Power Pass Promises “More Mountains in the Future” as 2023-24 Pass Suite Drops
Valle Nevado not yet included on Power Pass; Copper MIA
If your first question is “what the hell is the Power Pass,” then here is your answer: it is a multi-mountain pass serving eight of Mountain Capital Partners’ (MCP) ski areas, plus a few partner resorts. Here’s the 2023-24 lineup - so far:
If your next question is “how much does it cost,” then here you go:
And if you want to know how that compares to last year’s early-bird Power Pass prices, I made a chart for that too (well, for the adult ages 37-to-64 tier at least):
And if you’re wondering where Valle Nevado, Chile – which MCP took a majority ownership stake in earlier this year – sits on the Power Pass, access “has not yet been announced,” MCP announced in their announcement. And if you’re wondering what happened to longtime Power Pass partner Copper Mountain, an MCP representative told me that they’re “still working on that.” And if you’re wondering if that’s it, then read this money quote from MCP managing partner James Coleman:
“The Power Pass exists to give people the freedom to ski, and we will continue to bring that purpose to more mountains in the future.”
As frequent readers know, I rarely bother reprinting executive press release quotes. This is because they are usually terrible, the worst possible outcome of 32 people collaborating to draft three sentences. “We are so excited for this amazing [blank]. The synergies will empower and enable our long-term goals and deliverables around our 360-degree solutions from a 30,000-foot view. This going-forward solve to ring-fence our … GLITCH … standards …. FITZ … outside the box … CRASH.” Apologies, the integration of BoringAI and the Jargonator 5000 has been uneven.
Anyway, the first part of Coleman’s quote is a throwaway (sorry MCP, you know I love you), but the second part is basically saying this: “I’m not finished buying mountains, Motherfuckers.” Which is good news for anyone who likes to see dilapidated, dying ski areas transformed into functioning, climate-resilient businesses.
In the meantime, Power Pass holders have access to this eclectic bucket of Western ski areas. It is a compelling offering, as it has been for years. That MCP is attempting to fracture the space-time continuum by pricing its season pass (the $299 Power Pass Core), lower than a peak-day single-day lift ticket (the $309 Arizona Snowbowl Special), only makes the Power Pass more interesting.
Passholders get a bunch of additional benefits, including discounted lift ticket; access to MCP’s mountain bike parks; and rental, lesson, food, beverage, and retail discounts. An interest-free payment plan is available, and new passholders can start using their pass as soon as they make their first payment – a rarity in skiing. MCP also reported this week that they had purchased a pair of golf courses in Show Low, Arizona, and is considering whether to include access on the Power Pass.
Here's a deeper look at MCP’s 2023-24 Power Pass offerings, and how this product fits into the broader megapass landscape: