Why more skiers are turning to the Mountain Collective Pass

PARK CITY, Utah — As frustrations mount over the crowding and commercialization of mega ski passes like Epic and Ikon, the Mountain Collective Pass continues to carve out a niche among skiers looking for flexibility, independent resorts, and a high-quality experience.

Todd Burnett, a longtime Park City local and ski industry veteran who has managed the Mountain Collective Pass for nearly a decade, says the pass has seen double-digit growth year over year, particularly in Utah.

“We’re seeing a lot of interest in Utah, with Alta, Snowbird, and Snowbasin on the pass,” Burnett said. “People are realizing that for $639, you get six days at three of the state’s best mountains, plus a bonus day if you buy early, and half-price tickets after that.”

While Mountain Collective doesn’t offer unlimited skiing at a single resort, its structure appeals to locals who want access to multiple destinations without full commitment to a single pass. The pass provides two days at each of its 26 partner resorts worldwide, including Jackson Hole, Grand Targhee, and Sun Valley—top road-trip destinations for Utah skiers.

“It’s a great add-on for people who might already have an Epic or Deer Valley pass but still want options beyond their home mountain,” Burnett explained.

A Pass for the discerning skier

When Mountain Collective launched 14 years ago, it was a direct response to Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, which had started selling multi-resort access at a steep discount. The original four resorts—Alta, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Palisades Tahoe—were independently owned and sought an alternative to large-scale corporate passes.

Since then, the pass has grown to 26 resorts worldwide, maintaining a focus on quality over quantity. “We’re not about just adding more mountains—we’re about curating the best ski destinations,” Burnett said.

Mountain Collective has also introduced a new perk for 2025: a “Friends and Family” benefit offering 25% off lift tickets at partner resorts. This adds to the pass’s existing perk of unlimited half-price lift tickets after using the initial two days at each resort.

A growing alternative

While mega passes like Epic and Ikon remain dominant in the industry, Burnett acknowledges growing discontent among skiers.

“There’s definitely a backlash sentiment,” he said. “People are frustrated with overcrowding, long lift lines, and the corporate feel of some big resorts. With Mountain Collective, you’re getting access to places that still have that independent, authentic ski culture.”

Despite being smaller in scale, Mountain Collective has seen rising demand, particularly from skiers looking for variety. “The pass is very healthy,” Burnett noted. “It’s a great option for people who want to ski multiple destinations without committing to a single resort.”

Mountain Collective Pass: Cost & Benefits Breakdown

Cost:

• Standard Price: $639 for the 2025-26 season
• Spring Promotion: Buy early and receive a bonus third day, bringing the total to seven days for $639
• Additional Days: After using the included days, passholders can purchase additional lift tickets at 50% off the standard window rate
• Friends & Family Benefit: New for the 2025-26 season, passholders receive 25% off lift tickets for friends and family (specifics on quantity TBD)

Benefits:

• Access to 26 World-Class Resorts – Including Alta, Snowbird, and Snowbasin in Utah, plus Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Aspen Snowmass, and more
• Flexible Usage – Two days at each partner resort, with unlimited half-price days afterward
• No Blackout Dates – Unlike some competitor passes, Mountain Collective has no blackout restrictions
• International Destinations – Includes premier resorts in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe (Chamonix, France)
• PRO TIP: Great for Road Trips – Skiers can hit multiple resorts in a season without committing to one mountain