U.S. American Lift-Served SnoSportSkiing Masterchart
Compiles comprehensive data on U.S. lift-served ski areas, including historical opening years, vertical drops, and ownership changes, along with current multiresort pass options and pricing for the 2026-27 season. Highlights include detailed statistics on ski area performance, pass affiliations, and skier visits, enabling users to analyze trends and make informed decisions regarding ski area visits and pass purchases.
Content article
The U.S. American Lift-Served SnoSportSkiing Masterchart encompasses a detailed examination of ski areas across the United States, including their history, location, and core statistics.
Ski Areas Overview
The chart begins with a comprehensive list of ski areas, starting with Alyeska, which opened in 1959 and is located at 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, Alaska, boasting a lift-served vertical drop of 2,487 feet. Following closely is Arctic Valley, established in 1949, situated in Anchorage, Alaska, with a vertical drop of 1,373 feet. Eaglecrest, located in Juneau and opened in 1975, has a vertical drop of 1,401 feet, while Hillberg, which opened in 1950, has a modest vertical drop of 263 feet. Hilltop, opened in 1984, offers a vertical drop of 294 feet, and Mount Eyak, established in 1974, has a vertical drop of 800 feet. The most recent addition is Skeetawk, which opened in 2020 and features a vertical drop of 254 feet.
The chart also categorizes ski areas by type, such as Alaska public areas with aerial lifts, like Birch Hill, which has a vertical drop of 540 feet, and those with surface lifts only, such as the Homer Rope Tow at 260 feet.
Pass Key and Pricing
In the "All-Mountain Comprehensive" tab, various ski passes are detailed, including the Epic Pass, which costs $1,089 for the 2026-27 season, reflecting a gradual increase from $579 in 2011-2012. The Epic Local Pass, priced at $809, offers access to 52 ski areas, while the Ikon Pass, which costs $1,399, includes 103 ski areas, with a significant presence in the western U.S. The Indy Pass, available for $369, covers 254 ski areas, showcasing a diverse range of options for skiers across different regions.
Multimountain Passes
The "Multimountain Passes Master" tab highlights the Epic Pass, launched in 2008, which remains active and offers unlimited skiing across 72 ski areas in the U.S. The Epic Local Pass, also active, features blackouts at select resorts and includes 52 ski areas. The Ikon Pass, with a total of 103 ski areas, provides a mix of unlimited and limited days, while the Mountain Collective Pass covers 32 ski areas, allowing skiers to experience a variety of terrains.
Major Stats Summary
In the "Major Stats Summary Table," the anticipated total of active U.S. ski areas for the 2025-26 season is projected to be 494, with 173 located in the West and 123 in the East. The Epic Pass is associated with 71 ski areas, while the Ikon Pass includes 103, demonstrating the competitive landscape among major ski pass providers. The Indy Pass boasts coverage of 254 ski areas, making it a significant player in the market.
Pass Number Totals
The "Pass Number Totals" section reveals that the Epic Pass covers 71 ski areas in the U.S., with a notable presence in the West, while the Ikon Pass covers 103 ski areas, including 61 in the West and 36 in the Midwest. The Indy Pass, with 254 ski areas, emphasizes its wide reach, particularly in the Midwest, where it covers 50 ski areas.
Current Multimountain Pass Prices
Lastly, the "Current Multimountain Pass Prices" tab provides insights into the pricing trends for various passes. The Epic Pass, for example, has seen a consistent price increase over the years, reflecting the growing demand for access to multiple ski areas. The Ikon Pass also shows a similar trend, with prices increasing as the number of included areas grows.
This extensive dataset provides a thorough look into the landscape of lift-served skiing in the U.S., highlighting key statistics, pricing, and the variety of options available for skiing enthusiasts.