Everybody knows about the passes that dominate access to our favorite ski resorts (Epic, Ikon, Mountain Collective, Indy, etc.), but there's a somewhat under-the-radar pass that is an even better deal for Californians.
The California Gold Pass, which is sold by Ski California, offers unlimited access to 36 downhill and cross-country ski areas across California and Nevada, regardless of the ski resort's parent company or status on other passes.
The Gold Pass is now available to purchase for $4,125 for the Winter 25/26 season, but quantities are limited, so act fast if you plan on purchasing one.
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The price of the California Gold Pass is admittedly shocking when compared to other ski passes, but the value can be explained by the flexibility that the pass offers. Not only can Gold Pass holders access ski resorts such as Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, and Sugar Bowl as many times as they want, they can also transfer the pass to whomever they'd like to.
You read that correctly. Unlike the Ikon and Epic passes, California Gold Pass holders can share their pass with anybody. It's why many companies purchase Gold Passes as an employee perk.
“With no blackout dates and direct lift access at most resorts, the Gold Pass makes it easy to explore all that our member resorts have to offer,” said John Rice, Ski California president. “That includes 36 downhill and XC areas, 37,000 total acres of skiable terrain, 45,000 vertical feet, and 350 miles of XC trails. For passionate skiers and riders, this is the ultimate ski pass.”
Skiers who want to dedicate their season to a specific resort are better off purchasing a season pass or similar mega-pass product, but there's simply no better option than the Gold Pass for skiers who want to explore everything the Golden State has to offer.
Here's a breakdown of the ski areas and resorts accessible by the California Gold Pass:
Epic Pass Resorts Accessible by Gold Pass:
-Heavenly Mountain Resort
-Kirkwood Mountain Resort
-Northstar California Resort
Ikon Pass Resorts Accessible by Gold Pass:
-Big Bear Mountain Resort
-June Mountain
-Mammoth Mountain
-Palisades Tahoe
-Sierra-at-Tahoe
Independent Resorts Accessible by Gold Pass:
-Bear Valley Mountain Resort
-Boreal Mountain Resort
-China Peak
-Diamond Peak
-Dodge Ridge
-Granlibakken Tahoe
-Homewood Mountain Resort
-Kingvale Resort
-Lee Canyon (Nevada)
-Mountain High Resort
-Mt. Baldy
-Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe (Nevada)
-Mt. Shasta Ski Park
-Sky Tavern (Nevada)
-Snow Valley Mountain Resort
-Soda Springs Mountain Resort
-Sugar Bowl Resort
-Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area
Cross-Country Resorts Accessible by Gold Pass:
-ASC Nordic Center
-Bear Valley Adventure Company
-Mt. Shasta Nordic Center
-Rim Nordic XC Ski Area
-Royal Gorge XC
-Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center
-Tahoe XC
-Tamarack XC
If you or your company has $4,000+ available to spend on a ski pass, considering picking up a California Gold Pass before inventory runs out.
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