This winter, skiers and snowboarders across New England are upset about how much it costs to hit the slopes, especially at resorts owned by Vail Resorts. Vail owns some of New England’s most popular ski spots, but many people think their prices are way too high. For a lot of folks, what used to be a fun, affordable winter activity now feels like something only rich people can do.

Crazy Ticket Prices: Vail Resorts vs. Smaller Mountains

If you want to ski at Stowe Mountain Resort, a top New England mountain owned by Vail Resorts, a single-day ticket bought at the window can cost over $219. Other Vail resorts, like Okemo and Mount Sunapee, charge about the same. Even if you buy tickets early to get a discount, you’re still likely to pay over $150 for a day. These prices are some of the highest in the area, and people are wondering if it’s really worth it.

On the flip side, smaller mountains like Magic Mountain in Vermont or Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire are way cheaper. A day at Magic Mountain is just $79, and Cannon Mountain costs $93. These mountains try to keep their prices low so that skiing stays affordable for everyone. Plus, they often throw in extras like free parking or family deals, which you don’t see as much at the big corporate-owned places.

This big gap in prices has people wondering if Vail’s high costs are scaring off new skiers. Some think smaller, independent mountains are the key to getting more people into the sport without them breaking the bank. If people keep going to these affordable mountains, it might help keep skiing alive for the next generation.

Big Mountains vs. Smaller Resorts: Is It Worth It?

One of the reasons Vail Resorts says their prices are so high is because their mountains are bigger and have more features. Stowe Mountain has 485 acres of skiable terrain and a 2,360-foot vertical drop. Okemo is even bigger, with 667 acres. Meanwhile, Magic Mountain has 204 acres, and Cannon has 282 acres. But bigger doesn’t always mean better. Many skiers say they care more about the overall experience than just how big the mountain is.

Vail Resorts focuses on factors like perfectly groomed trails, fancy restaurants, and modern ski lifts. These perks definitely add to the luxury feel, and some people think it’s worth the high prices. Others say it makes the resorts feel fake and all about money. Many skiers think smaller mountains like Magic are more fun because they’re not so polished. They have short lift lines, friendly staff, and a laid-back vibe that feels more real.

For families and casual skiers, the smaller mountains often feel more welcoming. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s easier to meet people and make friends. Plus, with fewer crowds, you get more runs in during the day. Even if the mountains are smaller, the experience can feel just as exciting. This is true especially for beginners or people who don’t need hundreds of acres to have fun.

The Battle of the Ski Passes: Epic vs. Ikon

A big part of this debate is the competition between Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass and Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass. Both passes let you ski at multiple resorts all season. The Epic Pass costs $909, while the Ikon Pass is $1,259 for the 2023-2024 season. The Epic Pass includes unlimited skiing at places like Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Sunapee. The Ikon Pass, on the other hand, gets you access to independent mountains like Sugarloaf and Sunday River in Maine.

The Epic Pass seems like a good deal, but when you add in how expensive food, hotels, and other amenities are at Vail Resorts, it doesn’t always feel like a bargain. The Ikon Pass is more expensive, but it includes spots like Loon Mountain and Killington, which are known for their fun terrain and appealing after-ski activities. If you like variety, the Ikon Pass might be a better choice.

Both passes have their upsides, but they show how much skiing has turned into a game of big companies fighting for customers. Some worry that this is making it harder for smaller, independent mountains to survive. Multi-resort passes can be a good deal if you ski a lot, but they also push people toward the big corporate resorts, leaving smaller ones struggling to stay open.

People Are Speaking Out

Lots of skiers are getting fed up with Vail Resorts’ prices, and the complaints are growing louder every year. People say Vail cares more about making money than keeping skiing affordable for normal families. Online petitions and social media posts are full of calls for Vail to lower their prices, especially for single-day tickets. Skiers are sharing stories about feeling priced out of their favorite mountains or how the fancy atmosphere at Vail resorts makes them feel out of place.

At the same time, independent resorts are stepping up to offer better deals. Many of them have special promotions like discounted family tickets or free skiing for kids. For example, Magic Mountain gives discounts to seniors and students, and Cannon Mountain has affordable season passes for locals. These deals make skiing feel more like a fun community activity instead of a pricey luxury.

Some skiers are also starting grassroots movements to support smaller mountains. They’re encouraging people to spend their money at these places to help them compete with the big companies. A lot of people believe that independent resorts are super important for keeping skiing fun and accessible for everyone. They see skiing not just as a sport but as something that brings people together.

Why It Matters

The debate about Vail’s prices isn’t just about money. It’s about what kind of future people want for skiing. Should it be a sport for everyone, or just for people who can afford the high costs? Independent mountains offer a chance to keep skiing affordable and fun, but they need support to survive. If everyone flocks to big resorts, the smaller ones might disappear.

Some skiers think the solution is to strike a balance. Maybe ski at a big resort once in a while for the luxury experience, but spend most of your time at smaller mountains to help keep them around. It’s also important for big companies like Vail to listen to customers and make changes. Lowering ticket prices or offering more deals could help them win back trust and keep more people interested in skiing.

Final Thoughts

As winter goes on, the differences between Vail Resorts and independent mountains are becoming more obvious. Vail is all about offering a high-end experience, but smaller resorts are focused on keeping skiing affordable and fun. So, the big question is: Is it worth paying extra for the fancy perks at a Vail resort, or is the real spirit of skiing at the smaller, cheaper mountains?

In the end, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you love luxury and tons of terrain, Vail Resorts might be your thing. But if you care more about a chill vibe and not spending a fortune, smaller mountains are probably a better choice. Either way, skiers have a big role in shaping the future of the sport by choosing where to spend their money. By supporting the places that align with their values, skiers can help make sure the sport stays alive and accessible for everyone.