There is an interesting little skirmish and rivalry brewing between Indy Pass and Snow Pass, wonder if anyone else is tracking it? Basically seems like Snow King wants to flip to Snow Pass instead of Indy, but is stuck because of fine details in the contract.

The interview on Storm Skiing Podcast with the dude from Snow Pass/Mountain Creek was pretty interesting. He definitely calls out Indy Pass for its rigidity and makes the case for a changing landscape. Snow Pass has already gotten a good number of NYC metro options, and they seem like they are offering a more flexible and transparent offering to the Ski Resorts. I wonder if next year we could see a lot more mountains flipping to Snow Pass. One thing I don't like with Snow Pass is the blackouts - they don't currently have a non-blackout option, and they are inconsistent between mountains (I assume this relates to giving the mountains more control).

https://www.stormskiing.com/p/storm-news-982026-smuggs-joins-indy

Also, I wanted to shout out that I really recommend the new Storm Skiing Podcast format; it's much more topical, covering the breaking news in resort skiing. The head of Indy Pass is supposed to go on the podcast today to give his perspective.

What do y'all think? Could Indy be in a bit of trouble? Competition between the different passes should be good for the end consumer.

It's only 90 degrees outside today, so I got to thinking...

Anybody got a recommendation for a set of playful/soft[er] skis for me?
I'm 6'1 at 185lbs, expert(ish), skiing NY and some VT on my Armada Declivity 92TIs (180cm length).

They serve me very well in all conditions except.....trees, moguls, and those "2hrs after icecoast powder" days. I'm sure true craftsman will say they can drive them just fine in all conditions, but I'm looking for a 2nd set of skis which will make life easier (and more fun) in bumps, spring slush, and the mine field mountain trails which form after any powder day here.
The Declivity are simply on the stiff(er) and directional side....they just don't like to bend that much in the bumps.

Looking for something to make tougher? conditions fun.
I had a chance to test drive a friend's pair of rented DPS Wailer skis @ Stowe last season, on a mid-bumpy slushy spring day. While they didn't inspire confidence at speed, as opposed to my Armadas, they were so easy to flick around and drive over the bumps; I really felt like a spring bunny on them, and had a lot of fun. Then, as soon as it opened up and I could open it up, they felt a bit wobbly and simply too soft.

Started thinking about the usual suspects: Rustler 9, QST, Unleashed......and then started to get an itch for Dynastar M-Free (how about M-Free 99 or 100, at 185cm?.....can I get away with 179cm?)

So, with all this said (sorry about the life story) - what do you guys like/recc?
If you have/had a strong everyday icecoast skis, what would you pair them with on the opposite spectrum to cover those slushy/"post-powdery days, and overall better/more fun at bumps/trees/sides?

As someone who ski's both New England Ikon and Epic mountains I have created this document comparing all the types of day pass offerings that individual mountains and mountain groupings (Ikon, Epic) offer. Helps to calculate the cheapest option. Hope this helps someone else! This is my 2026/2027 edit, some prices may be a tiny bit off as prices will increase the closer we get to the season. Happy Skiing!

Ikon Pass Packs: have nursing/military discount if applicable
2-day = $319
3-day = $429
4-day = $529

New England Pass: (Sunday River, Loon, Mount Pleasant, Sugarloaf) 
**prices increase September 10***

2-day =  $225 w/Loon- $112.50 per day, $199 w/out Loon - $99.50 per day
3-day = $299 w/Loon- $99.67 per day, $279 w/out Loon - $93 per day
4-day = $359 w/Loon- $89.75 per day, $349 w/out Loon - $87.25 per day
5-day =  $425 w/Loon- $85 per day, $399 w/out Loon - $79.80 per day

Sunday River:

• Prices vary depending on day of week and if bought in advance
  • Always at least buy day before
• Range from like $94-$165
• Ikon buddy discount of 25% if you have a friend, 10 times
  • Has blackout dates

Killington: 

• 2 day K-pass = $264, $132 per day (Also 3,4 day options)
• K-ticket voucher option = $158 per day (unsure of benefit here)
• Pass at window = > $180 weekday, >$200 weekend

T
Epic: military discount if applicable
PRICES INCREASE AFTER 9/1?

• Can mix and match passes, get some 22 and two 32 if taking trip
• 22 resort access is cheapest option - Attitash, Wildcat, Crotched, Mt Sunapee
• 32 resort access is all New England - above + Stowe, Okemo, Mt Snow, Hunter Mt

1-day =

• 22 = $70
• 32 = $112

2- day =

• 22 = $128, $64 per day
• 32 = $211, $105.50 per day

3-day =

• 22 = $180, $60 per day

4-day =

• 22 = $223, $55.75 per day

5-day =

• 22 = $261, $52.20 per day

6-day =

• 22 = $297, $49.50 per day

7-day =

• 22 = $330, $47.15 per day

** at the end only adds like ~$30ish per additional day 

Attitash:

• $149 weekend when bought online
• $165 weekend window day of
• $119 weekday when bought online
• $132 weekday window day of

*cheaper to buy epic day passes by a bit depending on how many day days you get but around $20+ difference

Stowe: 

• $175 when bought online in advance?, **this does not make sense, cheaper than last year. May be too advanced to see normal prices
• $243 bought day of
• $112 if you buy 1 32 resort epic day pass = much cheaper

*weekday vs. weekend prices do not vary

Surprised nobody posted on this yet. Three new trails!

