Ski resorts are expensive to operate. Leases, insurance, lift maintenance, lift-operator maintenance, those groomers high up on the mountain with their lonely headlights casting shadows across steep runs as you stumble back from dinner and drinks. When you factor in all that’s required to keep everyone safe and happy, those shockingly dear lift tickets are understandable. So it’s always a pleasant surprise when a hill decides to give seniors a break.

Or maybe not a surprise because you have greedily scanned the latest lists of “free and discounted senior tickets.” This ritual brings a rush of excitement and the occasional sigh or even outrage because, what?, “free” skiing begins at 85 or 90? (Looking at you Stevens Pass, although—to be fair—that illustrious hill offers an affordable $28 ticket to anyone over 70 so let’s not quibble.)  

And yet, and yet, it is what it is. When you can take advantage of these deals, it’s glorious. When you can’t, or the discount is negligible, it’s meh. It’s hard to work yourself into a lather over something great not being free enough.

And there are some genuinely good deals to be found. Some free and some exceedingly affordable.

Here are a couple of useful lists, although a quick check reveals some inconsistencies. So confirm at the resort of your choice before you load up the car.

  • Deals for seniors at Colorado resorts. Check out the $105 season pass (ages 70+) at A-Basin. Or, if you want guidance on tweaking your form, Durango’s Purgatory Resort offers Boomers on Groomers, a 3-half-day clinic for 60+ skiers for just $99 (on top of your discounted $40 ticket).
  • Deals for seniors in Utah. Set aside Deer Valley’s discounted 65+ season pass at just $1,236. There are some very attractive options at Sundance ($175 65+ season pass or $30/day) and Powder Mountain (free for those 75+).  
  • Ski New Mexico isn’t tailored to seniors so you need to do a little searching but deals are there: 70+ skiers are free at Sipapu and Pajarito.

Be aware that the lists aren’t always comprehensive.

Some of the lists focus on season passes but if you aren’t a local—that is, if you’re only stopping by for a day or two—you should look for one- or two-day ticket prices for seniors. Some are very affordable. Also, don’t forget the other discounts out there. For example, TPG has a nice summary of places that give you a free first day or last day of skiing based on your airline boarding pass and a guide to using points for planes and lodging for your next ski trip.  

Finally, let’s dispense with the notion that ski hills owe seniors something because seniors have been supporting the industry for decades. Do you look for gratitude from your golf course? Your local pub? Your grocery store? You got good value for your dollar, which is why you kept coming back.

Image: Ray Atkeson photo of Mt. Baker, Washington, 1949