Best Ski Passes for a Van Life Winter Road Trip – 2024/25 Edition

Our favorite ski passes for a van life winter road trip already started going on sale February 20th! We’re rounding up our top picks as 2024/25 pass sales are announced. Hopefully, you don’t miss the best early bird pricing!

Check out what we know so far…

Monarch Mountain – Wings Pass

Monarch Mountain is an independent ski area located in the Pike San Isabel National Forest near Salida, Colorado. It has 670 acres of lift-accessed terrain, 130 acres of hikeable terrain, and 1,635 acres of guided backcountry.

How much is a Wings Pass?

Adult: $659

The Wings Pass went on sale February 20th and is only available through the end of the 2023/24 season.

Wings Pass benefits

• Unlimited skiing and riding for the remainder of the 2023/24 season
• Unlimited skiing and riding for the entire 2024/25 season
• Partner resort benefits during the 2024/25 season only
• And more

For more information about Monarch Mountain’s Wings Pass

skimonarch.com

Why we like Monarch Mountain’s Wings Pass for a van life road trip

Monarch doesn’t participate in any multi-resort passes like Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective, Indy, Powder Alliance, Freedom Pass, or Power Pass. However, over the years, they’ve maintained relationships with several mountains. During the 2023/24 season, the list included 20 ski areas.

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See the ski area’s website for their official policy.

If 2024/25 benefits are similar to 2023/24, Monarch’s Wings pass will give you more than 50 bonus days!

Overnight camping options at or near Monarch and their partner mountains

Monarch Mountain does not allow overnight RV camping. They have signs posted all throughout their property, as well as a digital sign when you enter their parking lot.

For short-term and long-term camping options near Monarch, check out:

• Monarch Spur RV Park (10 minutes on US-50)
• Salida / Mt. Shavano KOA Journey (15 minutes on US-50)
• Salida RV Resort (30 minutes in Salida)

For where to camp near Monarch Mountain partner mountains, check out our guide here:

Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

Powder Alliance

What you get with Powder Alliance

3 days each at 22 resorts (19 in the US) if you purchase a top-tier pass at one of 23 participating resorts. Some restrictions and blackout dates apply.

Price

Depends on your home resort. Below is the early bird pricing for 2024/25 top-tier new adult season passes at participating Powder Alliance resorts.

If you’re a returning pass holder at any of these resorts, you might be eligible for a discount. You might also be able to renew sooner than the sale date for new pass holders.

Last updated August 15, 2024.

Picking your Powder Alliance home mountain

It will make the most sense to buy a season pass at a Powder Alliance mountain where you anticipate spending the most time skiing or riding. Likely, it will be closest to your sticks-and-bricks home.

However, suppose you are a full-time van lifer or otherwise have flexibility to choose any home mountain. Some Powder Alliance resorts have relationships with other ski areas in addition to Powder Alliance, giving you even more free or discounted days of skiing and riding.

In addition, some Powder Alliance resorts participate in Indy Pass, which means you’re eligible to purchase the Indy AddOn or AddOn+ Pass. Indy guarantees 2 days (plus a 3rd day at a 25% discount) at each of 200+ resorts. Powder Alliance resorts on Indy include the following (subject to change for 2024/25):

• White Pass (WA)
• Mission Ridge (WA)
• Castle Mountain Resort (AB, Canada)
• Silver Mountain Resort (ID)
• Eaglecrest Ski Area (AK)
• Mountain High (CA)
• China Peak (CA)
• Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort (CA)
• Mt. Shasta Ski Park (CA)
• Blacktail Mountain (MT)
• Lost Trail Ski Area (MT)
• Snow King Mountain (WY)

Note: Indy Pass is no longer on sale as of March 18th.

Our favorite Powder Alliance resort season pass picks

• Snow King (Powder Alliance + eligible to purchase Indy AddOn or AddOn+ Pass + other partner mountains)
• Ski Cooper (Powder Alliance + Freedom Pass + other partner mountains)
• Bogus Basin (Powder Alliance + Freedom Pass + other partner mountains)
• Loveland (Powder Alliance + other partner mountains)

For more information about Powder Alliance

powderalliance.com

Why we like Powder Alliance for a van life road trip

• You can sample hidden gems in almost every state in the West. A handful of Powder Alliance resorts appeared on the top ten lists for most snowfall and/or deepest snowpack throughout the 2022/23 season.
• Almost half of the Powder Alliance resorts explicitly allow overnight RV camping as asterisked in the table above. While Mt. Hood Skibowl and Timberline don’t allow overnight RV camping, you can sleep in nearby sno-parks with an Oregon Sno-Park permit. Also, Angel Fire operates a fancy RV park just down the road, and Mountain High operates a year-round campground 5 minutes from the ski area.

