I moved to Colorado in 1996 mainly for the snowboarding.  I got my “Colorado Pass” the very first year it was available and have renewed it every year since.  The great thing about Colorado Ski Resorts is that there is plenty of competition, for out of state skiiers as well as front rangers.  This means that us locals get incredible value when it comes to Colorado Season Pass Deals.   Ski Markets where one mountain dominates the ski landscape pay over $1,000 for access to just one marginal mountain.  In Colorado for less than $500 in most cases you get access to 3 or more world class resorts.  For most passes if you can just use it 7 times you will usually come out ahead, especially when you factor in lines to get lift tickets.  Pass holders go straight to the lifts.

Epic Local Pass (formerly Colorado Pass): At $499 for an adult ($20 more this year), this pass is just too much to beat, especially for front-rangers.  This pass is a little more expensive than most other Colorado Ski Passes but when you factor in the 10 days at Vail or Beaver Creek and the access to Tahoe Ski Areas, it actually presents the best value in the ski industry.  Pass Details: Unlimited access to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with no restrictions.  10 restricted days at Vail and Beaver Creek.  Bonus: Works at Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe with restricted days.  Link to Pass Information

Rocky Mountain Super Pass +: If you like to ski or ride at Winter Park, Copper, and Steamboat then this is your pass.  At $459 Rocky Mt Super Pass may presents great value for Colorado Slope Riders.  Pass Details: Unlimited skiing and riding at Winter Park / Mary Jane and Copper Mountain.  Bonus: Six unrestricted days at Steamboat.  Link to Pass Information 

Been thinking about buying a second home in Summit County?  Start your Breckenridge Real Estate Search, or look for Silverthorne CO MLS Listings or Frisco Homes for Sale here.

Monarch Mountain Season Pass: Moving up the list from #5 in 2011, this pass is a bit of a gem especially if you have plans to ski or ride at places like Revelstoke BC (3 free days!).  At just $329 for an adult, this might just be the best Season Pass Ski Deal in Colorado.  Pass Details: Unlimited at Monarch Mountain with no restrictions, and 31 free days + plus discounts and at partner resorts of Loveland, Sunlight, Powderhorn, Silverton, Durango, Angel Fire, Pajarito, Sipapu, Alta, and Grand Targhee, we have now added free or discounted skiing and riding at Michigan’s Indianhead, Arizona Snowbowl, Revelstoke British Columbia (3 free days!), Sol Vista, Red River & Taos, New Mexico, and China Peak, CA!  Link to Pass Information

Loveland Season Pass: Hate the I-70 traffic and crowds?  Look no further than the Loveland Ski Resort Season Pass.  For $359, this is also one of the better values in Colorado Skiing.  Pass Details: Unlimited skiing and snowboarding at Loveland, plus 3 free days each at Monarch Ski Area & Durango Mountain Resort.  Bonus: One free day unguided day at Silverton Mountain!  Double bonus: the midweek pass is just $249 and has the same benefits of the full pass.  Link to Pass Information

Copper 4-Pack: Can’t justify a season pass?  Check out the Copper Four Pack for just $139.  Pass Details: 4 days of skiing/riding at Copper + 4 Friends and Family lift tickets valid anytime during the season at $59 for use only at Copper.  Link to Pass Information

Aspen-Snowmass Classic Pass: If you know you are going to make a trip to Aspen or Snowmass, then make sure to grab the Classic Pass for $199 (or 7 days for $329).  Pass Details: Good for 4 days at Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.  Extension days can be added at a cheaper price than going straight to the lift ticket sales office.  Link to Pass Information

 Colorado Gems Card: This is the card that should be in every serious Colorado riders wallet.  For just $10, you get 2 free lift tickets (with restrictions) and discounts at A-Basin, Echo Mountain, Eldora Mountan Resort, Loveland Ski Area, Monarch Mountain, Powderhorn Resort, Ski Cooper, SolVista Basin, and Sunlight Mountain Resort.  Link to Card Information

Colorado Gold Pass: This is the Ultimate Ski Pass for the die hard Colorado Skiier or Snowboarder  For $3,000 you can access 21 Colorado Ski Resorts without any blackout dates or restrictions.  Pass Details: The Colorado Gold Pass is valid at 21 Colorado Ski Resorts. Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Copper Mountain, Crested Butte, Purgatory, Echo, Eldora, Howelson, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Ski Cooper, Snowmass, SolVista, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride, Winter Park and Wolf Creek.  Unfortunately the Gold Pass is no longer valid at any of the Vail Resorts, boo.  Bonus: When you flash this pass you will be the envy of everyone at après events! Link to Card Information

Crested Butte X-Card: New this year, you can buy a 5 day unrestricted pass to Crested Butte for $259 ($52/day).  This is a great season pass for a front ranger that wants to spend some time at Crested Butte as well.  Link to Card Information

Ready to make your Mountain Move: Search for Breckenridge CO MLS Listings.

Bonus List: The 2011 Ryan Penn Realtor Top 5 Colorado Ski Resorts:

#1 Vail: “Humongous 7 mile wing-span.  You can ski 100 straight days here and still be surprised by something new.”
#2 Snowmass: “Perfect weekend escape, best ski in-out resort in Colorado.  Big Burn Baby.”
#3 Wolf Creek: “Hard to get to but worth it every time, best snow in Colorado.  Get extreme on the Knife Ridge Chutes.”
#4 Steamboat: “Fun, fun town and pow-pow-pow!”
#5 Aspen Highlands: “The Highland Bowl is outrageous fun.  One of the most interesting designs for a Ski Resort.”

What’s your favorite season pass Colorado?  Have a favorite mountain to add to this list?  Drop it in our comments.