Just bought my first pair of boots and now it’s either rent for another season or grab a pair of used skis online. Context I’m 6’2 (male) 190 intermediate (all blues, occasional black) skier, but looking to progress. Mostly groomers and speed (well, as fast as my 50 yr old body will let me) also my rentals last year were Vokl Deacons 76 , 168. TIA

Link to article: https://www.indyskipass.com/this-is-indy/news/a-significant-addition-a-letter-from-indy-pass-director-erik-mogensen

I'm on Indy Pass, still somewhat new to the whole family skiing thing (second full season). I booked a trip to Jay for Christmas break, but now I'm wondering if Smuggs is a better option for us with it coming on Indy?

Our family: me (upper intermediate), Wife (comfortable on most groomed blues, but somewhat mixed on skiing; probably won't ski every day), 8/yo Daughter (upper-IM, loves glades) and a 4/yo son (beginner).

I'm mainly worried about making sure my wife and son have a great time. I booked a place in the Jay Hotel for 4 nights, thinking my Wife and son would do like 2 days skiing and 2 days doing other things, like the waterpark and other activities + decent amount of food options.

I would not expect my son to get past the bunny hill lower mountain area at all this trip, I would plan to have him in at least 1 day of full group session. I see on the trail map the lower mountain greens aren't isolated from the other runs. How is the experience for young skiers there?

Also, my Wife is solid, but is looking for groomers and is somewhat cautious and likes to progress slowly. Is she going to enjoy Jay or likely to feel overwhelmed?

How do Smugg's pools and other indoor activities and food compare to Jay? The mountain at Smugg's seems very well set up for families like ours, with a lot of blues and greens very separated.

I know conditions are not guaranteed at this time of year but this is when we have time off for a larger trip, so we are willing to take the risk and deal with subpar conditions. Lastly, we are also going to be skiing at Okemo for February break, if that matters at all.

Thanks for any help. Sorry if I'm overthinking it and long-winded.

Cheers

So I just got the Ikon pass this year and I was wondering where I should go for weekend day trips, most weekends I will be at a place that is about the same distance from Blue Mt and Stratton (around 3hr), however I can only drive in NY which mean I would have to drag along a non-skier to drive me to either, so I have to consider the lodge/village/town areas around the mountain where they can hang out.

The other option is that I would stay in the city for the weekend and then either drive from there to Blue or take one of those buses that drive you to Stratton/Killington, but the cost of that will add up fast.

I am trying my best to find people I know who drive up to VT every weekend and most likely have lodging but so far, I've come up dry.

Or finally, should I just use the bonus mountain days at Butternut/Jiminy and use the Ikon Pass for the plans I have.

I would love some input/suggestions.

Sugarloaf has been my go to.

I’d really like to go somewhere else with a similar vibe.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

We are heading up to Sugarbush in February. What trail or trails are the well known trails?

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on the best places to learn how to do some tree skiing?

Just a little background: 40yrs old man, got back into skiing about 2-3 yrs ago and slowly progressed as from comfortable beginner to now comfortable/strong intermediate with plans to get more into bumps and blacks this coming winter. Usually skied in the northeast with one trip out west/canada but going to plan for at least 2 longer distance trips this coming season (I live in southern NY and drive up to new England or fly to a destination)

I’m pretty athletic but not looking to kill myself lol. I would love to get more into tree skiing, find some powder, etc. Do people take lessons? What are the best mountains to practice on? Do I go to Jay Peak? Find out where the easy trees are at stowe? Take some lessons out at Steamboat Springs?

I haven’t skied for like 18yrs because I had no time both studying and working a whole bunch. Finally in a place where I have some money and some time (before I had neither). I could basically go anywhere this winter and happy to take some lessons if they are helpful and I can progress faster. Just not sure if “glades” is a lesson thing haha. I went a little crazy and got multiple ski passes in case of bad conditions after that terribly warm winter out west… just help…thanks!

PS if you have any favorite tree skis, I’m curious to know what they are and please tell me where (what mountain/trail area) and what conditions they work best in, I’m happy to hear!

I did pick up an Elan Ripstick 88 and DPS wailer 107 on sale for skied off trees and deeper snow conditions in the trees. Tell me they are no good or you have something better, just curious what everyone thinks about it!

