As more resorts from the major multi-resort companies open or get close to their opening date, becoming clear that there are actually four different approaches by the companies on Epic or Ikon. What seems to be a common approach is only opening for passholders during at least the first part of early season when there are only a few lifts running and pretty limited terrain. Also delaying opening days to allow for more snowmaking and natural snowstorms to have less of a WROD situation. As ticket calendars open up for Dec-Feb, it's possible to see patterns for pricing for day/night tickets and availability during holiday periods in Dec and Jan.
* Vail Resorts with Epic lift access reservations for all locations
* Alterra with Ikon, no Ikon lift access reservations
* Powdr, Ikon Partners, parking reservations
* Boyne Resorts, Ikon Partners, Ikon lift access reservations
Alterra, Powdr, and Boyne have slightly different approaches depending on region and the unique situation for a given ski area/resort.
Powdr seems to have made a company-wide decision to not open later than usual, mostly after Thanksgiving. In particular for locations that typically are among the first to open in their respective regions, such as Killington and Mt. Bachelor. The decision was announced for Bachelor in mid-September. Also looks like Powdr locations are opening for season passholders for a short period during early season, before making any day tickets available.
Sept. 16, KTVZ in Oregon
Mt. Bachelor shoots for Dec. 7 opening of ‘Back to Basics’ COVID-19-affected season
https://ktvz.com/news/coronavirus/2...g-of-back-to-basics-covid-19-affected-season/
Boyne paid close attention to the number of Boyne-only passes sold starting back in the summer. Boyne put pass sales on pause more than once since the spring for destination resorts like Big Sky and Sunday River. Clearly wanted to avoid any reservation requirement except for Ikon lift access. Ikon holders are limited in the number of days in any case. However, Boyne seems to want to have day tickets available for typically busy days as well as keep Ikon holders happy.