Overnight camping options at or near Powder Alliance mountains

Check out our guide here:
Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

Bogus Basin – True Bogus Season Pass

Bogus Basin is a non-profit ski area that caters to Boise, Idaho and the Treasure Valley. Just because they are a non-profit, doesn’t mean this mountain has meager stats. Bogus has 2,600 acres of rideable terrain with 1,800 feet of vertical. Their footprint is comparable to Copper Mountain, Alta, Snowbird, Jackson Hole, and Grand Targhee.

How much does a True Bogus Season Pass cost?

New Adult: $549 (expires March 3rd)

Bogus 2024/25 passes went on sale February, 23rd.

True Bogus Season Pass benefits

• Unlimited skiing and riding at Bogus during the 2024/25 season
• Unlimited access to the Bogus Nordic trail system during the 2024/25 season
• Unlimited lift-served mountain biking at Bogus during summer 2024
• Powder Alliance benefits
• Freedom Pass benefits
• Other partner mountain benefits
• And more

Note: If you miss the sale for the True Bogus Season Pass, the Beyond Bogus Season Pass will go on sale in fall. The New Adult cost will start at $729.

For more information about Bogus Basin’s True Bogus Season Pass

bogusbasin.org

Why we like the True Bogus Season Pass for a van life road trip

• Powder Alliance benefits – 3 days of skiing and riding at each of 22 other participating resorts. That’s 66 bonus days!
• Freedom Pass benefits – 3 days of skiing and riding at each of 20 other participating resorts. That’s another 60 bonus days!
• Other partner mountains – Most offer 3 days of skiing and riding. The list for 2024/25 already includes 15 ski areas (14 downhill, 1 Nordic).
• 10 partner mountains explicitly allow overnight camping. I know 2 other mountains that will likely allow it if you ask. For many others, there are cheap or free options nearby, as well as year-round RV parks and campgrounds.

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See the ski area’s website for their official policy.

If 2024/25 benefits don’t change, that’s more than 160 bonus days!

Overnight camping options at or near Bogus and their partner mountains

​Bogus Basin allows overnight RV camping​ for rigs that can fit in a single parking space like vans and truck campers.

For short-term and long-term camping options near Bogus, check out:

• ​Boise Riverside RV Park​ – 45 minutes in Boise
• ​Hi Valley RV Park​ – 50 minutes in Boise
• ​Mountain View RV Park​ – 50 minutes in Boise
• ​Ambassador RV Resort​ – 65 minutes in Caldwell

For other places to camp near Powder Alliance, Freedom Pass, and other Bogus partner mountains, check out our guide here:

Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

Snow King Mountain Resort

Snow King is often overshadowed by its more popular Wyoming neighbor, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. But we love Snow King because their holiday crowds are far less scary than other ski resorts, and their expert trails aren’t anything to scoff at. They also have amazing views of the Grand Tetons, town of Jackson, and National Elk Refuge.

How much does a Snow King Season Pass cost?

Adult (18-64): $525 (expires April 30th)

Snow King’s 2024/25 passes go on sale March 1st.

Snow King Season Pass benefits

• Unlimited skiing and riding at Snow King for the remainder of the 2023/24 season
• Unlimited 2024 summer gondola access at Snow King
• Unlimited skiing and riding at Snow King for the entire 2024/25 season
• Powder Alliance benefits
• Other partner mountain benefits during the 2024/25 season only
• Indy AddOn Pass purchase eligibility
• And more

For more information about Snow King’s Season Passes

snowkingmountain.com

Why we like Snow King’s Season Pass for a van life road trip

• Powder Alliance benefits – 3 days of skiing and riding at each of 22 other participating resorts. That’s 66 bonus days!
• 20 other partner resorts – 3 days of skiing and riding OR other benefit. More than 50 additional bonus days!
• Indy AddOn or AddOn+ Pass purchase eligibility – Indy guarantees 2 days (plus a 3rd day at a 25% discount) at each of 200+ resorts. (Indy is no longer on sale as of March 18th.)
• 12 Powder Alliance and other partner mountains explicitly allow overnight camping. I know 2 other mountains that will likely allow it if you ask. For many others, there are cheap or free options nearby, as well as year-round RV parks and campgrounds.

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See the ski area’s website for their official policy.

Overnight camping options at or near Snow King and their partner mountains

​Snow King does not allow overnight RV camping.

For short-term and long-term camping options near Snow King, check out:

• Jackson Hole RV Camping at Fireside Resort (15 minutes in Wilson)
• Teton Valley Resort (40 minutes in Victor, Idaho)

For other places to camp near Powder Alliance and Snow King partner mountains, check out our guide here:

Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

Indy Pass

Indy is on a mission to connect people to the mountains and to help independent resorts thrive while keeping costs to skiers and riders affordable.

Indy Pass benefits

• 2 day (or night) tickets at 200+ resorts, guaranteed!
• 2 trail pass days at cross country resort partners
• Discounted tickets to other allied resort partners
• And more

How much does an Indy Pass cost?

Returning Adult Pass Holders
Returning pass holders will get the first opportunity to purchase passes between March 1st and March 7th.

• $379 for Indy+ (no blackouts)
• $279 for Indy Base Pass (with blackouts)

AddOn for Returning Adult Pass Holders
Does your home mountain participate in Indy? If so, you’re eligible for an Indy AddOn Pass. Returning pass holders will get the first opportunity to purchase AddOn passes between March 1st and March 7th.

• $299 for Indy+ (no blackouts)
• $199 for Indy Base Pass (with blackouts)

New Adult Pass Holders
Pass sales will open to the general public on March 8th.

• Starting at $349

All Indy sales will end at midnight on March 18th. Indy does not anticipate passes going on sale again in the fall as they did last year. If you don’t purchase by March 18th, you will have missed your opportunity.

For more information about Indy

indyskipass.com

Why we like Indy Pass for a van life road trip

• Lift lines are rare, more powder per person, and discovering lesser-known ski areas and their local towns.
• Currently, 17 ski areas in the West and Rockies regions explicitly allow overnight RV camping. Of those that don’t have an official policy, there are a few that will likely allow you to camp if you ask.
• If you have to stay at a nearby RV park or campground, pricing is typically reasonable, and space is generally available. You don’t have to do too much planning ahead.

Overnight camping options at or near Indy Pass mountains

Check out our guide here:
Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

Mountain Collective

Why we like Mountain Collective for a van life road trip

For sampling some of the best independent ski areas in the US and Canada.

Mountain Collective benefits

• 2 days each at 25 global destinations (20 in North America)
• Zero blackout dates
• A bonus 3rd day at 1 resort (limited time offer)

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See the ski area’s website for their official policy.

How much does a Mountain Collective pass cost?

Adult (Ages 19+): $605 (while quantities last)

Passes went on sale March 5th.

For more information about Mountain Collective

mountaincollective.com

Overnight camping at or near Mountain Collective mountains

Only a few Mountain Collective resorts allow overnight RV camping (asterisked above).

Note: Revelstoke used to allow one night of overnight camping but now it is strictly prohibited.

Reservations are strongly encouraged if you choose to stay at a local RV park near any Mountain Collective destination.

Check out our guide here:
Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

Epic

Epic offers several different pass options and is one of the most popular multi-resort passes out there.

Why we like Epic passes for a van life road trip

• Bucket-list-worthy resorts in the US and Canada, great for road-tripping the Pacific Northwest, Sierra, Rockies, and Canada.
• Year-round RV park accommodations are typically close to Epic resorts that don’t allow overnight RV camping.

Downsides of Epic passes for a van life road trip

• Only one resort in the west, Stevens Pass, explicitly allows overnight RV camping. Fernie has RV camping but with an annual commitment only. (Sorry, I don’t know much about the northeast, mid-Atlantic, and midwest.)
• Less winging it and more planning.
• Some resorts require reservations. You might need to pay for and reserve parking, as well as research which parking areas will accommodate your rig.
• Reservations are recommended for RV parks close to Epic resorts, especially during holiday periods, and when powder is in the forecast.
• Nightly rates at RV parks near Epic resorts can be steep. Think over $100 per night.
• If you can’t find a place to camp in your rig and need to secure hotel or vacation rental accommodations, you need to make sure there is space to park your oversize rig. Some hotels only have garage parking. Some towns don’t allow overnight RV parking, even if your RV is not occupied.

