May 5, 2015 Editor's update: The below article was published last year. Today Mountain Collective added Thredbo as a full partner, meaning you can now use the 3rd day bonus at Thredbo and get 50% off additional days at Thredbo (unlike last year where this wasn't part of the deal). There are also a few more new partner resorts on the Mountain Collective list. See their site for more details.

The Mountain Collective (a collaboration between major ski resorts) has been growing steadily since its inception, and has recently added some new resorts. Those who stand to benefit the most this year are Australians who ski at Thredbo and one (or more) of the Mountain Collective’s North American resorts (see list below).

The current price of the Mountain Collective pass is US$369 for adults, and US$99 for children aged 12 and under. But you’ll need to get in fast, as stocks are limited at this price point. Plus if you get in now, you’ll receive a BONUS third day at one resort.

Scout contacted Mountain Collective to get a true understanding of what this means for Thredbo-ites. Here’s our take on the benefits…

IF you plan to ski at Thredbo this season and in North America next winter:

• Purchase the Mountain Collective pass now and you will get 2 days skiing at Thredbo included for this season.
• You will then get 2 days skiing at each of the North American Mountain Collective resorts for the 14/15 season. (12 days in total)
• Any additional days at those North American resorts will be charged at 50% less than the single-day ticket window rate. NOTE: Sadly this excludes additional days at Thredbo. They are still full price.
• For a limited time, when you buy the pass you will get a third day free at one of the North American resorts of your choice.
• The 14/15 Mountain Collective pass is valid for the 2014 Thredbo season. If you purchase it after this season, that pass will not be valid for Thredbo in 2015.

IF you have a season pass at Thredbo and will ski at one or more of the Mountain Collective North American resorts next winter:

• Thredbo season pass holders will receive 50% off the price of lift tickets at any of the North American Mountain Collective resorts. This is a great deal because these resorts are home to some of Scout’s favorite mountains – plus day tickets at most decent North American resorts are around $100 (or more).
• There is no need to purchase the Mountain Collective pass in order to receive this benefit – just show your Thredbo pass at the ticket window.

Is it worth it?

Okay, let’s say you plan on skiing 3 days at Thredbo and 7 days in Aspen (all prices in AUD with an exchange rate of AUD$1 = US94c)…

With the pass:

• Mountain Collective pass: $398
• Two days at Thredbo: $0
• Extra Thredbo day: $110
• Two days at Aspen included in pass: $0
• Third day optional extra (limited time only): $0
• 4 additional days at Aspen @ 50% off: $255 (Based on 13/14 window prices)

Total Price: $763 for 10 days

Without the pass:

• Three day (Jun 30-Jul 13 rate) Thredbo ticket bought online in advance: $296
• 7 Day Aspen ticket bought online in advance: $742

Total Price: $1038 for 10 days

So yes, it’s worth it!

You would save yourself $275 by purchasing the Mountain Collective Pass. Stopover at a second (or more) Mountain Collective resorts on the way and the savings would be even greater!

Mountain Collective Resorts: