Buying a Ski Lift Pass: What You Need to Know
If you are planning to go skiing, one of the most important things you need to buy is a ski lift pass that allows you to access the ski slopes and use the lifts. Without a ski lift pass, you won’t get very far!
But how do you buy a ski lift pass? What are the different types and prices of ski lift passes? And what are the benefits of buying a ski lift pass in advance?
Types of Ski Lift Passes
There are two main types of ski lift passes: local and full access to the wider area. A local ski lift pass covers the slopes and lifts within a specific resort, while an area ski lift pass covers a wider ski area that includes several resorts. For example, if you are staying in Val Thorens, France, you can choose between a local ski lift pass that only covers Val Thorens, or an area ski lift pass that covers the whole Three Valleys ski area, which includes Val Thorens, Courchevel, Les Menuires and Méribel.
The type of lift pass you need depends on your skiing ability. As a beginner you might be happy with a local lift pass, as it is cheaper and offers enough variety and challenge for your level. However, if you are an expert or an adventurous skier, you might want to opt for an area lift pass, as it gives you more options and opportunities to explore different slopes and terrains.
Prices of Ski Lift Passes
The prices of ski lift passes vary depending on several factors, such as the resort, the ski area, the season, the duration, and the age of the skier. Generally, ski lift passes are more expensive in popular and high-end resorts, in larger and more diverse ski areas, in peak and high-demand seasons, and for longer and more flexible durations. Ski lift passes are also usually cheaper for children and seniors.
To give you an idea of lift pass prices, here are the costs of a six-day peak-season adult lift pass, in some popular ski resorts in Europe. Prices converted as of November 2023.
- Alpe d’Huez, France: £270 for an area lift pass
- Courchevel, France: £327 for an area lift pass (£296 for local lift pass)
- La Plagne, France: £321 for an area lift pass (£287 for local lift pass)
- Les Arcs, France: £321 for an area lift pass (£287 for local lift pass)
- Les Deux Alpes, France: £258 for an area lift pass
- Méribel, France: £327 for an area lift pass (£276 for local lift pass)
- St Anton, Austria: £349 for an area lift pass
- Tignes, France: £344 for an area lift pass
- Val d’Isere, France: £344 for an area lift pass
- Val Thorens, France: £327 for an area lift pass (£279 for local lift pass)
Benefits of Buying a Ski Lift Pass in Advance
Sometimes you can save money and hassle on your ski lift pass purchasing it in advance, before you arrive at your ski resort. Buying a ski lift pass in advance has several benefits, such as:
- Price guarantee: When you buy a ski lift pass in advance, you lock in the price and avoid any potential increases due to inflation, exchange rates, or demand. You also avoid any foreign bank charges that you might incur if you buy it in resort.
- Convenience: You don’t have to waste time and energy queuing at the lift pass office or filling out forms. You can simply collect your ski lift pass from your accommodation or from a designated pick-up point and head straight to the slopes.
- Flexibility: You can choose the type, duration, and start date of your ski lift pass according to your needs and preferences. You can also upgrade your ski lift pass if you change your mind or want to try something new.
- Offers: You might be able to take advantage of various offers and discounts that are available for a limited time or for specific resorts.
Kids Ski Free
You may be able to take advantage of cheaper or even free children’s lift passes when booking in advance for certain resorts.
