Can you ski without a pass?

Question

Can you ski without a pass?

Answer 1

If you go backcountry you can. But then you need a buddy, and avalanche gear, if you are going to do it right.

Answer 2

Most do require you to pay.  However, I've been to a mountain where the rope tow in the beginner area was free.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about anywhere else, but I think pretty much everywhere in the Alps needs one to get on every lift. Noone asks you for it, there are automatic machines you pass through to get on a lift. They can tell whether you have a pass in your pocket and it will let you through. You can of course just walk up the slopes but you're in for a long walk if you want a decent ski.

Answer 4

If you hike up the hills yourself, then I don't think you need one.

Answer 5

as long as you don't mind walking to the top of the slopes because you can't get on the ski lift without one...

Answer 6

Technically, if you don't use the lift, you don't have to...but...the life ticket is a contract between you and the ski area.  They are paying money to develop the land (even if it is public land like Forest Service or BLM), groom the slopes, and provide a ski patrol to rescue you if you get hurt.  

Since they are shelling out all that money, why don't you go ahead and buy a lift ticket?  It'll be easier, safer, and you'll get more runs in.  

If you really don't want to buy a lift ticket, go back country (I do cross country and back country all the time).

Answer 7

Will need one to get on a lift at a ski resort but if you want to go at home pick a hill and go for it. No pass needed. Also I think you have to have a pass to even rent skis @ the resort. That is if you dont own a pair. I would search online for a sight for a ski resort you are wanting to go to. I am sure you will find all your info there. Have fun...

Answer 8

you can if you don't ski at a resort.  most heli-skiers can do this; same applies for cross country skiers.

Answer 9

Ski the back country, no pass needed.

Just make sure you take some friends, an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, a probe, a helmet, GPS w/ map is good idea...

You get the picture, there are tons of opportunities out there but you HAVE to know what you are doing. If your ability allows take an avalanche course or two, get the necessary gear, and load up your buds for a road trip!

Answer 10

If you like walking up the mountain well sure you don't need a pass for that. But to go on the lift you need a pass or ticket.

Answer 11

Funny,  I skied at Snowbird, Alta and Brian Head for 3 or 4 years and allways had season passes.  One year I headed for parts unknown and ended up in Montana at Big Mountain.  I skied for three days without a pass.  I swear I did not do this on purpose, I was just so used to never having to think about it that I just went skiing like I always do.  It was really embarassing trying to explain it to the Lift operator when he finally asked for my pass,  but he was cool and I had all my previous passes in a pocket so he ended laughing about it aswell.  He did make me buy a pass though!

Answer 12

I've skinned up Okemo, Stratton, and Bromley in VT several times without question or challenge from Ski Patrol or the lifties. Most places that use federal or state land can't stop you from hiking or skinning up a slope. Just be respectful and stick to non-ski trails or use the edge of an easier trail to ascend.

Resorts on private property may ask you to buy a ticket or suffer the consequences of trespassing.

Off-piste skiing rarely requires a pass. In fact some places like Jay Peak will allow you to purchase a one-time ride on the lift for a very cheap price. (Although Jay has closed the Big Jay area this year thanks to the dumbasses who cut down a bunch of trees.)