I know it seems impossible to think about, but your best ski deals for the next 2021-2022 season are right NOW! Aggressive? Yes. But find your Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Western New York or Maryland ski season pass deals are all right here and you’ll be happy you did.
My eye is on the Indy Pass (mega pass for single resorts), Timberline ($359!), Wisp (Closest) and Highland Pass (3 resorts and SO MANY perks). Plus, I always regret not getting Wisp’s Mission: Four’dable pack deal… How do I choose?! Someone tell Tucker County to make a Ski the Valley pass and I’ll be DONE!
Christina Skis Mid-Atlantic Mountains
To me, my favorite Mid-Atlantic mountain resorts are in the tri-state area, marked by Snowshoe in the south and Holiday Valley in the north. To get a full range, Whitetail is probably as far as I would drive myself for a day trip, even though I worked at sister resort Liberty Mountain. But with Roundtop, those three are really on the Harrisburg and DC side of PA. Plus, they’re all on the Epic Pass and I’m trying to get you a good deal.
As for the small guys, Tussey, Mystic Mountain and Boyce Park all in Pennsylvania – those are your best mountains to learn on, and I highly recommend them. However, this post is for season passers, the snow people who are already in love and can’t get enough.
Table Key
Pass X Payoff = how many times you have to ski or ride at the mountain to pay off your season pass, per weekend rates. *multi-packs are a good option if you don’t think you’ll go that much.
Regular Pass Rates Listed = any day, no blackouts, no discounts. Most mountains offer separate Jr/Sr or Military rates.
Buddy Tickets = usually mean 25-50% off lift tickets for a friend or family member, the same day you are there.
Swap Tickets = 1 free lift ticket and ticket discounts at… [See Full Details]
Resort Swap (7 Springs, Hidden Valley, Laurel Mountain, Wisp & Wintergreen)
Mountains of Distinction (Massachusetts: Jiminy Peak, Wachusett, New Hampshire: Cranmore, New York: Bristol Mountain, Holiday Valley, Ski Windham, Vermont: Bromley)
3 days at Cooper Mountain in CO
PENNSYLVANIARESORTS
HIGHLAND PASS
Spring Pass Price
Pass X Payoff
Perks
Other Deals
Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Laurel Mtn ON SALE 2/27
$643 before May 1
7+ times
8am Lift Access March Buddy Swap Tickets Resort Discounts
Uphill! 7a-9a Pass = $20 No-Pass =$50
Super 7 – $448 (lift tickets)
*There are no individual passes for the Highlands Resorts anymore.
White Grass is a cross country ski area. While I highly enjoy the place ($20 for the day), I’m creating this for downhill season passes.
SKI AREA
Spring Pass Price
Pass X Payoff
Perks
Other Deals
Snowshoe (Ikon) ON SALE 3/11
$429 Thru May 4
5 times
Resort Discounts
Silver Creek Pass – $199
Canaan Valley *ON INDY PASS!
TBD ($600 20-21)
TBD
None
Discount for WV Resident
Timberline Mountain
$359 by April 1 ($389 July 1)
5 times
None
None
Perks and other deals subject to change closer to next season. This is Timberline’s 1st year back! Unfortunately Snowshoe’s Ridiculous Pass super-deal has been discontinued.
#indyrevolution is is in everyone’s mouths right now, and for good reason. The Indy Pass is really good deal for 2 free lift tickets at 63 resorts all over the US, and they keep adding more. If the locations weren’t juuuust far away enough this would have already been in my pocket. Get Wisp on there and it’s mine!
This pass is all about the “core” skier and rider who doesn’t want lift lines and enjoys an authentic mountain vibe. Think hipster, that doesn’t know about White Grass yet. But I hate putting people in boxes. Just get the pass – it doesn’t matter if you’re the goth kid from highschool or Candide Thovex – you’re still going to enjoy it.
Mountains on the pass include Blue Knob (PA), Canaan Valley (WV), Winterplace (WV), Shawnee (PA), Massanutten (VA) and Bryce (VA). But hold up… JAY PEAK?! Come on!
Pass Price
How it Works
TBD on 21-22, for an idea: Indy+ Pass – $399 (no blackouts) Indy Pass – $259 (with blackouts) Spring Pass – $149 (March 1)
2 free lift tickets at each resort. 25% off daily rate after that. No pass, just present photo ID. Boom.
Did I miss one of your faves that you can get to with an easy drive? Do I need to add Ohio to my roundup of states?!?! Let me know in the comments. See you out there! ❄
Latest Update: Tuesday, December 22, 2020 After the first couple weekends open we are hearing some changes happening at resorts: limiting the amount of people skiing. Let’s face it, lift lines are long and it’s just impossible to mitigate a holiday crowd trying to ski. The good news is you can still have a beer… with food. And make sure to wear a mask!
I always do a Lift Rate Roundup around this time, but you know… 2020. As this dumpster fire of a year wraps up, I am sure it has a few more crisis to dole out. In an effort to avoid that, I am going to try and help my fellow snow people to get out there safely this year. I don’t do this for the resorts, I do this for you (and me). We needed an easy place to see all the ski area guidelines in one place.
The question remains: Can we ski and ride this season? Do we need a special pass? Yes, and kind of yes. Read on! I got you covered…
The good news is every single one of these resorts have stated they are following enhanced sanitization protocol and social distancing will be enforced. Face coverings are required in most areas of the resorts, including lift lines and on the lift.
*Note that ALL of the below information is subject to change and definitely did after the first few weeks of the season played out. I’ll try to update this post through the season if I get wind. If you decide to go, please make sure to check each resort’s policies in full – I have a real job, y’all.
Southwestern & Central Pennsylvania Ski Resorts
Baby Pennsylvania mountains ❤
Currently, indoor space capacity for PA is 50% for all spaces including dining, lobbies, bathrooms, etc. Expect to see staff regulating this. You also cannot drink at a bar, must be consumed if dining only.
Boyce Park | Southwestern PA – Open! This is a small hill in Monroeville/Plum, PA. I highly recommend learning to ski or ride here. To comply with covid measures, only 50 people are permitted on the mountain and the lodge is closed. Online lift ticket sales are mandatory – Visit Site
Blue Knob (Indy Pass) | Central PA – Open! Walk-up ticket sales are OK, but online purchases are encouraged. Warming up in your vehicle instead of on public spaces is also encouraged. But, “Blue Knob All Seasons Resort has no plans to require skiers or riders to make a reservation [to ski or snowboard].”
All lessons and snow tubing must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance
All food is available for take-out only. 12/10/20
Unless skiers/riders have traveled together, they must ride the chairlift as a single.
Groups will be scheduled at staggered arrival times to increase distancing.
Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain (Highlands Pass) | Southwestern PA – 7 Springs & Hidden Valley Open! LM not open yet, but offering a season pass price “rollback” offer. 7S was the first resort that I researched, and all this came as pretty shocking to me, but just wait…
All purchases have moved online for these 3 resorts, including purchasing lift tickets, rentals and lessons.
Lift ticket availability will be limited as of 12/21. Their online system has been down a lot so be sure to purchase like Tuesday or Wednesday if you want to go on a weekend – Lift Ticket page.
No strangers will be placed on a lift together, and if you prefer to sit as a single, they will do that. They’re going to work to space out the line including side by side distancing.
*No indoor dining as of 12/10 – Utilizing their base area for outdoor dining and adding new walk-up/takeaway options around the resort.
Masks are required. Including in the lift line and riding the lift. There will be staff at lift reminding you of this.
Tussey Mountain | Central PA – Open! A little hill out by Penn State, which I don’t think has the capacity to go all online. I think that you’ll be ok showing up and purchasing a lift ticket at a Point of Sale. Two singles can sit on opposite sides of their quad lift, too. Lessons will be restricted to 6 students.
