When planning for the ski season, you may wonder how to find the best deal for the most days on the slopes while making the smallest dent in your wallet.
While season passes to local mountains have always been popular, there are also many multi-resort passes that can provide excellent value overall. Still, many of them have a high cost of entry. Enter Indy Ski Pass, a multi-resort season pass dedicated to independent resorts across North America and Japan.
Note: Indy Pass provided us with complimentary Indy Passes for our family. However, we are committed to sharing only brands and products we believe in. We strive to be thorough and honest in our reviews, and all thoughts and opinions remain our own.
Personally, we’re huge fans of smaller, independent resorts. The atmosphere is generally very welcoming and family-friendly, and the core of skiing and snowboarding culture is evident. This is why we were stoked to learn about Indy Ski Pass a few years ago.
In this Indy Pass Review, I’ll cover everything you need to know including how it works, tips for maximizing your value, who the pass is best for, who should probably skip it, and much more.
Indy Ski Pass Overview
Unlike larger ski passes, Indy Pass focuses on independent winter resorts. With your pass, you get access to two days each at 119 (and counting) resorts.
How it works
After you purchase your Indy Pass, you get two free lift tickets to each participating resort. Because Indy Pass is cloud-based, you do not receive a physical pass.
In most cases, redemption is extremely easy – just show up at the ticket window for a Partner Resort, show your ID, and they’ll give you a single-day lift ticket. Though some resorts do require advance reservations.
New Features for the 2022/2023 Season
Brand new for the 2022/2023 winter season, Indy Pass has introduced two new perks bringing additional value to your pass: Indy Pass Partners and Allied Resorts.
Indy Pass Partners
Indy Pass Partners are companies who support the mission of Indy Pass and have committed to investing in the program in various ways. These companies’ support helps keep pricing affordable, and some even provide exclusive perks for Indy Pass holders! For example, with your Indy Pass purchase, you now get 2 days of access to Slopes Premium (our favorite app for tracking snowboard runs and stats).
Allied Resorts
Allied Resorts are one of the most exciting features to be added this year to the Indy Pass. In addition to two free days at participating Partner Resorts, Indy pass holders now get exclusive discounts at Allied Resorts.
There are currently 14 Allied Resorts, but Indy is adding more, so be sure to check back. At each of these resorts between December 23, 2022, and March 12, 2023, you can redeem a 50% discount on posted midweek and non-peak weekend prices or 25% off for holidays and weekends.
While these days aren’t entirely free, the discounts can add up to huge savings!
Cross Country Pass
In addition, this year, Indy Pass has introduced the Indy XC Pass, which allows two trail passes to participating resorts. If you prefer cross-country skiing, this pass comes as a stand-alone pass at only $69 for adults and $29 for kids.
Bonus: Regular pass holders get this perk, too, for no additional cost. 🙌
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Indy Pass Price
Indy Ski Pass is reasonably priced in terms of multi-resort ski passes. Based on pricing at resorts in our region, our break-even point is approximately 4 days for the base pass and 6 days for the Plus. However, it varies depending on which resorts we visit and whether it’s during peak time.
Indy Base Pass
Price
$329 for adults and $149 for kids.
Benefits
- The Indy Base Pass gives you 2 all-day or all-night lift tickets at each Partner Resort, but it’s important to note there ARE Blackout Dates.
- In addition, you get a 25% discount off a third day at Partner Resorts.
- New this season is the addition of two trail pass days at Indy Cross Country Resorts.
- Discounts at Allied Resorts.
Indy Plus Pass
Price
$429 for adults and $199 for kids.
Benefits
- The Indy Plus Pass gives you 2 all-day or all-night lift tickets at each Partner Resort with NO Blackout Dates.
- In addition, you get a 25% discount off a third day at Partner Resorts.
- New this season is the addition of two trail pass days at Indy Cross Country Resorts.
- Discounts at Allied Resorts.
Indy Base AddOn Pass
- Price: $219 for adults and $119 for kids.*
- Benefits
- The Indy Base AddOn Pass gives you 2 all-day or all-night lift tickets at each Partner Resort, but it’s important to note that it does include Blackout Dates.
