Announcing the 22/23 "Indy Daybreaker" Award
How many days did you ride on the Indy Pass in the 22/23 season?
Every year, Indy Passholders from all over the country attempt to rack up the most days on mountain. Who doesn't want to make the most of their season? With an Indy Pass, you get two days each at 120+ resorts, providing the perfect opportunity to ski your heart out.
The pass connects a wide variety of independently owned ski areas, creating a network of tree runs, learning areas, and groomed slopes that distinctly contrasts with the overcrowded experience you'd typically find at mega-resorts. Each Indy ski area boasts its own unique vibe where you can feel good about earning your turns and supporting the local ski scene.
Unveiling the "Indy Daybreaker" Award:
This award spotlights the individual(s) who redeemed the most ski days on their pass during a single season. With a free 23/24 Indy Pass on the line and bragging rights for the 23/24 season, TWO winners came out on top...
Andrea and Brian at Hoodoo Ski Area, OR.
Congratulations to Brian Ausberger and Andrea Wilhelm who together tied for the most Indy Pass redemptions! They scored 51 ski days across 27 resorts in just one season... now that's "Daybreaker" material.
Taking in the view from Soldier Mountain, ID.
"You don't need to go 50 times to enjoy the Indy pass. Even if you only get 4 or 10 or 20 trips with day trips from your home, Indy is absolutely worth it."
- Andrea and Brian
All 27 resorts Andrea and Brian bagged.
A Challenge Accepted
When the duo purchased the passes, they had planned for about 4 months of travel completing a loop around the West. Starting in Southern California and moving north to Washington, they then took their adventure to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, ending their season in Eagle Point, Utah. Rock climbers turned ski bums for the winter, the pair was ravenous for new terrain and quickly escalated their leisurely trip into a mission.
Snowboarder crossing at 49 Degrees North, WA.
Believe it or not, this was Andrea's first-ever season snowboarding. Brian—a returning Indy Passholder—was thrilled to show his partner his all-time favorite Indy resorts. Andrea took the challenge and appeared to have little problem sharpening her skills along the way. Not bad for a beginner.
From the start of the season, they set out with a goal of hitting 40 resorts to make each lift ticket ~$10 (having purchased the Indy+ Pass). Andrea and Brian worked remotely from their van all winter long for the four-month-long road trip. As Andrea's endurance rose, they went from snowboarding 2-3 days a week to 5-6 days a week surpassing their goal and reaching 51 total days.
Brian exploring the glades at Meadowlark, WY.
Embodying the spirit of the Pass, Andrea and Brian found the best Indy vibe at Meadowlark a local ski resort located in the small town of Ten Sleep, WY. Dubbed the "Little Jackson Hole", Meadowlark is nestled on the edge of a mountain lake in the Bighorn Mountains. The duo was welcomed by the staff who wanted to hear about their experiences and made them feel at home.
Andrea scoring fresh tracks at Bluewood, WA.
They discovered new terrain in Washington where they skied the hidden gem Bluewood.
"We didn't even have it on our plan but decided to detour to it between Silver and Brundage. The powder was incredible, the trees were really fun, and each run felt unique while still being a small, one-lift resort."
- Brian and Andrea
Kodak moment at Eagle Point, UT
After traveling throughout the West and exploring 27 different Indy resorts, Brian and Andrea can agree that Brundage is by far their favorite resort due to its fantastic tree runs and empty slopes. The first to join the Indy Pass, Brundage Mountain touts the 'Best Snow in Idaho'.
From their 51 days on mountain several remarkable experiences stood out: Lost Trail Powder Mountain, MT, Hoodoo Ski Area, OR, Pomerelle Mountain Resort, ID, Tamarack, ID, White Pine Ski Resort, WY, and Beaver Mountain, UT. Each of these resorts left a mark on their hearts serving as a testament to the endless commitment and spirit that independent ski areas offer.
Enjoying some well-deserved sun at China Peak, CA
Advice for becoming the next Indy Daybreaker
Interested in claiming the award next year? Here are tips from this year's winners:
- Be willing to ride in any condition: We had rain at White Pass, whiteout conditions at Soldier, freezing cold at Brundage... we made each experience worthwhile. Some days, we were only out for a few hours. Not every day has to be "first to last chair".
- Plan ahead, but be flexible: Even with the Indy+, you really have to plan around days when each resort is closed or understand when parts of the resorts are closed. We had a Google Calendar that listed tentative dates we'd be at each resort, drive time between each resort, and what days the resort was closed if we had to move it around. But we also allowed for changes—after hearing about snow at Bluewood, we detoured to add it. When we got snowed out of Antelope Butte, we added in some days at Pomerelle. Flexibility and watching the weather are key.
- Snow tires and chains were a must as finding safe and plowed locations was never a guarantee. We put the chains on at least 4 times! We have been very lucky that a lot of Indy resorts allow overnight parking or have a SnoPark nearby (~$30 for a pass).
Andrea and Brian at Lost Trail, MT
The real question is do you have the stamina to get 10 days on mountain? What about 20? Andrea and Brian spent four months traveling the country getting powder days and slush days alike. Skiing 5-6 days a week without hesitation, to get 51 days on mountain.
Brian taking in the notoriously frosty trees at Mission Ridge, WA
Do you have what it takes to be the next Indy Daybreaker? We'll be on the lookout for the winner of the upcoming the 23/24 season. With unparalleled access and big savings, the Indy Pass is the way to truly get the most out of your season.
Join the waitlist to be the first in line when passes go on sale. We're hoping to add enough resort capacity for additional sales in the fall season, so stay tuned.
