21 Resorts, One Pass: The Powder Alliance

If you're a skier or snowboarder, chances are you've heard of the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass.  Here we are going to talk about a lesser-known option:  The Powder Alliance.  It works a little bit differently than the "Big 2." It's a network of independent ski resorts across the western United States, Canada, and Japan that offer season pass holders access to multiple resorts with just one pass. The Powder Alliance is a great way to explore new mountains and get the most bang for your buck, all while supporting independently-owned ski areas.

So, which resorts are part of the Powder Alliance? There are currently 21 resorts that participate in the program:

1. Angel Fire Resort, New Mexico
2. Blacktail Mountain, Montana
3. Bogus Basin, Idaho
4. Castle Mountain Resort, Alberta, Canada
5. China Peak, California
6. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort, California
7. Eaglecrest Ski Area, Alaska
8. Kiroro Resort, Hokkaido, Japan
9. Lost Trail Ski Area, Montana
10. Loveland Ski Area, Colorado
11. Mission Ridge, Washington
12. Mountain High Resort, California
13. Mt. Hood Skibowl, Oregon
14. Sierra-at-Tahoe, California
15. Silver Mountain, Idaho
16. Ski Marmot Basin, Alberta, Canada
17. Snow King Mountain, Wyoming
18. Timberline, Oregon
19. Turoa, New Zealand
20. Whakapapa, New Zealand
21. White Pass Ski Area, Washington

As you can see, the Powder Alliance includes a diverse range of resorts, from small, local mountains to larger resorts with extensive terrain. By purchasing a season pass from one of these resorts, you can gain access to all the other resorts in the alliance, making for a great value.

So, how much does a Powder Alliance pass cost? It depends on which resort you purchase your pass from. For example, if you purchase your pass from Loveland Ski Area in Colorado, you'll pay $649 for access to Loveland and all the other Powder Alliance resorts. If you purchase your pass from White Pass Ski Area in Washington, as mentioned earlier, you'll pay $719 for access to White Pass and all the other Powder Alliance resorts. 

While the price may seem steep at first, it's important to consider how much you'll be saving by accessing multiple resorts with just one pass. Plus, if you're someone like me who loves to travel and explore new mountains, the Powder Alliance is a great way to do so without breaking the bank.  While partner resorts do have some restrictions on when you can access such as blackout days on Saturdays and Holidays, you will still have unrestricted access to the local mountain from which you purchased your pass. 

As someone who purchases my pass each year from White Pass in Washington, I can attest to the value of the Powder Alliance. White Pass is a lesser-known resort with a local vibe, and I love riding there regularly. But with my Powder Alliance pass, I've been able to explore other excellent mountains like Sierra-at-Tahoe in California and Bogus Basin in Idaho, which I wouldn't have otherwise visited. It's been a great way to expand my snowboarding horizons and try out new terrain, and an excuse to travel to a new area.  

If you're interested in purchasing a Powder Alliance pass, I highly recommend checking out the individual resorts' websites to see which pass makes the most sense for you. Keep in mind that many of the resorts offer early-bird pricing, so it pays to do your research and purchase early. Purchasing now in the Spring will also get you access for the remainder of this season!  With the snow we've gotten in the Western US this year, that will potentially be a huge benefit.  White Pass for example will begin selling their season passes to the general public on April 1st (March 15th for current pass holders like me). 

With access to 21 resorts across multiple states and countries, the Powder Alliance is a great way to make the most of your winter season.  Have a favorite mountain on the Powder Alliance?   Let me know in the comments below.  I'm always looking for a new road trip!

For more information visit powderalliance.com 

Disclaimer: Carve Culture LLC receives no compensation for the sale of Powder Alliance passes.  This article is informative only.