Lift Ticket Prices for 2025-26: Early Reveals and Industry Trends
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Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
US Ski Resorts Begin Revealing 2025-26 Lift Ticket Prices
As the ski industry gears up for the 2025-26 season, several major US resorts have begun releasing their daily lift ticket prices. This early insight offers a glimpse into broader pricing trends, with some areas pushing further past the $300 mark while others attempt to maintain more competitive rates. Notably absent from the early announcements are Vail-owned properties and other prominent resorts like Killington, Snowbird, Alyeska, and Telluride, leaving skiers and riders to speculate on potential increases at these destinations.
The available pricing data reveals a continued widening gap between premium and value-oriented resorts. Aspen Snowmass exemplifies this trend, with early season and advance-purchase rates ranging from $98-$120, but mid-season prices spiking to $189-$264. Big Sky and Jackson Hole maintain their positions in the upper tier, with online rates of $242 and $255 respectively after discounts.
Palisades Tahoe stands out with a peak rate of $289, though they're emphasising variable pricing based on purchase timing, offering up to 35% savings for early online bookings. This dynamic pricing model appears to be gaining traction across the industry as resorts attempt to incentivise advance commitments and distribute visitor numbers.
On the more moderate end, Sugarloaf in Maine is offering a comparatively restrained $129 rate with an online discount, potentially positioning themselves as a value option for East Coast skiers. However, it's worth noting that even these 'moderate' prices represent significant increases compared to rates from just a few years ago.
The elephant in the room remains Vail Resorts, whose pricing decisions tend to set benchmarks for much of the industry. Their continued silence on 2025-26 rates leaves a significant gap in understanding the full market picture.
This early pricing data underscores the ski industry's ongoing challenge in balancing revenue maximisation with accessibility. The trend towards $300+ lift tickets at premier resorts risks further entrenching skiing's reputation as an elite activity, potentially deterring new participants and occasional skiers.
However, the emphasis on advance purchase discounts and midweek pricing offers some reprieve for cost-conscious skiers willing to plan ahead. The growing popularity of multi-resort season passes also continues to provide value for frequent skiers, though it comes with the trade-off of upfront commitment.
As more resorts release their pricing in the coming months, it will be crucial to monitor how they position themselves in an increasingly stratified market. Will we see more following the ultra-premium model, or will some opt to prioritise volume and accessibility? The answers will have significant implications not just for this season, but for the long-term health and demographics of the ski industry.