Whitetail, Roundtop, Liberty Mountains (Epic Pass, Vail Resorts)| Central PA – Open! I looked up Whitetail only. I previously worked at Liberty when Peak Resorts acquired these three, and moved right before Peak Resorts was purchased by Vail Resorts. Ah, consolidation. Epic pass resorts all have the same operations plan.
It looks like you will have to reserve a spot to ski or ride at these resorts. Pass holders will get priority access to reservation days. This is probably for the best and will make lift lines amazing, but… wow! Take a look at Whitetail’s Reservation Details.
Also, these resorts are cashless everywhere including hotel and restaurants.
West Virginia Ski Resorts
One of these fun WV resorts!
Canaan Valley (Indy Pass) – Open! I have not found any ski-specific outline of Canaan Valley’s operation. It is a West Virginia State Park and they will be following guidelines such as required face coverings and 6-ft distancing. There is a note that they are “updating our online booking capabilities” and to call to make a reservation at this point.
Timberline (NEW!) – Open! After some turbulent times, Timberline is OPENING! This WV resort has some of the best terrain our area has to offer… and then it closed. In comes snow angels from midwest to resurrect this amazing spot with $10M in NEW everything! “Opening for winter 2020/21 with 2 NEW lifts, a remodeled lodge, 2 new terrain parks, a new beginner area, and increasing snowmaking!” Read More — *Note for Christina to ski this immediatelyand post about it.
Anyway, here’s some quick bullets, and it looks like ticket sales will operate as usual for now.
Masks and distancing required and enforced
Group reservations are limited, Lesson capacity limited
Latest HVAC UV sanitization is installed
Season Passes will rollover to next season if they have to close the resort
The lodge will be pass-through only for tickets, passes, and rentals.
Foodservice with a limited menu will be available outside on the deck, with outdoor seating only.
Lessons will be available, but beginner terrain will be limited and hike-able only.
Buy online. Capacity limits will be in place, so walk up lift tickets are not guaranteed. Snowshoe sold out holiday weekends prior and after the Christmas holiday. So they mean it! “We strongly encourage our guests to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.” Here is where you buy Snowshoe lift tickets online. I recommend you do this early in the week prior to weekends and holidays.
If you have a Season Pass or advance purchase a package, you will be good to ski and ride. “At this time, Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, Snowshoe Unlimited Pass, and Early Season Pass holders will not need reservations to ski and ride during the 2020/21 winter season at Snowshoe. Guests who advance purchase a package (including lift tickets/passes and lodging, etc.) are guaranteed mountain access for the dates of their booking.”
Reduced Lesson Capacity
Camps are cancelled
Expanded outdoor dining, no restaurants are closing but will be monitored by capacity.
Whitegrass (XC) – OPEN for XC! Canaan Valley is one of the greatest places to cross country ski. Right on Whitegrass’ home page: coming soon – online reservations for passes, rentals and lessons, plus reduced access to lodge and cafe pickup-only. Visit Site
MARYLAND SKI RESORTS
Whales at Wisp Resort, MD
WispResort –Open! I hope you got the Mission: Four’dable ticket pack if you don’t have a season pass. Although I have a Snowshoe season pass, I regret every time I miss out on this because it’s a much faster drive to get out on the mountain. Four’dable is $229 for a four pack of any-time tickets, which comes out to $57.25. A regular ticket is $89, so you save almost $32 each time. That’s a dozen wings and a couple BL smoothies!
This is another fully online set up with all products and activities to be purchased in advance.
Indoor capacity in MD for all spaces is also 50% – includes restrooms, lobbies, etc.
Nice bonus: Wisp will pro-rate a credit to your pass if they have to close due to COVID.
Peek’n Peak– Open! Another strong recommendation to purchase tickets and activities online in advance. And lessons reduced to 10 people.
This is interesting, and unique to this resort: Season Passholders will need to check in for use in contact tracing efforts. Ticket buyer info is collected at purchase. These records will be retained for a minimum of 28 days.
Once more, outside food will not be permitted to be brought into resort dining facilities, including at The Main Lodge. (Believe me, this policy is great for the resorts. I’ve seen crock pots at the dining halls at Liberty… LOL!) Grab n go will be made available as well as takeout for those staying in condos.
