ikon Session Pass gives you two-, three-, or four-days total at a select number of Ikon Pass destinations, including four of the Pacific Northwest ski resorts. Sun Valley is not accessible on the Ikon Session Pass. So, you can ski two, three or four days at one destination or spread those days out across all destinations during the season. For example, if you purchase the 4-day pass, you can use all four days at Crystal Mountain or you can use one day each at Crystal, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Mt. Bachelor, and Schweitzer. Once all those days are used, though, you don’t have any more for the season. In addition, blackout dates apply at all PNW destinations.
If the Pacific Northwest is your home ski region, and you want to enjoy everything the region has to offer, the Ikon Pass is the way to go. With the most days and no blackout dates, it’s the best option for skiing and riding in the PNW.
How much is the Ikon Pass?
The cost of a season pass depends on which product you choose to buy, and which age group you qualify for. There are 6 types of Ikon Pass products you can buy: Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, Ikon Base Plus Pass, Ikon Session Pass 4-Day, Ikon Session Pass 3-Day, and Ikon Session Pass 2-Day. Within each pass product, there are different age levels you can purchase based on how old you are: Adult (ages 23+), Young Adult (ages 13-22), Child (ages 5-12); and 4 & Under (ages 0-4).
Not sure which age level to get? It’s based on how old you are at the time you buy. For example, if you’re 22 when you purchase a pass, but will turn 23 during the winter season, you would purchase the Young Adult pass (ages 13-22) since you currently fall into that age category. If you have a child that is four but will be turning five later in the year or during the ski season, you will buy the 4 & Under pass since your kid still falls in that age level at time of purchase.
Ikon Pass also offers discounted rates for eligible recipients including enrolled college students, active licensed nurses, and active duty or retired military and their adult dependents. Discounted rates offer savings of up to 29% off a regularly priced adult pass.
Is it worth the cost to buy a ski season pass?
It depends on how much you plan to ski or ride during the winter season.
If you’re just starting out or only plan to go to the mountains a few times, the Ikon Session Pass is a great introductory product to get you out on the snow. The pass has fewer days at fewer destinations, but it’s a budget-friendly option and a good fit for the casual skier or rider. For example, if you purchase the Ikon Session Pass 4-Day and use all 4 days, your cost to ski is $105 per day (based on the adult price).
For those looking to hit multiple mountains throughout the season, the Ikon Pass is worth the price. It gives you access to all 50 Ikon Pass destinations, including all five of the PNW ski resorts, and there are no blackout dates. Which means you never have to worry about showing up on a day you can’t ski or ride. Plus, if you hit the slopes at least eight days, your cost to ski is less than $150 per day (based on the adult price).
Are there other PNW ski pass options?
Every Pacific Northwest ski resort that’s accessible on the Ikon Pass may also offer a local ski pass. This means it only works at that location and is not a multi-mountain ski pass. If Crystal Mountain is your mountain of choice, and you have no plans to go anywhere else, you can purchase one of the Crystal Mountain season passes, such as the Crystal Mountain Legend Pass or the Crystal Mountain Roots Pass (for those who have the flexibility to ski mid-week only).
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The Ikon Pass is your Pacific Northwest ski pass, letting you ski and ride at top resorts across the region throughout the 22/23 winter season. Discover what’s new next season and visit Ikonpass.com for all the details and choose which pass it right for you.
