The 2017-18 Mountain Collective pass features 16 ski destinations spread across North America and even down to Australia and New Zealand. The diversity of far-flung destinations may be the initial alluring feature, but geographic focus can be a key to maximizing the value of the $449 pass. With just one strategically planned trip, the pass can easily more than “pay for itself” and then any additional trips are pure savings.
Mountain Collective 2017-2018 Pass Now Available For $449
Each Mountain Collective passholder receives two days at each destination, plus a third day at one chosen destination. A couple subtle changes in the rules for 2017-18 make a trip to Banff National Park near Calgary, Canada, even more enticing for passholders. Previously, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village were counted as one “destination” with two days on the pass between them. Now, the resorts that are only about 40 minutes apart are counted separately. That means passholders can ski two days at each. The pass also includes a bonus day at nearby Mt. Norquay.
By designating Lake Louise or Sunshine Village for the bonus third day, the Mountain Collective pass can completely cover a six-day trip. Less than three hours away, Revelstoke in British Columbia can also be added to the mix for an even longer trip on the pass.
PHOTO CREDIT: Lake Louise Ski Resort / The Mountain Collective
Crunching The Numbers
Let’s look at some situations and crunch the numbers. The comparison numbers are based on 2016-17 lift ticket window rate. The Mountain Collective Pass does not have any blackout dates, so the savings stack up when it is used during the holidays. Also, the traditional 2017-18 lift-ticket prices will most likely be a bit higher.
Scenario 1: Six days in Banff National Park for family of four
Family of four (two adults and two children ages 12 and under) plans to ski at Lake Louise for three days, Sunshine Village for two days, and Mt. Norquay for one day. When buying the Mountain Collective Pass, each member of the family chooses Lake Louise for the bonus third day.
Mountain Collective Pass (Parent 1): $449
Mountain Collective Pass (Parent 2): $449
Mountain Collective Pass (Child 1): $99
Mountain Collective Pass (Child 2): $99
Total: $1,096
Lake Louise Lift Tickets (3 days): $640
Sunshine Village Lift Tickets (2 days): $426
Mt. Norquay Lift Tickets (1 day): $150
Total: $1,216
PHOTO CREDIT: Revelstoke Mountain Resort / The Mountain Collective
Scenario 2: Eight days in Canada for one adult
Single adult plans to ski at Lake Louise for two days, Sunshine Village for two days, Mt. Norquay for one day, and Revelstoke for three days. When buying the Mountain Collective Pass, the skier chooses Revelstoke for the bonus third day.
Mountain Collective Pass: $449
Total: $449
Lake Louise Lift Tickets (2 days): $155
Sunshine Village Lift Tickets (2 days): $155
Mt. Norquay Lift Tickets (1 day): $54
Revelstoke Lift Tickets (3 days): $200
Total: $1,536
PHOTO CREDIT: Banff Sunshine / The Mountain Collective
Scenario 3: Eight days in Canada for family of four
Family of four (two adults and two children ages 12 and under) plans to ski at Lake Louise for two days, Sunshine Village for two days, Mt. Norquay for one day, and Revelstoke for three days. When buying the Mountain Collective Pass, each member of the family chooses Revelstoke for the bonus third day.
Mountain Collective Pass (Parent 1): $449
Mountain Collective Pass (Parent 2): $449
Mountain Collective Pass (Child 1): $99
Mountain Collective Pass (Child 2): $99
Total: $1,096
Lake Louise Lift Tickets (2 days): $426
Sunshine Village Lift Tickets (2 days): $426
Mt. Norquay Lift Tickets (1 day): $150
Revelstoke Lift Tickets (3 days): $534
Total: $1,536
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