Which Multi-Mountain ski resort pass should you get for Alberta and BC this year? We’ve got you covered.
Trying to pick a multi-mountain pass for the ski and snowboard season can be a bit daunting since there are so many options- and so many ads popping up. If you have your sights set on Western Canada (BC and Alberta) this guide has you covered. This is specific for those who are wanting to visit Western Canada.
These passes do include resorts outside of Western Canada, but being an Alberta gal myself – I decided to focus on resorts specifically in Alberta and British Columbia.
Early Bird Pricing
These are early bird and pre-season prices. Also, RCR has not released their pricing for their card yet – so it’s based on last years pricing. Each resort has varying early bird pricing dates – so you’ll want to check those out to ensure you’re getting the lowest possible price.
| Pass Name | Price for single adult pass (CAD) | Resorts Included (Western Canada) | Resorts Included (Outside Western Canada) | Access Type | Additional Benefits | Price per day (tax not included) |
| Epic Pass | $1,299 | Whistler Blackcomb (Unlimited) Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, Nakiska (7 days) | Various resorts in the U.S., Europe, Australia | Unlimited days at Whistler Blackcomb with no black out dates. 7 days at any RCR resort including Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberly Nakiska | Discounts on lodging, rentals, lessons; buddy tickets | $185 for resorts outside of whistler for 7 days. |
| Epic Local Pass | $1,010 | Whistler Blackcomb (10 days) | Various resorts in the U.S., Australia, Europe | Limited days, some blackout dates. | Discounts on lodging, rentals, lessons; buddy tickets | $101 days for 10 days at Whistler only |
| Ikon Pass | $1,819 | Revelstoke, Skibig3 (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay), Sunpeaks, Cypress Mountain, Revelstoke (7days) | Unlimited access to resorts in the U.S., Europe, Japan | 7 days at each Western Canadian Resort | Discounts on dining, retail, lessons; friends & family tickets | ~$260 for 7 days |
| Ikon Base Pass | $1,299 | Revelstoke, SkiBig3 (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay) | Various resorts in the U.S., Japan, Europe | 5 days at western Canadian resorts, some blackout dates | Discounts on dining, retail, lessons; friends & family tickets | ~$260 for 5 days |
| RCR Rockies Card | TBD – $169 last year | Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, Nakiska (7 days) | None | 3 free days (if you use all 7) + $25 or $50 off per day | No blackout dates, partner discounts | ~$107 for 7 days |
| RCR Unlimited Pass | $1,979 | Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, Nakiska (Unlimited) | None | Unlimited days, no blackout dates | Discounts on rentals, retail | ~$98 for 20 days (the more you go the cheaper per visit as it’s unlimited) |
| SkiBig3 Season Pass | $2,349 | Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay (Unlimited) | None | Unlimited days, no blackout dates | Discounts on food, rentals, other activities | $117.45 for 20 days (the more you go the cheaper per visit as it’s unlimited) |
| Mountain Collective | $869 | Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Marmot Basin, Panorama, Revelstoke, Sunpeaks (2 days each) | Various resorts in the U.S., Europe, Japan | 2 days per resort, 50% off extra days | No blackout dates, discounts on additional days | $72 for 12 days (if used at each resort) |
Disclaimer: Please do your own research to verify conditions and pricing as prices and terms are subject to change. I am in no way affiliated with any resort and there may be errors in my research.
Multi-Mountain Passes Not Included
I decided to omit the Powder Alliance as it only includes Castle Mountain as well as the Indy Pass as it’s totally sold out for 24/25 ski season.
So Which Is The Best Multi Mountain Ski Pass For BC and Alberta?
Totally depends on your plans but here’s my opinion on each pass.
The Epic Pass is an excellent option for those living near Whistler or planning extended or frequent trips there, as it offers unlimited access. Additionally, it provides access to RCR resorts, making it ideal for skiers looking to visit multiple locations throughout the winter season.
The Epic Local Pass is suitable for skiers who intend to visit Whistler exclusively, with up to 10 visits covered by the pass.
The Ikon Pass may not be the most cost-effective option if your focus is solely on the listed Western Canadian resorts. It provides better value for skiers planning to visit a variety of resorts outside of Western Canada.
Similarly, the Ikon Base Pass has a per-day cost equivalent to the full Ikon Pass, making it less economical for those who only plan to ski at the Western Canadian resorts included in the pass.