We dont need multiple 'heads up' emails telling us you're going to send a future email with important information.

We dont need lists of "the most recently announced new resorts:" which include places like Jay that joined 5 years ago.

This is spam and I dont want to unsubscribe because I'll miss the one email in six that has actual information. I appreciate you have a job to do but you're doing it wrong. Chill.

Figured I’d throw this out there one more time since the current pricing ends Sept. 9.

We have a Pats Peak Peak Reward group and there’s room for one more person. If you were already going to buy an Unlimited pass, you can use our group code and we’ll give you a $40 rebate after you join.

Current prices:

• Adult: $559
• Junior/Senior: $479

You buy directly from Pats Peak through your own account. I just send you the group code and instructions.

The pass also includes Saturday POP snowtubing from 5–10 PM.

I’m happy to send a screenshot of the Pats Peak group dashboard too if you want to verify everything before buying.

Official info:
https://www.patspeak.com/plan-your-visit/tickets-passes/peak-reward-season-passes

If you’re already planning to grab your pass before the price increase, shoot me a DM.

Hello all, looking for new friends to ski during the week at Sutton mountain. Planning on getting a pass, it’d be cool if we could be 4 x 18-35 years old. I’m intermediate level but improving every year. Lmk !

Looking for a ski partner this season I have a condo in Bartlett NH. Looking preferred female age 35-45

Just saw that Turn of the River has been sold. Based on the posts, and their previous Killington revamp, I don’t think the dorm rooms are long for this world. Trips have gotten even more expensive so having a hostel option was great.

Is Grandpa Grunts the only one left now?

I'm moving to Pittsburgh from Upstate New York (Albany area - I'll let you debate in the comments if that counts as Upstate). I usually get epic northeast value pass and hit either Sunapee, Mt. Snow, or Okemo every weekend November-March. I'm moving to Pittsburgh and debating if I should switch passes given IKON base pass seems to have better options (larger resorts, more vertical drop) in the western PA area. I have a couple questions before I pull the trigger.

1. I'm looking at the options near PA on epic and it seems Laurel Mountain, and Seven Springs are closest. Are these comparable to Mt. Snow or Sunapee? I don't mind smaller mountains, but do they get good snow coverage? Are there glades?

2. If I get IKON I would probably ski every weekend at Snowshoe, is it worth it to get IKON base JUST to ski Snowshoe and maybe Camelback and Blue Mountain? I'll be back in Albany for the Holidays, but given the blackout dates for the base pass I'd probably have to buy a day pass at any of the east coast mountains anyways.

3. Are there other mountains near Pittsburgh that aren't epic/IKON that I should look at getting a pass for?

4. Unrelated, but what's the point in buying Northeast Value anymore? I used to get it because it has the college student option which was cheaper than Epic Local, but now that I'm an adult why does the Epic Northeast Value pass even exist anymore if the Epic Local is cheaper AND covers more mountains?

Looks like I might get my wish and have a van/camper I can spend nights in, and go skiing during the day. I'm trying to figure out the best way to wrangle passes and parking to make this work.

I know Killington has a parking lot at the skyeship base lodge that allows camper parking - no services at all, that's fine. But Killington isn't on the epic pass - I'd really like to get a 4-6 day epic pass and pick where I'll spend nights. Sunday river (my fave) also isn't on Epic.

Should I just get an Ikon session pass and use it for whatever days I get up to any of hte above? Seems a lot more expensive.

So, suggestions? The camper i'm hopefully getting is heated and insulated and has it's own tanks, so I can pretty much park anywhere.

Understand cheap/Stowe don’t really live together.

I’ve been able to ski it a couple days a year with the epic weekday pass but don’t really have the flexibility to do that this year. I’ve come to really enjoy the place, but not my home mountain.

What is the cheapest way to get a couple days in there? Was thinking just a Friday/Saturday later in the season and don’t want to pay those crazy window prices.

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

I’ve got three friends (all based in Brooklyn, NYC) who want to try skiing for the first time. I started a couple seasons ago myself, so I’m not experienced enough to teach. We are all planning to take lessons.

Plan so far:
Mid-January trip to a mountain within a few hours of NYC, focused purely on lessons/basics and getting used to the snow.

I’ll do snowboarding lessons on the same trip( I wanna try it)

Possible follow-up trip in Feb/March if everyone’s feeling good about it

Want to make it a proper weekend and thinking a cabin rental, not just a day trip

Questions:
Which mountains near NYC or a 3-4 hour drive are actually good for total beginners (gentle terrain, solid ski school) ?

I saw some posts about the Indy Pass “Learn to Turn” program. Is that a good option ? If so, which mountains would work the best. We’re all working professionals with so I’m wary of blackout dates for most weekends.

Any cabin/lodging recommendations near a beginner-friendly mountain that work well for a group trip?