How to Get Discounted Lift Tickets Through Your Chase Sapphire

If you're a Chase Sapphire cardholder looking to hit the slopes this spring, we've got some great news: Chase partnered with the Alterra Mountain Company to offer Sapphire cardholders discounted lift tickets, drink discounts and even Chase Sapphire Lounge pop-ups at 13 ski resorts.

Through this promotion, eligible cardholders can purchase lift tickets for as little as $82 (or 8,200 points).

However, there's plenty of fine print to keep in mind. So let's take a closer look at how and where Chase Sapphire cardholders can get discounted lift tickets.

Ski resorts where Chase cardholders get discounted lift tickets and other perks

During the 2023 ski season, Chase Sapphire cardholders can get discounted lift tickets at 13 resorts across six states and two Canadian provinces.

Here are the participating locations and the price to purchase a one-day lift pass through Chase Ultimate Rewards:

» Learn more: Chase Ultimate Rewards®: How to earn and use them 

These resorts have one thing in common: they are all owned by the Alterra Mountain Company. However, not all Alterra Mountain Company resorts are participating in this promotion.

Which Chase cards are eligible for discounted lift tickets?

Discounted lift tickets are exclusively available to Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders.

Unfortunately, cardholders of other Ultimate Rewards-earning cards — such as the Chase Freedom Flex® and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card — can't purchase discounted lift tickets through this partnership.

What to consider before buying discounted lift tickets through Chase

Skiing is expensive and discounted lift tickets may sound appealing. However, pay attention to the fine print before purchasing these discounted lift tickets.

Advanced purchase required

You'll need to plan to take advantage of these discounted lift tickets. The terms and conditions note that receiving your lift ticket may take 5-7 business days. So, to be safe, purchase your tickets a couple of weeks before you want to ski.

Blackout dates apply

Certain participating resorts have blackout dates for these discounted lift tickets. Read the terms and conditions carefully to check if these blackout dates overlap with your travel plans.

Compare lift ticket prices

At many participating properties, lift ticket prices vary based on the day you purchase and the day you want to ski.

Like airfare nowadays, lift tickets can cost more during peak times and as you get closer to the date. Depending on when you're purchasing and your travel dates, lift tickets may be cheaper directly through the resort.

For example, consider lift ticket prices at Steamboat Springs between late February and early April 2023. At the time of writing, a one-day lift ticket varies in price between $132 and $243.

When purchasing Steamboat lift tickets through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you'd pay a flat $199 (or 19,900 Ultimate Rewards points) for a one-day lift pass.

So, you'd only want to purchase Steamboat Springs lift tickets through Chase if the cost is more than $200 per day when purchasing directly from the resort.

Redeeming points vs. paying cash

Chase Sapphire cardholders have the option to use Ultimate Rewards points to purchase discounted lift tickets. But should you?

Chase only offers 1 cent per point in value when using Ultimate Rewards points to purchase discount lift tickets. However, you can easily get more value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points by transferring them to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners. NerdWallet analysis calculates that Chase points are worth up to 2.1 cents each when used this way.

» Learn more: How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards between cards

How to purchase discounted lift tickets through Chase

To take advantage of these discounted lift tickets, first, log into your Chase Ultimate Rewards® account. Then browse this partnership page. Or click here to check out all Chase Experiences offers currently available.

Browse through the options until you find the ski resort you want and select it. Then choose the number of passes you want to buy.

Scroll down to double-check blackout dates and other terms of the purchase. Then click "purchase experience" to start the checkout process.

On the next page, review the details and enter the guest's full name, email address and any special needs or accommodations. Then click "confirm and continue."

Next, enter the voucher delivery information and choose how you'll pay. Cardholders can redeem points, cash or a mixture of both. Note that you'll need to charge the payment to your Chase Sapphire card.

Finally, review your purchase, agree to the terms and confirm that your delivery address is correct. Then you'll be able to place your order.

Other ski resort perks for Chase Sapphire cardholders

Discounted lift passes are not the only perk for Chase Sapphire cardholders. Cardholders can also score drink discounts and enjoy pop-up lounges at participating resorts.

Discounted drinks at select resorts through "Sapphire Sundays"

On Sundays, Chase Sapphire cardholders can save 10-15% off select drinks at select resort bars:

• Big Bear Mountain Resort: 10% off at Hawks 52.

• Palisades Tahoe: 10% off at Plaza Bar and Alpine Bar.

• Snowshoe: 10% off at Al Dente Ristorante.

• Mammoth Mountain: 10% off Moscow Mule, Mammoth Mocha and margaritas at Tusks Bar.

• Winter Park: $4 select draft beers and $6 well drinks at Detailer Bar.

• Deer Valley Resort: 10% off hot chocolate at Deer Valley Etc. Etc.

• Solitude: 10% off hot chocolate at St Bernard’s.

• Stratton: 10% off hot chocolate at Sunbowl Base Lodge.

• Sugarbush: 10% off hot chocolate at Gate House Cafeteria.

• Steamboat Resort: 10% off hot chocolate at Gondola Joe’s in Steamboat Square.

• Crystal Mountain: 15% off hot chocolate at Rafters.

Chase Sapphire Lounge pop-ups

Last but not least, Chase Sapphire cardholders can enjoy Chase Sapphire Lounge pop-ups at a few participating resorts:

• Steamboat Ski Resort (March 3-5): Complimentary waxes, complimentary First Tracks on Saturday and Sunday mornings to the first 40 cardmembers to sign-up in the Sapphire Lounge, complimentary drink tickets to Timber & Torch, and vending machine with complimentary prizes for Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardmembers in the base area.

• Big Bear Mountain Resort (March 10-12 and 17-19): Complimentary waxes and complimentary night skiing for the first 40 cardmembers who sign-up in the Sapphire Lounge.

• Palisades Tahoe (March 24-26 and March 31-April 2): Complimentary waxes and complimentary access to the NASTAR race course throughout the weekend.

» Learn more: The best Chase transfer partners — and ones to avoid

Chase Sapphire ski discounts this season

It's great to see Chase partner up with the Alterra Mountain Company to provide flat-rate lift tickets, discounted drinks and pop-up lounges for Sapphire cardholders. 

If you're considering buying discounted lift tickets, read all the fine print concerning blackout dates and the advance purchase required. Also, double-check to see if buying lift tickets through the resort is cheaper.