- In addition, you get a 25% discount off a third day at Partner Resorts.
- New this season is the addition of two trail pass days at Indy Cross Country Resorts.
- Discounts at Allied Resorts.
Indy Plus AddOn Pass
- Price: $319 for adults and $169 for kids.*
- Benefits
- The Indy Plus AddOn Pass gives you 2 all-day or all-night lift tickets at each Partner Resort with NO Blackout Dates.
- In addition, you get a 25% discount off a third day at Partner Resorts.
- New this season is the addition of two trail pass days at Indy Cross Country Resorts.
- Discounts at Allied Resorts.
* To be eligible to purchase an Indy AddOn Pass, you must have a Full or Unlimited season pass at a partner resort first. And, yes, they will ask for verification.
Indy XC Pass – New for 2022/2023!
Price
$69 for adults and $29 for kids.
Benefits
- The Indy Plus Pass gives you 2 trail passes at each Partner Resort with NO Blackout Dates.
- In addition, you get a 25% discount off a trail pass for a third day at Partner Resorts.
- Discounts at Allied Resorts.
Indy Pass Mountains
When deciding if Indy Pass is worth it for you, one of the most important things to do is take a look at the resorts where you live and anywhere you’re hoping to travel during the ski season. I’ve compiled a list of the current participating resorts for you as of November 2022.
Indy Pass Mountains
XC Resorts
Allied Resorts
Here’s a little peek at our visit to Pomerelle in Idaho:
Indy Pass Resorts Map
Though a list of ski resorts is awesome, sometimes it’s just easier to see everything in a map. So, I created this map for a visual reference with the current Indy Pass Resorts as of November 1, 2022. Partner Resorts are designated with a snowboarder icon and are color-coded by region. Allied Resorts are designated with a skier icon and XC resorts are designated by a cross-country skier.
Pros and Cons of the Indy Ski Pass
Pros
- Very reasonable pricing structure for a multi-resort pass
- Smaller, independent ski resorts mean fewer crowds and lots of beginner and intermediate terrain
- Excellent value overall
- Addition of new perks makes the pricing structure even more appealing
Cons
- Blackout Dates can be confusing
- Blackout Dates for some resorts make using difficult for weekend warriors
- Smaller resorts can mean fewer skiable acres and vertical drop than larger ski areas
Important Details to Note
Redemption
With most resorts, it’s super simple to redeem your pass. Just show up at the ticket counter, show your ID, and get a day pass. But, some locations do require advance reservation. Here is the list of resorts that you’ll need to book ahead of time.
Blackout Dates
Over the past couple of years, the blackout date structure has been a source of confusion for many Indy pass holders. This year, they have made it much easier to figure out when you can visit which resorts with a streamlined color-coded calendar and resort list. It’s MUCH easier to navigate, in my opinion than the complicated list of last season.
If you want to avoid the confusion altogether or want to be able to visit anytime, we highly recommend the upgrade to Plus.
How to Make the Most of Your Indy Pass
Still wondering if Indy Pass is worth it? Here are some tips to make the most of your Indy Ski Pass (the first two apply to many other passes as well!)
- Buy early! The earlier you purchase in the season, generally, the lower your price will be. Pricing is subject to change.
- If you have children with birthdays during the season, purchase your pass BEFORE their birthday, especially if they’ll be moving to the next pricing tier. Indy Pass and most other season passes base your child’s age on the day you purchase, not when their birthday is. For example, if your child was born in August, purchase passes in July before they move to the next pricing tier. This can save you hundreds of dollars!
- Before you visit a resort that isn’t a Partner Resort, check to see if they’ve been added to the Allied Resort list. Indy Pass is adding resorts regularly, and you might be able to save up to 50%!
- Plan a winter vacation around Indy Pass! During the 2021/2022 season, we found excellent flight deals and were able to use our Indy Pass at Eaglecrest during our winter trip to Juneau. Alternatively, you could plan a road trip to hit multiple Indy Resorts rather than a ski or snowboard vacation at a single destination (Idaho would be a great choice).
