While many skiers and riders are familiar with some of the popular multi-resort ski passes, like the Epic and Ikon Pass, there are some great smaller regional passes. For those primarily skiing and riding in the northeast, there is the New England Pass. This smaller-scale pass is a great option for skiers and snowboarders trying to maximize their time on the East Coast. It comprises three major players in the area — Loon, Sunday River, and Sugarloaf. As such, it’s an ideal ski pass for New Englanders and college students in the area, though it also offers day packs, which are great for those taking a weekend getaway or week-long New England ski trip.
New England Pass Destinations
The New England Pass features the three destinations of Loon in New Hampshire, and Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine. Loon is located just off of I-93 in Lincoln, New Hampshire, and is a popular spot for weekenders and families traveling up from the Greater Boston Area. The resort has a laid-back vibe with an emphasis on park skiing and blue cruisers. It boasts stellar views of the White Mountains and is home to the classic Paul Bunyan Room après-ski bar.
Sunday River is one of the larger ski areas on the East Coast, spanning 3 miles with 870 acres of skiable terrain. It is spread across eight distinct peaks and has something for everyone. Blue cruisers off the Barker chair, the Oz glades, and the notoriously steep White Heat run all combine to make it a resort with such varied terrain. Plenty of on-mountain lodging and dining make Sunday River the perfect New England weekend ski getaway.
Last, but not least, is Sugarloaf. Located in the Carabassett Valley of Maine, this iconic East Coast resort is known for having the only above-treeline skiing in the region. Due to its position in the valley, snow retention remains high. All total it boasts an incredible 1,360 acres of skiable terrain, more than 160 trails, and Maine’s highest skiable peak. While Sugarloaf is a little further from New England’s major cities, that means less crowded slopes.
Pass Options
The New England Pass has several options available for purchase, each featuring different usage terms, benefits, and more.
Gold Pass: $1,389 adult pass (age 19-64), $1,049 senior pass (age 65-79), $599 youth pass (age 6-18). Unlimited access to pass destinations all winter. It includes 12 buddy tickets, 3 free days each at Pleasant Mountain, Big Sky, Brighton, and other Western Boyne resorts, and 50% off tickets at The Mountain Collective resorts. Option to add on an Ikon Base Pass for $299.
Silver Pass: $959 adult pass, $899 senior pass, $449 youth pass. Valid 7 days a week with blackout dates (Dec 26-31, 2024; January 18-19, 2025; February 15-17 & 22, 2025). It includes 8 buddy tickets, 50% off full-day tickets at Pleasant Mountain, Big Sky, Brighton, and other Boyne resorts out West.
Bronze Pass: $699 for ages 6-79. Monday to Friday access excluding blackout dates (December 26-27, 30-31, 2024; January 20, 2025; February 17–21, 2025). Early and late season weekends at select resorts and 8 Buddy Tickets.
Nitro Pass: $469 for ages 19-29. Valid seven days a week excluding the same blackout dates as the Silver Pass. It includes 6 buddy tickets, 50% off full-day tickets at Pleasant Mountain, Big Sky, Brighton, and other Western Boyne resorts.
College Gold: $459 for full-time students. Valid every day no blackouts. 50% off full-day tickets at Boyne Resorts’ sister resorts, 6 Buddy Tickets.
College Silver: $359 for full-time students. Valid 7 days a week excluding the same blackout dates as the Silver Pass. It comes with 6 buddy tickets.
The New England Pass also offers day ticket passes for 2-5 days at their resorts any day of the season. Pricing varies depending on the age of the rider and the length of consecutive ski days.
New England Pass Benefits
Each pass level offers its own benefits. Most notably, New England Gold Pass holders receive three free days at Boyne Resorts’ western resorts. These include Big Sky in Montana and Brighton Resort in Utah. These days will be preloaded onto the pass upon purchase. After those days are used, pass holders then get 50% off window rates. They will also receive this discount from The Mountain Collective resorts.
The Silver, Nitro, and College Gold Pass offers pass holders 50% off single-day tickets at West Coast resorts at the regular season window price. Each pass also gives pass holders discounts on dining, retail, and lodging at the three New England Pass resorts. Discounts will be specific to the resorts themselves and are subject to change throughout the season.
Find out more on the New England Pass website. If you’re still shopping around for the best pass for you, check out our other pass buying guides here.
Header image ©Sunday River Resort
March 19, 2024