Overnight camping options at or near Ikon Pass resorts

Sleep in your van/RV at these ski areas and other places to camp

Here are our top Epic choices for a van life road trip.

#1 Epic Pass

How much is an Epic Pass?

Adult (Ages 13+): $982 (expiration unknown)

Epic Pass went on sale March 5th.

Epic Pass benefits

• Unlimited access to 37 ski areas in North America with no blackout dates
• Unlimited access to other ski areas in Switzerland and Australia with no blackout dates
• Limited access to other ski areas in Colorado, Canada, Japan, and Europe
• And more

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See the ski area’s website for their official policy.

For more information about Epic Pass

Epic Pass

Why we like Epic Pass for a van life road trip

Road-tripping some of the most recognized resort names in Lake Tahoe, Colorado, and Canada.

Overnight camping options near Epic Pass resorts

Check out our guide here:
Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

#2 Epic Local Pass

How much is an Epic Local Pass?

Adult (ages 19+): $731 (price expiration unknown)

Epic Local Pass went on sale March 5th. Save $251 off the top-tier Epic Pass.

Epic Local Pass benefits

• Unlimited access to 29 US resorts with no blackout dates
• Access to 5 other US resorts with blackout dates
• 10 total days to 3 other North American resorts with blackout dates
• Limited access to resorts in Switzerland and Japan
• And more

For more information about Epic Local Pass

Epic Local Pass

Why we like Epic Local Pass for a van life road trip

Road-tripping Lake Tahoe and Colorado at a reduced price if you don’t mind blackout dates and other restrictions.

Regardless of restrictions, that’s still a lot of skiing and riding for a couple hundred dollars in savings.

Overnight camping options near Epic Local Pass resorts

Check out our guide here:
Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

#3 Epic Tahoe Local Pass

How much is an Epic Tahoe Local Pass?

Adult (ages 19+): $621 (price expiration unknown)

Epic Tahoe Local Pass went on sale March 5th. You’ll save $361 off the top-tier Epic Pass, and you can take that money and save it for your travel budget instead.

Epic Tahoe Local Pass benefits

• Access with blackout dates to 3 Lake Tahoe resorts
• 5 total days with blackout dates to 5 Colorado resorts and 1 Utah resort
• And more

For more information about Epic Tahoe Local Pass

Epic Tahoe Local Pass

Why we like Epic Tahoe Local Pass for a van life road trip

A Lake Tahoe, Colorado, and Utah road trip if you have limited time for traveling.

For more information about all Epic options

epicpass.com

Ikon

Why we like Ikon passes for a van life road trip

• Bucket-list-worthy resorts in the US and Canada, great for road-tripping the Pacific Northwest, Sierra, Rockies, and Canada.
• 9 Ikon resorts in the west explicitly allow overnight RV camping. (Sorry, I don’t know much about the northeast, mid-Atlantic, and midwest.)
• Year-round RV park accommodations are typically close to Ikon resorts that don’t allow overnight RV camping.

Note: Revelstoke no longer allows overnight camping.

Downsides of Ikon passes for a van life road trip

• Less winging it and more planning.
• Some resorts require reservations. You might need to pay for and reserve parking, as well as research which parking areas will accommodate your rig.
• Reservations are recommended for RV parks close to Ikon resorts, especially during holiday periods and when powder is in the forecast.
• Nightly rates at RV parks near Ikon resorts can be steep. The most expensive we’ve seen exceeded over $100 per night!
• If you can’t find a place to camp in your rig and need to secure hotel or vacation rental accommodations, you need to make sure there is space to park your oversize rig. Some hotels only have garage parking. Some towns don’t allow overnight RV parking, even if your RV isn’t occupied.

Overnight camping options at or near Ikon Pass resorts

Sleep in your van/RV at these ski areas and other places to camp

Here are our two favorite Ikon passes for a van life road trip:

#1 Ikon Pass

How much is an Ikon Pass?

