The Indy Pass

[MiSkier]

On my list. Would be great to meet up.

Considering staying in Cadillac to check out Crystal and Caberfae. I've heard that folks from Chicago like Crystal so I'm curious.

I'll be in touch after I get a better idea which week is going to work best.

Crystal has more runs than Caberfae, but they are very redundant and a fair amount shorter. Also Crystal is a resort with spas and condos and other than a very basic 36 room hotel, Caberfae is a true ski area. If you call to make a ski and stay reservation at Caberfae they will tell you we are not a Crystal or a Boyne.

 

[MarzNC]

Crystal has more runs than Caberfae, but they are very redundant and a fair amount shorter. Also Crystal is a resort with spas and condos and other than a very basic 36 room hotel, Caberfae is a true ski area. If you call to make a ski and stay reservation at Caberfae they will tell you we are not a Crystal or a Boyne.

Understood.

For western MA, I've skied Jiminy Peak, Berkshire East, Catamount, and West Mountain. Fair to say that Jiminy is quite different from the others in terms of being an actual resort with slopeside lodging. Just as Plattekill, Windham, Hunter, and Belleayre are quite different in terms of vibe and "amenities." Have only skied at those mountains in the Catskills a day or two but enough to fully appreciate the Conditions threads around here. When I'm on a ski safari and in "tourist mode", what I like to do is get a feel for a region.

Note that when I go out west, I enjoy skiing at Wolf Creek and Bridger along with Ikon resorts such as Big Sky, Steamboat. Alta is my favorite mountain and has been for decades. I prefer Grand Targhee over Jackson Hole for assorted reasons. Usually ski there and Bridger before/after trips to Big Sky. During a trip to Steamboat, my ski buddies and I spent a few hours at Howelsen Hill ($15 for a "lunch ticket" 11:00-1:00 midweek) before we headed to Denver at the end of the trip.

Does that help explain why I'm curious about both Caberfae and Crystal? As well as the Boyne resorts in MI and Nub's Nob.

 

[MiSkier]

Understood.

For western MA, I've skied Jiminy Peak, Berkshire East, Catamount, and West Mountain. Fair to say that Jiminy is quite different from the others in terms of being an actual resort with slopeside lodging. Just as Plattekill, Windham, Hunter, and Belleayre are quite different in terms of vibe and "amenities." Have only skied at those mountains in the Catskills a day or two but enough to fully appreciate the Conditions threads around here. When I'm on a ski safari and in "tourist mode", what I like to do is get a feel for a region.

Note that when I go out west, I enjoy skiing at Wolf Creek and Bridger along with Ikon resorts such as Big Sky, Steamboat. Alta is my favorite mountain and has been for decades. I prefer Grand Targhee over Jackson Hole for assorted reasons. Usually ski there and Bridger before/after trips to Big Sky. During a trip to Steamboat, my ski buddies and I spent a few hours at Howelsen Hill ($15 for a "lunch ticket" 11:00-1:00 midweek) before we headed to Denver at the end of the trip.

Does that help explain why I'm curious about both Caberfae and Crystal? As well as the Boyne resorts in MI and Nub's Nob.

No explanation was needed. I grew up skiing at Jiminy when they had two T-Bars and the Muller double and the glass house. I skied there again in 2009. Things sure have changed

 

[tirolski]

Found this.
Enjoy.

 

[jamesdeluxe]

Love the Japan clip. Looks like the northeast in the trees but with ten times the snow.

 

[TheGreatAbyss]

Wow I didn't realize the IndyPass is already sold out!! Was debating picking one up for the season but I guess not...

 

[MarzNC]

Wow I didn't realize the IndyPass is already sold out!! Was debating picking one up for the season but I guess not...

The decision was made very quickly to stop sales in the spring after only a few weeks. Took everyone by surprise.

My sense is that there is likely to be a short window of opportunity in the fall. Indy is hoping to add a few more locations. It's a balancing act. The goal is to avoid over selling. While the Indy resorts would like a bit more business, they really want to avoid long lift lines that cause locals and season pass holders to be unhappy.

 

[Brownski]

I wonder if you can still buy an add-on with a member mountain’s season pass. I know you’re a Belle guy, GA, but maybe a Catamount pass + the ad-on is a good option. You get the family stuff at Cat, full access to Berkshire East and then all your Indy days. Probably need to make a call to Cat or Indy though.

 

[TheGreatAbyss]

With #2 due soon I probably won't be doing much skiing, so I don't think a full season pass to one mountain is in the cards for this season. If I start taking my "by then 3.5 year old" the second half of this winter I might try Shawnee which is much closer to me then Catamount. Next season that might be a good Indy Add-on option.

 

[MarzNC]

Here is a great introduction to Indy Pass mountains in NY, plus a few in VT, and Berkshire East. Includes trees, fresh snow, and groomers. It was the first time the guy had an Indy Pass.

Posted March 2023