Niseko’s four ski resorts have signed up to the global Mountain Collective Lift pass, giving skiers and boarders around the world added incentive to come to Niseko this season.
One of the world’s two major ski resorts passes, the Mountain Collective pass gives holders 40 days of skiing at 20 resorts across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Japan.
Mountain Collective pass holders can present proof of purchase and photo ID at Niseko lift ticket counters and receive a 2-Day All Mountain Lift Pass, valid for two consecutive days skiing across Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono resorts.
Niseko is added alongside southern Japanese cousin Hakuba, and household ski resort names including Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Banff and Chamonix.
There are 16 fully fledged member resorts on the pass, with Niseko one of four extra “Global Affiliate” members for the 2017-18 season, along with Hakuba, Chamonix and Chile’s Valle Nevado.
Niseko Village resort director Panch Ratnavale said inclusion in the Mountain Collective would introduce Niseko to a whole new world of snow lovers, particularly in North America.
“Every passionate skier has heard about Niseko’s legendary deep, dry powder – now they can come and try it for free,” Panch said. “As a resort on the Mountain Collective pass, more people are going to be asking about Niseko and the stories will spread.
“Niseko has been named Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards for the past four years thanks to the daily snowfalls, world-class dining and “omotenashi” (Japanese hospitality). Now Niseko offers even more value and additional great skiing terrain for all levels in the best powder snow in the world.”
“(this is)… an unmatched experience allowing passholders to ski the world.”
This partnership is the second such move from Niseko United, which broke new ground in the 2014-15 season by being the first ski resort in Asia to partner with the Vail Epic Pass and offer Pass holders five days complimentary skiing in the 2014-15 season. The partnership set a trend when Hakuba Valley joined the Mountain Collective as a Global Affiliate in the winter of 2015-16, with Niseko now following suit.
Unlike the Epic Pass, which retails for around twice the price and offers unlimited season-long skiing at 13 Vail-owned destinations across the US, Canada and Australia, the Mountain Collective threads together independently owned ski resorts.
The Epic Pass is touted by ski gurus as better deal for snow lovers based near Vail-owned resorts, or those planning to stick to one or a few resorts over a season’s worth of skiing. The Mountain Collective favours destination skiers planning to traverse many resorts in their season. If you’re thinking about which global ski pass to purchase, see a great comprehensive comparison with prices and resorts from the 2016-17 season.
Aspen Ski Company spokesperson Christian Knapp said with the addition of Niseko, Snowbasin and Sugarbush for the 2017-18 season, the Mountain Collective continued to offer an unparalleled pass experience to its expanding network of global passholders. “The low starting price of the Mountain Collective pass, paired with the pass’s 50% off lift tickets and lodging discounts, makes for an unmatched experience allowing passholders to ski the world.”
The pass was valid from May 2017 in the southern hemisphere and will become valid from November 2017 in the north. Holders also receive discounts across accommodation and restaurants at both destinations.
See the full lineup of resorts, purchase info and details about how to collect your pass at each destination at the official website.
As well as two days skiing at all partner resorts, pass holders receive 50% off regular lift ticket prices throughout the season at the 16 full member resorts:
- Alta Ski Area
- Aspen Snowmass
- Banff Sunshine
- Coronet Peak | The Remarkables
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Mammoth Mountain
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort
- Snowbasin Resort
- Snowbird
- Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
- Sugarbush Resort
- Sun Valley
- Taos Ski Valley
- Telluride Ski Resort
- Thredbo Alpine Village