With snow blanketing ski resorts from coast to coast, there’s no denying that the 2025-26 ski season is already underway in North America, and it’s shaping up to be a good one.
In the Northeast, Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont is already a few storms away from a total snowfall of 100 inches, while some western resorts like Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia have a near-term forecast that should excite any powder skier.
But for the procrastinator who couldn’t decide which multi-mountain pass to buy this season (Vail Resorts itself epic pass It went on sale on December 4, and the Ikon Pass goes on sale December 11), Vail Resorts is offering lift tickets at an average 30% discount at 12 of its most popular resorts when purchased at least one month in advance.
Related: The best ski resorts in the US for your next trip to the slopes
The move, according to a statement issued by Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz, is an attempt to “make the sport more accessible to guests who aren’t thinking about skiing and snowboarding until winter arrives.”
Deal Basics
That: Discounted lift tickets to 12 of Vail Resorts’ most popular ski areas when purchased in advance
how to buy: Through the website of each ski resort
Reservation window: Minimum of at least four weeks before the date you plan to visit, with January 5, 2026 being the first eligible ski day.
Elevator ticket sales
New for the 2025-26 ski season, Vail Resorts is offering discounted lift tickets to Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Keystone Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado; Park City Mountain Resort in Utah; Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia; Heavenly Ski Resort and Northstar California Resort in California; and Stowe Mountain Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort and Mount Snow in Vermont when purchased at least four weeks in advance.
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Skiers and riders can save more than $100 per lift ticket, depending on the day and resort they plan to visit.
Additional benefits
To sweeten the deal even more, skiers and riders with a lift ticket during the 2025-26 ski season can apply. up to $175 of the cost of your lift ticket to obtain a 2026-27 Epic Pass.
Related: What is the best ski pass this season? Comparison of Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective and Indy passes
Plan ahead to make the most of your ski season
If you plan to ski or ride more than a few days next season, it would be wise to use this year’s lift tickets to get a discount on an Epic Pass for next season. Epic Pass holders not only get benefits like discounted friends tickets; 20% discount on food, accommodation, lessons, transportation and rentals; and half off a ski or board fit, but they also have access to more than 90 Vail-owned and partner resorts around the world.
In a nutshell
Gone are the days when you only bought lift tickets over the counter. These days, the only way to get affordable passes at your favorite ski area is to purchase a multi-mountain or season pass or book online in advance.
For those who don’t like to make ski-related decisions until the season starts, Vail Resorts’ newest discount model, which offers guests an average of 30% off lift tickets when purchased at least four weeks in advance, is this season’s saving grace.
