Crunching The Numbers: Families Save Big With The Mountain Collective

The 2017-18 Mountain Collective Pass touts “16 Dream Destinations. Two Days at Each.” This multi-resort ski lift pass sounds grand, but unless you spend the winter driving in an RV across the country, the logistics of skiing two days at multiple destinations seem impractical.

However, the real benefits of the pass are actually in the finer print and if you do the math, you may find that the Mountain Collective pass is indeed worth it, especially for families. All passholders receive half off the single-day window rate for additional days at The Collective destinations. Plus, by purchasing the pass early during this spring, a third day is added at the destination of your choice.

Mountain Collective 2017-2018 Pass Now Available For $449‎

Considering those additional factors, it is easy to come out ahead in many scenarios. The pass can pay for itself or even translate to savings on a single week-long trip to one destination. Once the pass has more than paid for itself on the first trip, the savings on a second and third trip with the pass really add up.

Although the four ski areas of Aspen/Snowmass and the two areas of Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows are each considered one “destination,” passholders can take advantage of geographic proximity in a couple of other instances. The pass offers two days each at Alta, Snowbird and Snowbasin in Utah. Lake Louise and Sunshine Village are also considered different “destinations” with two days each, even though they are both close to Banff, Canada.

Crunching The Numbers

Let’s look at some situations and crunch the numbers. The comparison numbers are based on 2016-17 regular-season lift tickets bought online in advance. The Mountain Collective Pass that does not have any blackout dates would come out even more ahead during holiday peak rate periods. Also, the traditional 2017-18 lift-ticket prices will most likely be a bit higher.

Scenario 1: Six days at Jackson Hole for family of four

Family of four (two adults and two children ages 12 and under) plans to ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for six days and choose that resort for their bonus third days.

Scenario 2: Six days in SLC for family of four

Family of four plans to ski in the Salt Lake City area for a total of six days— two days each at Alta, Snowbird and Snowbasin.

Savings: $680