Updated September 25, 2025
Firstly, not everyone needs a ski pass holder. If your jacket has a sleeve pocket that scans fine you’re set. But not every jacket does and some of you are still stuck fishing through zippers at every lift. That’s where a simple pass holder makes life easier. It keeps your ticket in the right spot and saves you from slowing down the line.
I also recommend a pass holder for kids… having had way too many students lose their pass halfway up a mountain!
Here are a few that actually work.
🏆 Quick Pick
The MAXJULI Ski Goggles Pass Holder is the simplest way to keep your lift ticket handy. It clips right to your goggles so you’re not digging through pockets or strapping an armband over your jacket. Lightweight, cheap and built with skiers and riders in mind.
Top 3 Roundup
Best Ski Pass Holders
Here are the pass holders that actually make sense on the mountain. From goggle clips to armbands. Choose wisely.
1. MAXJULI Ski Goggle Pass Holder Best All-Rounder
- 1.In order that you can use it with confidence in cold weather, we use cold-resistant materials.
- 2.You will nerver worry about forgotten or lost the ski pass，because it will keep it very well.
- 3.It fits a standard credit card sized ski pass (3.30 in X 2.04 in)
- 4.The Open frame design make it scan easier.
- 5.Highly matched all size helmet.
The MAXJULI pass holder is one of those simple fixes that actually works. It clips straight onto your goggles so you’re not fumbling with zippers in the lift line. I used a similar setup back when I was teaching ski school and it made life easier with kids who always lost their tickets. No armband to adjust and no lanyard to tangle up. Admittedly it looks a little goofy but it does the job. For a couple bucks it saves you from a lot of grief on the hill.
2. Specialist ID Armband Badge Holder Best Value
- DURABLE, FLEXIBLE ID HOLDER FOR ARM - Clear Plastic Arm Sleeve - Top Load Insert - Designed to Hold a Standard Credit Card Size Photo ID - Offers Great Mobility at Work and for Outdoor Sporting Adventures - Economical and Long Lasting
- ONE SIZE FITS MOST - Adjustable Color Band Strap with Strong Hook And Loop Closure - One Size Fits Small to Larger Size Arms - Men and Women - Wear Over Clothing for Snug, Comfortable Fit with Company T-Shirt, Uniform, or a Puffy Coat
- METAL DETECTOR AND MRI FRIENDLY - Contains No Metal - Clear Vinyl Window Display - Great for Airport Ramp Employees, Equestrian Contact Information, Military ID Card Holder, Motorcycle Riding and More
- VERTICAL ARMBAND PASS HOLDER - - Hands-Free ID Badge Holder for Season Ski Pass, Lift Tickets, Equestrian Medical History Card, Office I'd Badge - Convenient to Tap Work Badge at Door Sensors with Arm - Aim Arm Against Receiver when Boarding Bus - Easier to Scan ID while Skiing - Compatible With: Epic Pass, Indy Pass, Mountain Collective, Ikon Pass & More
- NO DANGLING STRAPS OR CORDS - Safer for Security Conscious Environment Workplace - No Risk for Loose Lanyard Strap or Badge Reel Cord Getting Stuck in Machinery - Great for Airport Ramp Workers, Motorcycle Riders, Equestrian Events, and at the Slopes!
The Specialist ID armband is about as straightforward as it gets. Slip your pass inside strap it on and forget about it. It stays put while you ride and scans clean every time. You get two in a pack which is handy if you misplace one or want a backup. Nothing fancy here just a reliable little fix.
