It’s good to be young, especially if you want to do more skiing or snowboarding.

On Thursday, Alterra Mountain Company announced the pricing for its 2026-27 Ikon Passes. Among the new offerings is a “Squad Pack” that trims $200 off the cost of a Ikon Base pass for riders between the ages of 23 and 28. In addition, the resort company is offering an unlimited number of discounted child passes (ages 5-12) with the purchase of an adult pass.

The announcement came days after Alterra’s main competitor, Vail Resorts, unveiled heavy discounts on its Epic Pass for visitors ages 13 to 30.

“The future of the sport depends on the next generation of skiers and riders,” Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts, said in a statement Tuesday, “and it is our responsibility to create a more accessible pathway for them well into young adulthood.”

The ski industry has steadily struggled with drawing younger generations into an increasingly expensive sport. The National Ski Areas Association reported that the median age of skiers and snowboarders in the United States during the 2023-24 season was 37. That’s an increase of two years from the prior season and an increase of 11 years since 2004-05.

In the Rocky Mountain region, the NSAA reported the median age in 2023-24 was even higher, at 39. A report issued in December by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah said the average age of a Utah skier or snowboarder is 48.

Will these pass adjustments lead to change? Alison Palmintere, a spokesperson for Ski Utah — the marketing arm of the state’s ski industry — said she thinks it’s worth a shot.

“Ski Utah is in favor of anything that gets more kids out on the slope,” she said. “So, we’re super happy to see that our resorts here in Utah are making an effort to grow the sport and get kids involved in skiing.”

What are the best Ikon Pass deals?

The discounts, while incentivizing, come with a few strings.

The Ikon Pass “Squad Pack” deal applies only to groups of five — all aged between 23 and 28. All five passes must be purchased in a single transaction. In addition, purchasers are limited to an Ikon Base Pass. The Base Pass has blackout dates and does not include all the resort options of a full Ikon Pass. Deer Valley Resort in Park City, for example, is not included.

The child pass discount varies with the type of adult pass that is purchased. This spring, an adult purchasing an Ikon Base Pass can get an unlimited number of child season passes for $249. Together, a new adult Ikon Base Pass and a child’s pass would cost about $1,198. The purchase of a full Ikon Pass would increase that combined price.

Ski areas tend to offer their lowest season pass prices during the spring. Alterra’s opening offer on a 2026-27 adult Ikon Pass with no blackout dates is $1,349 — about a 1.5% increase from early pricing on this season’s pass. An adult Ikon Base Pass is selling for $924. Those renewing their passes will get up to a $50 discount.

In comparison, an adult Epic Pass from Vail Resorts currently costs $1,089. The more limited Epic Local Pass costs $809 for an adult. For ages 13–30, the Epic Pass costs $869 and the Epic Local Pass costs $649.

Where in Utah can I use an Ikon or Epic pass?

Park City Mountain is the only Utah resort connected with Vail Resorts, which offers up to 90 destinations worldwide. The Ikon Pass, meanwhile, is accepted at Solitude Mountain Resort and also allows limited access to Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, Snowbasin and Deer Valley, depending on the pass level.

This year, Alterra added Idaho’s Tamarack Resort to the 76 global destinations it offers Ikon Pass holders. It has also opened up Ikon Base Pass access in Colorado.

And if Utah’s dismal winter this season is giving potential pass holders second thoughts, Alterra has an answer for that. It promises “100% cash back” to any Ikon Pass holder who hasn’t used the pass by Jan. 15, 2027. Those with just one pass scan can get a 50% refund.

Ikon Pass sales begin March 12. Epic Pass sales began Tuesday.