What makes the Gold Pass so amazing?

There are only 535 Gold Passes available each year through a partnership of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the National Ski Areas Association. Gold Passes may be obtained by contacting Steven Perelman at steven.perelman@usskiandsnowboard.org or 916-955-4391. Gold Passes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

You'll enjoy:

• Access to more than 200 ski resorts in 34 states.
• Full transferability so you can loan your pass to friends, family, co-workers and staff.
• Exclusive perks including a VIP tour of U.S. Ski & Snowboard's Center of Excellence training facility in Park City.
• Tax benefits: A major portion of your Gold Pass donation is tax-deductible.
• The knowledge that you are supporting the Olympic dreams of our U.S. athletes

The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation is the non-profit fundraising arm of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Incorporated in 1964 as a 501(c)3, the Foundation raises money to support year-round athlete training, development, competition and educational needs. Donations to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law.

Pass Purchases and Program Procedures

Gold Passes may be obtained through the office of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation, the non-profit fundraising arm of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Gold Passes are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Each pass is numbered for control purposes and recorded on a master list of pass owners, which is then sent to the participating ski areas' ticket offices.

RFID Scanning/Bar Coding

Many ski areas allow RFID scanning for the Gold Pass.  At these resorts, you'll need to scan your pass to open the access the lift gates. Where automated lift gate access is not available, you will need to have the barcode on the back of your pass scanned by a lift operator.

Gold Pass Use This Season

Vail Resorts, Alterra Resorts, Jackson Hole, Aspen/Snowmass and many of our other partner mountains are currently accepting Gold pass without reservations or restrictions. Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, these policies are subject to change. We suggest visiting the website of the resort you intend to visit or calling their pass office prior to arrival for the most up-to-date information. As always, we are happy to answer any questions, please contact Steven Perelman at 916-955-4391.

 Access may be limited or unavailable due to COVID-19 and is subject to capacity limitations, reservation policies, closures, or any other restrictions in effect at time of redemption.

Gold Pass Rules

The Gold Pass is transferable and may be used by anyone the owner designates.  It is understood that everyone who uses the Gold Pass is aware of the rules and procedures for using it.  Any abuse of these rules and procedures will result in the Gold Pass becoming invalid, with no restitution to the owner.

1. Access may be limited or unavailable due to COVID-19 and is subject to capacity limitations, reservation policies, closures, or any other restrictions in effect at time of redemption.

2. The Gold Pass may be used by only one person per day at participating ski areas. At many ski areas, members may scan their Gold Pass at the lift for direct access to the mountain. At ski areas where direct-to-lift access is not available, bearer will be issued a one-day lift ticket valid for all lifts. Bearer may obtain one lift ticket at only one ski area per day.

3. The issued lift ticket is non-refundable and, under no circumstances can it be given away or sold.  Misuse of the Gold Pass will result in the pass being revoked.

4. The Gold Pass may be used 50 times per season at each of the participating ski areas.

5. The Gold Pass may not be commercialized in any way, such as being offered as a bonus in connection with the rental of accommodations.

6. The Gold Pass may not be resold to another individual.

7. The Gold Pass will not be honored for summer activities.

Q: What is RFID?
A: Radio Frequency Identification. The 2023/2024 Gold Pass has two small RFID tags integrated into the card. When you pass through the lift line with RFID capability, this tag will register and open the lift access gate automatically. 

Q: Why are we using RFID technology in the Gold Pass? 
A: There are many benefits to RFID technology now and in the future. First and foremost, direct-to-lift access without having to wait in any ticket lines. Most participating resorts have RFID capability, therefore giving you easy access to the lifts. 

Q: Where should I carry my  Gold Pass? 
A: We suggest you carry your Gold Pass around your neck or in a separate pocket away from your cell phone, iPod, credit cards, or any foil-wrapped items such as gum wrappers, cold medicine, etc. The Gold Pass should be carried above your knees and below your shoulders. 

Q: I've seen scanning at other resorts, is RFID better?
A: RFID and bar code scanning achieve the same goals through different means. Bar codes require line of sight so that each ticket or pass can be read by a hand scanner. RFID tags are read remotely by RFID lift access gates. This means you can keep your card in your pocket or around your neck and do not have to show your pass/card/ticket each time you load the lift. 

Q: What information is stored on the Gold Pass?
A: Each Gold Pass has two RFID tags that physically contain unique ID numbers associated with each unique Gold Pass. No personal or additional information is stored on individual RFID tags. 

Q: Can the Gold Pass be used to access my personal information?
A: No. Each unique Gold Pass contains a multiple-digit number associated with your pass number. This profile is encrypted and secure within each resort database.

Q: Can I punch a hole in my Gold Pass?
A: Holes must never be punched in the Gold Pass. Your Gold Pass already has a hole in the card to accommodate the lanyard. The card has an antenna inside that surrounds the RFID tag. Any damage to the surrounding antenna will render the card inactive and the card must be replaced. A replacement fee will be required. 

Q: Can a magnet destroy my Gold Pass? 
A: No. 

Q: Can the Gold Pass 'survive' in pieces of clothing?
A: Yes. The Gold Passes are designed to survive normal usage throughout the year. However, do not run a Gold Pass through the washing machine or dryer as this may damage and deactivate the card. A replacement fee will be required. 

Q: Will the Gold Pass and its RFID technology interfere with my other wireless technology?
A: No. The radio frequencies used by RFID are assigned by regulatory agencies around the world to help ensure that no interference occurs. 

Q: Can the Gold Pass and its RFID technology be read from Satellites? 
A: No. The Gold Pass can be read at a distance not greater than a few yards.