Adult (age 23+): $1,249 (for a limited time)

Ikon Pass goes on sale March 14th.

Ikon Pass benefits

• Unlimited access at 17 North American destinations
• Up to 7 days each at 29 North American destinations
• And more

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See the ski area’s website for their official policy.

For more information about Ikon Pass

Ikon Pass

#2 Ikon Base Pass

How much is an Ikon Base Pass?

Adult (age 23+): $869 (for a limited time)

Ikon Base Pass goes on sale March 14th.

Ikon Base Pass benefits

• Unlimited access at 14 North American destinations with blackout dates
• Up to 5 days each at 25 North American destinations with blackout dates
• And more

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See the ski area’s website for their official policy.

A note about Ikon Base Plus Pass

If you upgrade from the Ikon Base Pass to Ikon Base Plus Pass, you also get the following (with blackout dates):

• Aspen Snowmass (CO) – 5 days total at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk
• Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (WY)
• Sun Valley (ID)
• Taos Ski Valley* (NM) – Taos only available on the Ikon Base Plus Pass
• Deer Valley Resort (UT)
• Alta Ski Area (UT) – 5 days combined at Alta Ski Area, Snowbird
• Snowbasin (UT)

However, here’s a price comparison for adults (age 23+):

• Ikon Pass: $1,249
• Ikon Base Plus Pass: $1,119
• Ikon Base Pass: $869

As you can see, the top-tier Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Plus Pass are pretty close in price. You might as well upgrade to the top tier.

For more information about Ikon Base Pass

Ikon Base Pass

Power Pass

Why we like Power Pass for a van life road trip

Ski the American Southwest and hit up national parks in their quietest season along the way.

Power Pass benefits

• Unlimited skiing and riding at 9 US ski areas
• Zero blackout dates
• 3 days each at Loveland Ski Area, Monarch Mountain, and Sundance Mountain Resort
• And more

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See each ski area’s website for their official policy. A note on Willamette Pass – they technically allow overnight RV parking but their website states it is currently unavailable. Also, I’m unsure of the status at Nordic Valley since their barn burned down.

How much does Power Pass cost?

Adult (Ages 37-64): $749

Passes went on sale March 19th.

For more information about Power Pass

thepowerpass.ski

Overnight RV parking at or near Power Pass mountains

Check out our guide here:
Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

Ski California Gold Pass

Why we like the Ski California Gold Pass for a van life road trip

Tick off almost every ski resort in California and Nevada.

Also, it’s a fully transferable pass. You can share it with anybody. Family, friends, colleagues…anybody! And, you don’t have to make reservations at ski areas that required them.

If you want to park it in Lake Tahoe for the winter, this is a great option to avoid purchasing a combination of other multi-resort passes and day tickets. There are several RV parks and campgrounds open in the Tahoe basin and greater region year-round, so you can move around as you ski different mountains around the lake. The list includes:

• Coachland RV Resort
• Reno KOA Journey at Boomtown
• Washoe Lake State Park
• Carson RV Resort
• Silver City RV Resort
• Carson Valley Inn RV Park
• Zephyr Cove RV & Campground
• Tahoe Valley Campground
• El Dorado County Fair Event Center & RV Park

The only ski area in the Tahoe region missing from the Ski California Gold Pass is Donner Ski Ranch. However, during the 2023/24 season, adults could ski and ride for as little as $69.

Ski California Gold Pass benefits

• Unlimited access to 36 downhill and cross-country ski areas in California and Nevada
• No blackout dates
• Direct to lift access at most resorts

*Explicitly allows overnight camping. See each ski area’s website for their official policy.

How much does a Ski California Gold Pass cost?

$4,000 (while quantities last)

Sales will open on April 29th. They sell out fast so don’t miss out!

For more information about Ski California Gold Pass

skicalifornia.org

Overnight RV parking at or near Ski California Gold Pass mountains

Check out our guide here:
Sleep in Your Van/RV at These Ski Areas and Other Places to Camp

Anticipated Passes

I’m waiting on announcements for the following passes. As soon as I see them, I’ll update this article.

• Ski Utah Yeti Pass – July 11
• Loveland – April 8
• Ski Cooper – July 2

Is there a pass you think we should talk about? Let us know in the comments.