Did the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass Ruin Skiing and Snowboarding?

As the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass continue to expand their control over the ski resort industry, people are stating to wonder if it's a good thing. Some are even wondering if it has completely destroyed skiing and snowboarding. Despite all the problems mentioned in this video, we don't think it's possible to ruin skiing and snowboarding. Sure, the fresh powder gets skied out faster than in the past, but the mountains are still majestic and sliding on snow is still super fun.

This video discusses many of the negative impacts resulting from the corporate takeover of mountain resorts. It discusses issues with ski patrol pay, housing shortages, lift ticket price increases, crowding at ski areas, and ridiculously long lift lines. These are all legitimate concerns, however, for the average outdoor enthusiast, there is no doubt that the Ikon and Epic passes are a great value. For under $1,000 (for the base passes with some black out dates) you get access to dozens of resorts across the globe. Additionally, these corporations have made countless upgrades to lodges, lifts, and infrastructure at the mountain resorts they own; and they have positively impacted the economy in many mountain towns. Even though this video points out the bad, there is some good things happening in mountain towns across the country, and I guarantee you that everyone involved in this video owns one of the two passes blamed for these problems.