You Can Skip the Lift Line at These 6 Ski Resorts With Alterra’s ‘Reserve’ Pass

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted October 19, 2025

Earlier this week, a program at many Alterra Mountain Company resorts called the ‘Reserve Pass’ caused a stir.

The upgrade is an additional cost on top of what skiers pay for standard lift access with their pass or ticket, unlocking an exclusive express line for the lift that’s similar to those already used by ski schools at resorts across the country. Daily options are available, too.

For Crystal Mountain, Washington, locals, the Reserve Pass was cause for a petition. It argued that the program would create a “class-based system on the slopes.” Social media posts on the Crystal Mountain subreddit decrying the add-on pass followed.

When asked about the Reserve, a representative for Alterra told POWDER in an email that the add-on Reserve passes “may not be attractive to all season pass holders, but for a family that is coming for a week’s vacation or a quick weekend, this is the ultimate upgrade to help them get the most out of their experience.”

They added that the passes will be “available in very limited quantities,” ensuring that “the Crystal Mountain experience remains fantastic for everyone.”

While the implementation of the Reserve Pass at Crystal Mountain created a local debate, the program extends far beyond Washington to other ski resorts in the U.S. (at POWDR Corp.-owned mountains like Copper Mountain, Colorado, and Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, there is already Fast Tracks, a similar program to the Reserve).

Here are the other ski resorts you’ll find the Reserve Pass at next winter, and how much it costs at each mountain. Lift access and price vary from mountain to mountain.

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