Holiday Valley –Open! The WAS most relaxed one yet, but it didnt last very long. HV has a very lengthy section on cleaning protocols, and yet again, another “we strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets online in advance… we may not be able to offer walk up tickets.” However, passholders are still free to come and go as they please. To ease the potential strain during peak periods, we are planning to open Yodeler and Mardi Gras lifts for Classic passholders at 8 am every Saturday between December 26th and February 27th.”
Well, good luck. It’s all pretty straight forward at this point. Do what you need to do. Get some blankets for the car, and increase your data plan if you can. As Tussey Mountain says, “Don’t be the reason there is no season.” Be safe. We got this. Snow love to you!
TL;DR: Buy your lift tickets online before you visit any resort this winter.
To celebrate the first snowfall in my area (which happened today, mid-November!), the first post of my usual lift ticket rate roundup is here! This year, I outline the top 5 ski resorts near and dear to my heart. These ended up including a few of the larger ski areas that I can’t stop thinking about. I’m including deals for skiers and snowboarders as well as lift ticket rates, late season pass purchase payoff rates, and the new multi-pack options that are great for those that just aren’t getting to the mountain enough.
Ski Area Map – ChristinaSkis’ Version of the Mid-Atlantic
If you’ve been reading this blog, you know that every year I post a pre-season Lift Rate Roundup in honor of thefirst snow. With a new state, new job and rounding into my final year of a masters program, I just don’t have the bandwidth for full-time snow fun research. So, the 2019-2020 rates and deals will come out in phase posts (someone remind me).
Of course, it’s extremely opportunistic to purchase passes early to get the best rates on skiing and snowboarding this winter. If you haven’t, this table is for you. If you’re not sure of what something means, see the Key below this table.
My Favorite Mid-Atlantic Ski Resorts (in no order)
RESORT
ADULT W/E LIFT
GOOD DEALS
PASS X PAYOFF
MULTI CARD
Seven Springs SouthwesternPennsylvania 33 trails, 750′ vert
$89 day $83 twi $49 night
Don’t miss early rates… Super7 the Deal
$695/7.8x
Super 7 Card = $435 ($62.14/lift)
Liberty Mountain South-CentralPennsylvania 16 trails, 620′ vert
Wisp Resort MarylandPanhandle 34 trails, 700′ vert
$84 day $79 8hr $69 4hr $39 night
$49 Mondays, LLR
$599/7.1x
4-Pack = $189 thru Nov 24 ($47.25/lift)
Snowshoe SouthEast West Virginia 60 trails, 1500′ vert
$109 day (no other)
Redic. Pass in March for $259
$559/5.1x
3-Pack = $159 thru Nov 14 ($53/lift)
Holiday Valley Southwestern New York 60 trails, 750′ vert
$88 day $85 8hr $77 4hr $38 night
Purchase online & save up to $10
$1060
Ultimate Night, 8 night tix = $207 ($23/lift)
Table Key
LLR = Lift, Lesson & Rental, W/E = weekend, ES = Early Season
Pass X Payoff = how many times you have to ski or ride at the mountain to pay off your season pass *multi-packs are a good option if you don’t think you’ll go that much. Payoff if you purchase early season can result in amazing savings…
Wisp – Early Season (March) $279 unlimited Adult 30+ = 6x
Snowshoe – Early Season Pass (March) Adult 13+ $459 = 4.2x *Rediculous Pass is Rediculous early March Sale at $259 = 2.3x
Season Pass rates in the grid are listed at regular rates, if you buy now.
When the time comes, you’ll see two or three more posts with more stats. I am thinking of 1.) listing just Southwestern Pennsylvania resorts, 2.) a post with my favorite southwestern New York, Maryland and West Virginia mountains, and 3.) a fun one – “micro mountains” and the best places to learn. I’ll list Learn to Ski Daydeals to kick-off January, to boot!
Now that I’ve set some winter-season blogging goals, let’s see if I stick to it…
Christina Skis 