The RCR Rockies Card offers great value for skiers planning multiple trips to several resorts. It provides free skiing on the 1st, 4th, and 7th days, along with discounts of $25 or $50 on additional days, depending on the season. This card is a cost-effective choice with minimal upfront expense.
The RCR Unlimited Pass is an excellent option for avid skiers who live near an RCR resort and plan numerous trips throughout the season. The pass offers unlimited access, making the cost per visit increasingly economical the more you use it.
The SkiBig3 Season Pass provides unlimited access to three popular resorts and is ideal for those living in the Calgary, Banff, or Canmore area. It offers significant value, especially with the added benefit of night skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Norquay.
The Mountain Collective Pass is a great choice for skiers planning to visit multiple resorts across Western Canada throughout the winter. It offers the lowest price per visit among the non-unlimited options, especially if you maximize its use by skiing all 12 days included in the pass.
Other Ways to Save on Ski Lift Passes and Tickets
If you’re looking to maximize your savings this ski season, here are several additional ways to get discounted tickets and passes:
Buy at Costco:
- Some ski resorts offer discounted lift tickets and passes through Costco, either in-store or online. These tickets are often bundled, providing multiple days at a lower per-day cost than buying directly at the resort. Check your local Costco or their website for availability.
Purchase in Advance:
- Many resorts offer significant discounts on lift tickets if you buy them in advance, particularly online. The further in advance you purchase, the more you can save. Prices tend to increase as the ski date approaches, especially during peak holiday periods.
Use Season Pass Add-Ons:
- Most season passes come with add-on options that offer additional benefits and savings. For example:
- Buddy Tickets: Some passes, like the Epic Pass, include buddy tickets, allowing friends and family to purchase lift tickets at a discounted rate.
- Discounted Lessons and Rentals: Passholders often receive discounts on ski lessons, rentals, and dining at the resorts, which can add up to substantial savings over multiple visits.
- Most season passes come with add-on options that offer additional benefits and savings. For example:
Multi-Day Tickets:
- Consider purchasing multi-day tickets directly from the resort. These packages usually offer a lower per-day rate than buying single-day tickets. Some resorts offer flexible multi-day tickets that can be used non-consecutively throughout the season.
Look for Special Promotions and Deals:
- Keep an eye out for special promotions throughout the season, such as “Learn to Ski” packages for beginners, family discounts, or early-bird specials. Resorts frequently run promotions during off-peak times or special events.
Group Discounts:
- If you’re skiing with a large group, inquire about group discounts. Many resorts offer lower rates for groups, which can be a great way to save if you’re organizing a trip with friends or family.
Season Pass Reciprocal Benefits:
- Some season passes offer reciprocal benefits at other resorts. For instance, if you have a SkiBig3 Season Pass, you might get discounted or free days at partner resorts. Always check if your pass has such partnerships to take advantage of free or discounted skiing at additional locations.
Military, Student, and Senior Discounts:
- Many resorts offer discounts to military personnel, students, and seniors. Be sure to bring valid identification to qualify for these savings.
Dynamic Pricing Apps and Websites:
- Use apps or websites that offer dynamic pricing for lift tickets. These platforms adjust prices based on demand, so you can often find lower rates on less busy days.
Ski and Stay Packages:
- Look for ski and stay packages offered by hotels and resorts, which bundle accommodation with lift tickets at a discounted rate. This option can be particularly cost-effective if you’re planning a longer stay.
- Flash Sales and Off-Peak Pricing:
- Some resorts offer flash sales or discounts for off-peak days (such as midweek). Sign up for resort newsletters or follow them on social media to stay informed about these limited-time deals.
- Credit Card Rewards and Points:
- Certain credit cards offer cash back, points, or travel rewards that can be redeemed for lift tickets or ski vacation packages. Check if your credit card provides such benefits and plan your trip accordingly.
- Local Resident Deals:
- Many resorts offer discounts for local residents. If you live near a resort, check if they have a local resident rate that could save you money.
By taking advantage of these various methods, you can make the most out of your ski budget and enjoy more days on the slopes without breaking the bank.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jayde Syrnyk
Meet Jayde Syrnyk. Professional marketer by day – adventure enthusiast by night. After growing up in the flat lands of Saskatchewan in 2021 Jayde, her husband and two dogs decided to move near the mountains to a town they had never been to before. Since moving they have fallen in love with mountain sports and have grown a passion for sharing their passions online encouraging others to step outside their comfort zone and be part of the action.
