Resort Skier vs. Backcountry Skier, ROI

...... Oh wait... you weren't saying that? Sorry.

Nope, I wasnt saying that. Just having fun here, figured this a fun post for a backcountry ski forum so I wasn't really regarding the fun of skiing at resorts. I've just enjoyed a lot of backcountry opportunities the past few years.

Most of us buy cheap early season passes and the cost per day goes way down.

I did mention the season pass holder had a savings category. My whole post is too roughly estimated to take this seriously, too many variables and just a random passing thought while killing time on here.   but everyones own numbers are interesting, I should consider a season pass next year.

"If you count the money per run you will have no fun"

"If you count the money per run you will have no fun"

So true, for example I: retired early, bought land, built a house, switched from tele to all Dynafit AT gear to make it easier, bought a new Subaru and immediately replaced the tires with walnut shells, been buying all this new 1st Ascent bc clothing, and, of course, retaining my previous investments in tele skis, bc waxless skis, multiple boot, multiple sets of poles AND buying new gear for my spouse to keep her interested; but BIG SAVINGS on my lifetime free disabled citizen pass and my lifetime $10 Golden Age Pass! All this, just to ski MRNP & MTTA 3-5X/week.

but a really good buy!

BC is about the same in cost/run due to less runs compared to the cost of getting to the mountain and back. It's really:

Resort: $50 (Baker) lift ticket + $10 gas / 15 runs = $4 per run
BC: $10 gas / 3 runs = $3.33 per run

So about the same. By a variation on this math, a season pass holder would come out way ahead of BC.

So the equation has to be cost /day, assuming you enjoy your BC day including the uphill. In that case BC wins hands down.

Gas $10, Food $x, Skis $xx, Bindings, $xx . . . .

The moment you leave the sound of the lifts behind for the day -- priceless.

.. assuming you enjoy your bc day including the uphill ...The moment you leave the sound of civilization behind for the day  -- priceless!

added my edits abc

Then there is a BC guy like me... who has a quiver of gear..... I estimate 13 BC days last season....

With 39 runs/yr you are clearly living the ROI dream.


I would say you can't put a price on happiness and I am just as happy to ride lifts and ski with my kids as I am to get out into the BC since in bounds or BC, I love to ski.