Where to Enjoy First Tracks

Mornings are prime time at ski resorts, delivering smooth corduroy and, when conditions align, fresh powder before the crowds arrive. It’s a window that appeals to everyone from casual cruisers to die-hard skiers willing to wake up early for first chair. But at some resorts, those early laps can be even more exclusive. First tracks offers access to pristine terrain before standard lift hours—and in select cases, the perk is included with a lift ticket or your season pass. So let’s dive into how and where you can enjoy first tracks at North America ski resorts.

Note that this isn’t a complete list, but it gives you a good introduction to some of the best North America ski resorts with first tracks offerings.

Get First Tracks With Your Multi-Resort Ski Pass

First things first, your multi-resort season pass may come with first tracks access. However, this access is typically for the full pass on major multi-resort pass programs. Below we share a little bit about what to expect with the first tracks programs on the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass.

First Tracks On The Ikon Pass

Several resorts on the Ikon Pass offer exclusive First Tracks access on select mornings each season, giving pass holders the chance to load on the lifts before the general public and enjoy untouched corduroy or fresh powder. These early‑access days vary by destination, but they typically include a handful of weekends or special event dates when participating mountains open terrain early for Ikon skiers and riders. It’s a coveted perk of the pass—one that rewards early risers with quieter slopes, extra laps, and a head start on some of the best snow of the day. For a full list of participating resorts and the dates they’re offering, head over to the Ikon Pass website.

Epic Pass First Tracks

Similar to the Ikon Pass, some Epic Pass destinations are part of its First Tracks program. The specific details depend on the resort—some host one‑off early‑access mornings that are a part of special events, while others offer select dates where lifts spin early exclusively for Epic guests. At Vail, for example, it means loading Gondola One ahead of the crowd for quiet laps followed by breakfast. Other mountains build their First Tracks offerings around lodging packages or limited‑capacity early‑ups sessions. No matter the format, the appeal is the same: Untouched snow, wide‑open runs, and a head start on the day’s best conditions. Check with your preferred resort to learn about their offerings.

Now let’s dive into first tracks experiences at specific ski resorts.

Ski Resorts With First Tracks Experiences

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Over at Whistler Blackcomb, the First Tracks Early Access program gives skiers and riders the chance to load the Whistler Village Gondola between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. before lifts start spinning for the general public at 8:30 a.m. Tickets cost $35, and while the add-on is not date-specific, Whistler Blackcomb caps each day’s early skiing access to 600 people. As an added bonus, when you purchase an early access ticket, you’ll also get a $20 voucher to use at any of the resort’s dining locations. Note that a separate lift ticket or season pass is required, and you’ll need to pick up your voucher at guest services before loading onto the gondola.

Big White, Canada

Guests who book certain private lessons at Big White can enjoy the added perk of early lift access, which means quieter slopes, more room to ski and ride, and plenty of untouched snow, all with an expert instructor. These lessons cater to intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, and include 45 minutes of exclusive access on the Ridge Rocket chairlift before the general public begins skiing. Pricing begins at $225 for a 90‑minute session when booked online in advance, with the option to add additional participants for $108 each.

Sun Peaks, Canada

Similar to Big White, Sun Peaks’ First Tracks Private Lessons offer skiers and snowboarders a premium early‑morning experience with exclusive access to the Crystal Chairlift and its surrounding terrain before it opens to the public. Designed for intermediate to advanced guests ages 19 and up, this two‑hour lesson at Sun Peaks, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., pairs participants with a skilled instructor for personalized coaching and uninterrupted laps. The lesson is priced at $489 for up to three people, with the option to add additional participants of similar ability for $159 each. This makes it ideal for friend groups or families who want to improve their skills. Lift tickets and equipment rentals are not included but can be added when booking.

Purgatory, Colorado

Purgatory Resort’s First Tracks series levels things up with exclusive early‑morning access to the resort’s backside terrain well before regular lift operations begin. Scheduled on select Sundays in January, February, and March, each First Tracks sesh goes from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering three full hours of quiet slopes and untouched snow. The experience doesn’t end on the mountain: After your morning on the slopes you’ll head to Backside Bistro for a gourmet champagne brunch, creating a relaxed and celebratory finish to the morning. Five dates are offered at Purgatory for the 2025-26 ski season.

Winter Park, Colorado

Season pass holders looking to get a jump on their ski days can add an Early Ups pass to their lift access at Winter Park for as low as $349. It provides access to The Gondola, Super Gauge, and Explorer lifts before the mountain officially opens. This is a solid perk for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders who are eager for untouched corduroy and fresh powder, fewer people on the hill, and a chance to stack extra laps before the crowds roll in. Early Ups is available all season long with zero blackout dates through April 19, 2026, just as long as you’ve got a lift ticket or pass to go with it. The program kicks in as soon as The Gondola and Super Gauge start daily operations.

Deer Valley, Utah

Want first tracks exclusively for you and all your friends? You and up to 19 of your friends can immerse yourself in the amazing terrain Deer Valley has to offer, all before lifts open to the general public. But just know that such an exclusive experience comes with a high price tag at $15,000. The cost covers lift operation, ski patrol, and mountain hosting services, but doesn’t include lift tickets. “Please keep in mind that a minimum ski ability level of advanced intermediate, or the ability to comfortably ski a blue run in all conditions, is required to fully enjoy this experience,” Deer Valley said. Each day, the resort caps the experience at only 20 people to ensure guests get the most pristine, luxurious first tracks experience possible.

Alternatively, Deer Valley also offers an annual First Tracks event to season pass holders, allowing those with passes to access the slopes at 8:30 a.m. on January 28, 2026. It also offers three First Tracks days for Ikon Pass holders. Just remember that Deer Valley is a skier-only resort.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe’s Epic Pass Holder First Tracks, presented by Helly Hansen, gives Epic Pass holders an exclusive opportunity to load the Mountain Gondola early and enjoy untouched morning snow before the resort opens to the public. On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Mountain Gondola will operate from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. exclusively for Epic Pass and Epic Day Pass holders, offering early access to classic Stowe favorites such as Gondolier, Chin Clip, and Perry Merrill.

This one‑day event is free with a valid Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass, and no registration is required—pass holders can simply arrive and load the gondola during the early‑access hour. To kick off the morning, Stowe will offer complimentary breakfast sandwiches while supplies last, along with special giveaways from Helly Hansen. Designed as a perk for Epic Pass holders, First Tracks delivers a fun, community‑focused way to enjoy fresh corduroy, quiet trails, and an early start on some of Stowe’s most iconic terrain.

Hero Image ©Deer Valley