Let's face it — every year you show up to a resort and lift ticket prices have jumped another $20 and your favorite beer is now $10 for a 12-ounce can. Despite rising prices, there are still some great deals out there. Most resorts don't advertise them well — here are 10 proven ways to ski for less.
1. Mountain-Specific Season Pass
If you rented a ski house for the winter and plan on skiing the same mountain all season, check out Vermont season pass options at skivermont.com. Multi-mountain state passes offer excellent value for Vermont-based skiers.
2. Big Pass Networks — Epic & Ikon
If you're an experienced skier who loves to ski most weekends AND toss in a trip out West, the Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, or Mountain Collective might make financial sense. Run the numbers against your actual ski days.
3. Indy Pass for Families
A lot of smaller independent ski resorts have formed a coalition offering the Indy Pass (~$419) — a great affordable option for families looking to keep costs down without giving up terrain variety.
4. Multi-Pack Tickets
The Vermont 4-Pack at skivermont.com is probably one of the best deals for Vermont skiers who want to ski 2–4 times a year and keep their options open based on storm cycles.
5. Buy Early (Late Summer)
Killington offers K-Tickets at a deep discount — sometimes 50% off — starting in the summer. This special starts when you're still wearing shorts and thinking about the beach. At killington.com/plan-your-trip/tickets-passes/k-tickets.
6. Kids Ski Free
If you have children under the age of 6, look into resorts where they ski free. Vermont has several options. Check vermontlifttickets.com/kids-ski-free for the current list.
7. Beginner Packages
If you're new to the sport, check skivermont.com for the best deals that include lessons, rentals, and lift tickets. A few of these deals even give you a free pair of skis at the end of a group of lessons.
8. Student & Senior Discounts
Students and seniors can get important discounts on season passes at Killington. Several Vermont resorts offer free skiing for seniors 72+. Check the resort careers and passes pages directly for the most current offers.
9. Military Discounts
Most major Vermont ski resorts offer military discounts on lift tickets and passes. Bring your military ID. The discount can be substantial — 20–50% off in many cases.
10. Off-Peak & Midweek
The simplest and most reliable discount: ski on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday. Midweek lift tickets can be 30–40% cheaper than weekend rates, and the mountain is a fraction as crowded. If your schedule allows it, this is the single best way to improve the quality and cost of your ski day simultaneously.