Fernie Alpine Resort’s “Rockies Card” is billed as getting you three free days skiing and snowboarding this season. We all know that nothing is free however the Rockies Card does provide great value if you’re skiing the right number of days. So where is the pass value at FAR and beyond if your buying now?
An early-bird season ski pass gives you the largest discount however that pricing ended in June. The break-even on an early-bird season pass is around 12-14 days of skiing and snowboarding, a great deal considering the number of high quality snow days in Fernie. An early-bird family pass cuts that break-even almost in half.
So where are we today, Season Pass vs RCR Card vs Day Ticket, and where is the break even?
A day ticket cost $119.95 at the ticket window this season and pre-purchase discounts are available online. This is the best ticket option for skiing and snowboarding for less that three days.
The RCR Rockies card costs $114.95 and is your best option with today’s pricing for skiing and snowboarding less than 15 days.
A Fernie Season Pass costs $1759 today and is the best deal today if you plan to ski and snowboard more than 15 days. A Family Season Pass at today’s rate would drop the break event even less.
The above analysis are based on my calculations, click here for details on FAR’s current pricing.
I have have upgraded to an RCR Pass in past years, which includes Kicking Horse, Kimberley Alpine Resort, and Nakiska, however I never used the privilege. I do have friends who love to pack their gear and road-trip and they do well with the $150 upgrade on their season pass. The RCR rockies card also offers the RCR whole enchilada.
Fernie Alpine Resort and RCR are also part of the EPIC pass, a Vail Resorts multi-resort product.
Buying an Epic Pass gives you a total of seven days of skiing and snowboarding at all the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies with no restricted dates. The areas include: Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Nakiska, Mont Sainte Anne, and Stoneham. And Epic pass holders will receive 50% off additional lift tickets after all seven days are used.
The Epic Pass includes unlimited and unrestricted skiing and snowboarding at Vail Resorts network. Vail Resorts owns or operates 37 ski areas worldwide, the potential for adventure is huge! So buy an Epic Pass before November 24th for $1218 Cdn$ and you’re really ready to road-trip!
With today’s multitude of skiing and snowboarding pass options, choosing a lift ticket is as easy as selecting a cookie however, nothing is free!
Photos: RCR & Vail Resorts