3. Gctriki Pass Holder with Lanyard Best Lanyard
- Novelty Badge Reel: This nurse badge reel is designed with abstract mountain sunrise sunset arts. The cute and interesting badge reel will always bring more happiness and fun to your life. The set includes a detachable lanyard, heavy-duty badge reel, and card holder, great for adding personality to your work accessories
- Cute ID Badge Holder: Made from durable ABS material, this lightweight holder protects your cards from damage. External dimensions: 2.7 x 4.3 inches; internal: 2.2 x 3.4 inches. Holds up to 2 standard cards (ID, credit, access) or 1 thicker card like an RFID badge
- Heavy-Duty Retractable Badge Reel: Made from quality plastic and steel, this sturdy reel can hold up to 3.52 ounces. It includes a carabiner and back clip for easy attachment to pockets, belts, or bags. The nylon cord extends up to 24 inches, making card access quick and convenient
- Easy to Use: Inserting cards is effortless. Ensure nothing obstructs the card holder, then simply slide up or down to open or close. The detachable lanyard features a quick-release clip for easy removal, saving time. You can even attach small toys or keys for added functionality
- Amazing gift: The surface of the badge reel is covered with shinning crystal, Halloween Christmas great gift for your friends or family. It is suitable for employees, workers, RN nurses, PA, nursing assistants, doctors, teachers, etc
The Gctriki lanyard looks good and feels solid but I’ve never been a huge fan of retractable reels on the mountain. They always seem to tangle or snap back at the worst time. That said this one gets high marks for durability and the mountain print lanyard has a bit more style than the plain black cords you see everywhere. If you like having your pass around your neck instead of strapped to your arm this is one of the better options. Just know it can flap around a bit if you’re riding park, in which case you’ll want to tuck it firmly under your jacket.
4. Specialist ID White Ski Pass Armband Best Budget Pick
- SUPER SECURE ONE SIZE FITS ALL ARMBAND BADGE HOLDER - ELASTIC ARMBAND STRAP WITH HOOK & LOOP WON’T SLIP OR FALL OFF - Perfect Fit for Men and Women - Flex Fit for Arms Large and Small - Can Even Be Worn on Wrist, Forearm, or Legs
- SUPER HEAVY DUTY SKI LIFT TICKET HOLDER - DESIGNED TO LAST FOR SEASON AFTER SEASON - Compatible with Epic Pass, Indy Pass, Mountain Collective and Ikon Pass - Great for Skiing and Snowboarding - Strong Vinyl Plastic and a Reliable White Adjustable Strap
- RFID ARMBAND SKI PASS HOLDER IS EASILY SCANNABLE & READABLE - CAN BE WORN UNDER OR OVER JACKET - Does Not Block Radio Signal So Your Pass Can Be Scanned Without any Problems - Durable and Lightweight Work Badge Protector for Airport, Restaurant Workers, Delivery Drivers, Warehouse Employees, Motorcycle Riding, Military Personnel and More
- WHITE BAND FOR CLEAN LOOK AND VISIBILITY - NO ANNOYING NEON COLORS - CLEAR BADGE SLEEVE - Insert Size 2 3/8" W x 3 3/8" H (Standard Credit Card Size) Professional Look for a Great Work Badge Holder in The Off Season
- SKI PASS LANYARD REPLACEMENT - No Annoying Lanyard Smacking You in the Face on the Slopes or Flipping Around at Lift Lines - Perfect for Jacket, Pants, or T-Shirt -Large or Small - No Interference from Hanging ID from Waist - Quick and Easy to Remove and Access
This is the cheapest option on the list and it shows a little in the build. The white armband looks kind of clinical but it holds a ski pass just fine. I’ve seen plenty of kids using these since they’re easy to spot and adjust quickly over a jacket. It won’t last forever but for five bucks it does the job and saves you from digging through your pockets.
5. Mngarista Retractable Badge Holder Best Retractable
- [ORIGINAL DESIGN]: The two-piece set is composed of PC retractable keychain and PC badge holder, heavy-duty original design, durable and stylish!
- [CONVENIENCE]: The length of the retractable key chain smoothly extends about 31.5 inches, and the door can be opened quickly and easily without pulling out the key.
- [STRONG WIRE ROPE]: The telescopic rope is made of anti-oxidation PVC coated steel wire, which can make the wire rope very smooth and not rusty.
- [LARGE SPACE]: Each of our badge wallets has a large space that can store up to 5 cards or cash.
- [GUARDIAN CARD]: Compared with acrylic, PC material is not easy to scratch the card and keep it fixed, tough and not easy to break.
The MNGARISTA is the heavy duty version of a retractable pass holder. The reel is long enough to scan without unclipping and the coated wire feels sturdier than the flimsy cords that usually break mid season. The badge case has room for a couple cards or some cash which is handy if you don’t want to carry a wallet. I still find retractables a bit clunky for skiing but if you like that style this one holds up better than most.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day you might not even need a pass holder if your jacket already has a sleeve pocket. But if it doesn’t these little fixes save a lot of hassle in the lift line. None of them are perfect but each solves the rookie mistake of digging through your layers every run (which risks dropping your pass in the snow!)
Hope that helps.
