Sixteen new mountains joined the M.A.X. Pass program for the 2016-17 winter, bringing a total of 38 resorts to the bundle-and-save ski pass.
Vying for a larger piece of the winter recreation pie, participating mountains allow skiers multiple-destination access for five days at each location.
At $699, it’s a viable alternative to Vail Resorts Epic Pass (the biggest player in the market) or other multi-mountain passes, especially for those who would like to take a few ski trips during the year to far-flung resorts.
Among the notable additions to M.A.X. Pass, now in its second season, are Alyeska, Kicking Horse, Stoneham, Buck Hill, and Fernie Mountain. They join other large Pass-eligible mountains like Big Sky, Crested Butte, Mount Bachelor, Steamboat, and Copper Mountain among others.
M.A.X. Pass
A 2016/17 adult pass currently runs $699. That price is valid until Nov. 29 when prices will go up.
Unlike Vail Resorts, which has tiered Epic Passes, there is only one level of access. That’s five admission days to each of the 38 included mountains – up to 190 days of admission.
There is also an option to upgrade a qualifying local pass to a M.A.X. Pass, which grants full five-day access at each location. Upgrades are currently $349, and designed for those who have a pass to their local mountain but would like to travel to other resorts for a few days each.
There are no blackout days and admissions do not need to be used on consecutive days for any location. If you’re in the mood to hit several mountains this year instead of a single resort over and over, it’s an interesting and reasonably-priced option.