How to use as many days as possible with your Indy Ski Pass:
- Make a list or note on your phone of the resorts nearest to you, including Allied Resorts, where you get 50% off. Note any blackout dates if you have the Base Pass.
- Start blocking off time for day trips (resorts within a 2-3 hour drive) and weekend trips (resorts over 2-3 hours away).
- Cross-reference your calendar with any blackout dates and add resort trips to your calendar.
- Make reservations for any resorts that require them. Can’t book yet? Set a reminder on your calendar so you don’t forget!
- If you work Monday-Friday (or have kids in school), consider the upgrade to the Indy Plus Pass. Because several resorts have holiday and weekend blackout dates, you’ll be able to get the most bang for your buck, even with the extra cost.
So Is Indy Pass Really Worth It? Final Thoughts on Indy Pass Review
It depends…
I promised you honesty in this Indy Ski Pass review, so here’s what I really think.
Indy Pass is absolutely worth it if:
- You live within driving distance of several resorts and know you will spend at least 4+ days using it during the season.
- You’re planning a trip to Japan, Alaska, or anywhere else with Indy Resorts and can utilize the pass to save the cost of individual daily lift tickets.
- You prefer independent, family-friendly resorts over the big guys like Vail or Whistler.
- You have kids and don’t know if a season pass to a single resort is worth the price. You might not even know if they like winter sports yet!
You should probably skip the Indy Pass if:
- You have only one or fewer resorts within driving distance and aren’t traveling this season.
- You only like resorts with high-speed lifts and massive lodges.
- Childcare on-site is a must. Some Indy Resorts have daycare or kids’ programs available, but many do not.
Ultimately, I think the answer is a definite yes for most people who live near a couple of Indy Pass resorts or are planning even a single vacation to an area with Indy Partner Resorts. The cost is easily made up in approximately 4 single-day lift tickets, making it a no-brainer for us.
FAQs About Indy Ski Pass
Who owns Indy Pass?
Doug Fish is the president and founder of Indy Pass. He is also known as a founder of Snowvana and Fish Marketing in Oregon.
How much does the Indy Pass cost?
The Indy Base Pass is $329 for adults and $149 for kids. Rates vary for additional pass options.
Can I get a refund on an Indy Pass?
Possibly, if you purchased Pass Protection. You’ll need to visit the Indy Ski Pass website to confirm and see full details on the Pass Protection Policy.
How does Indy Pass compare to Epic, Ikon, and Mountain Collective?
The Indy Pass focuses on independent resorts and comes in at a lower price point ($429 for Indy Plus Pass) than Mountain Collective ($599), Epic Full Access ($899), and Ikon Pass ($1229). However, the Indy Plus Pass and Mountain Collective top out at 2 days per participating resort per season, while full access to Epic and Ikon gives you unlimited access to their resorts.
Are there any discounts on Indy Pass?
There are no official discounts on Indy Pass at this time. However, returning pass holders have received a renewal discount code in the spring over the last few years. Pay close attention to the dates for the code – they do expire!
Do passes need to be used sequentially?
Nope! While you can use your passes two days in a row, there’s no requirement to do so.
Can I redeem more than one Indy Pass per day?
No. Each person can only redeem one pass per day.
What is the difference between Partner Resorts and Allied Resorts on Indy Ski Pass?
With an Indy Pass, Partner Resorts give you two free days with your pass. Alternatively, Allied Resorts are ski areas that offer discounts to pass holders.
What is the difference between Pass Protection and Indy Pass Assurance?
Pass Protection is an optional protection policy that allows you to get a full refund. Indy Pass Assurance provides you with a 10% credit towards next year’s pass if you are unable to use your pass at all.
Can I upgrade my Indy Base Pass to an Indy Plus Pass?
Yup! You can. You’ll pay the difference in cost and a small service fee.
Are there payment plans available for Indy Pass?
Indy Pass does offer payment plans early in the season. For the 2022/2023 season, payment plans were available until 11/1/2022.
