Snow Partners Shakes Up the Slopes: New National "Snow Pass" and Midwest Expansion Announced

Just as the dust settles on the 2025-26 ski season, Snow Partners is looking to disrupt a market dominated by giants. Yesterday, the company announced the launch of the Snow Pass, a new national passport set to become the fifth major player alongside the Epic, Ikon, Indy, and Mountain Collective passes.

The timing is ambitious. Currently, the "Big Four" passes control access to 407 Alpine ski areas globally, including 63% of all public ski areas in the United States. Despite this saturation, Snow Partners—owners of Mountain Creek and Big Snow—believes there is still room for a "curated" alternative for regional and destination skiers.

A New National Contender: The Snow Pass

The Snow Pass will follow a model similar to the Indy Pass or Mountain Collective, offering two days of access at each participating resort. The network is expected to span the Northeast, Midwest, and Western United States, as well as Canada.

While the full partner lineup remains under wraps until this summer, industry reports indicate that Mount Southington and Pleasant Mountain are intended to join. Additionally, discussions are reportedly underway with New York’s ORDA to potentially include heavy hitters like Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre.

Expanding the "Snow Triple Play"

In addition to the national pass, Snow Partners is doubling down on its Snow Triple Play (STP) product, which offers three total days of skiing across partner resorts:

• STP East: All 16 inaugural partners are returning for the 2026-27 season, with approximately six new additions expected in Pennsylvania, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

• STP Midwest: A brand-new regional pass will debut this year, featuring an anticipated menu of 10 to 15 ski areas across the Midwest.

The "Cooperative" Business Model

Snow Partners is framing the Snow Pass as a partner-friendly cooperative rather than a traditional corporate product. The structure includes:

• Open Reporting: Partners will have access to clear data on economics and performance.

• Revenue Share: Approximately 80% of total revenue will flow directly back to the mountains based on utilization and ticket value.

• Lean Fees: Snow Partners will retain a 5% administrative fee, with the remainder of the overhead covering marketing expenses.

Pricing and Availability

Skiers looking to snag the new pass won't have to wait long. Partners and official pricing will be revealed this summer, with sales officially launching after Labor Day (September 7).

"The Snow Pass is designed to be a sub-$400 product, making it a highly competitive option for those who want variety without the four-figure price tag of the mega-passes."

The passes will remain on sale through December, positioning Snow Partners as a formidable alternative for the 2026-27 season.