Multi-resort ski passes, like the Epic Pass, are a fantastic way to maximize your time on the slopes, explore diverse ski resorts, and save money. With a variety of Epic Pass options available, you can tailor your mountain experience to fit your specific needs and budget.
Choosing the right season pass can be tricky, requiring you to weigh your options and consider your budget. Epic offers a range of passes, from the full-access pass to local resort-specific options. This guide will help you navigate the choices and find the Epic Pass that best suits your needs.
An avid skier or snowboarder with an Epic Pass can explore resorts across multiple states, countries, and even continents, while also enjoying unlimited access to their local mountains between trips. In many cases, an Epic Pass can pay for itself within just a few weeks of the ski season. Keep in mind that the last chance to purchase an Epic Pass is typically in early December, close to the season’s start. Purchasing your pass early will often result in significant savings.
Who Should Buy an Epic Pass?
Vail Resorts introduced the Epic Pass over a decade ago and has since expanded its portfolio of ski areas. All three versions of the Epic Pass provide ample skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The pass is designed for skiers and snowboarders who want extensive time on the slopes at a variety of destinations.
Epic Pass: What’s New for the Upcoming Season?
The Epic Pass introduced a significant change for the 2023-24 ski season by going mobile. Pass holders could store their pass on their smartphone and enjoy hands-free scanning via Bluetooth. This eliminated the need to wait in ticket window lines or for a physical pass to arrive in the mail.
For the 2024-25 season, pass holders and their guests can skip the ticket window with an improved buddy ticket redemption process. Purchase Buddy or Ski with a Friend Tickets on epicpass.com, and then use the My Epic app and Mobile Pass to activate them when scanning at the lift.
There are several updates and improvements for the 2024-25 Epic Pass. Vail Resorts has added Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland, pending acquisition closure, offering access to over 4,500 feet of skiable vertical terrain and approximately 87 miles of trails.
Additionally, Vail Resorts continues to invest in the mountain experience through the Epic Lift Upgrade, with numerous upgrades planned at resorts including Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Hunter Mountain in New York, Afton Alps in Minnesota, Perisher in Australia, and Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland.
Where Can You Ski with an Epic Pass?
The Epic Pass is valid at ski areas owned by Vail Resorts or its partners in Europe, Australia, and Japan. While there are other ski pass options like Ikon, Indy, and Mountain Collective, Epic and Ikon are the two major players.
USA:
- West: Heavenly (CA/NV), Kirkwood (CA), Northstar (CA), Stevens Pass (WA)
- Midwest: Afton Alps (MN), Alpine Valley (OH), Boston Mills (OH), Brandywine (OH), Hidden Valley (MO), Mad River Mountain (OH), Mt. Brighton (MI), Paoli Peaks (IN), Snow Creek (MO), Wilmot (WI)
- Northeast: Attitash (NH), Big Boulder (PA), Crotched Mountain (NH), Hidden Valley (PA), Hunter Mountain (NY), Jack Frost (PA), Laurel Mountain (PA), Liberty Mountain (PA), Mount Snow (VT), Mount Sunapee (NH), Okemo (VT), Roundtop Mountain Resort (PA), Seven Springs (PA), Stowe (VT), Whitetail (PA), Wildcat (NH)
- Rockies: Beaver Creek (CO), Breckenridge (CO), Crested Butte (CO), Keystone (CO), Park City Mountain Resort (UT), Telluride (CO), Vail (CO)
Canada:
- Whistler Blackcomb (BC), Fernie Alpine Resort (BC), Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (BC), Kimberley Alpine Resort (BC), Mont-Sainte Anne (QC), Nakiska Ski Area (AB), Stoneham (QC)
Southern Hemisphere:
- Falls Creek, Hotham, and Perisher (Australia)
Europe:
- Les 3 Vallées (France), Skirama Dolomiti (Italy), 4 Vallées (Switzerland), Ski Arlberg (Austria), Crans-Montana Mountain Resort (Switzerland).
Japan:
- Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park, Rusutsu.
Epic Pass Options and Pricing: How Much Does an Epic Pass Cost?
Let’s break down the different Epic Pass options and their associated costs to help you determine which one is right for you. Knowing how much is an Epic Pass is the first step in planning your ski season.
Full Epic Pass
Who: Skiers and snowboarders seeking unlimited access to over 80 resorts worldwide.
Where: Unlimited days at more than 40 resorts across North America, including:
- USA: Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, Stevens Pass, Afton Alps, Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine, Hidden Valley (MO), Mad River Mountain, Mt. Brighton, Paoli Peaks, Snow Creek, Wilmot, Attitash, Big Boulder, Crotched Mountain, Hidden Valley (PA), Hunter Mountain, Jack Frost, Laurel Mt., Liberty Mountain, Mount Snow, Mount Sunapee, Okemo, Roundtop Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, Stowe, Whitetail, Wildcat, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Keystone, Park City Mountain Resort, Telluride, Vail.
- Also includes 7 days at Telluride, 7 days at the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, 5 days at Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu (Japan), and access to 26 European resorts.
Restrictions: None in North America. Some restrictions apply to the 26 European resorts, often tied to lodging packages.
Cost: Adult (13+) $1,047; Child (5-12) $534
Epic Local Pass
Who: Skiers and snowboarders seeking unlimited access to 25 resorts and limited days at Vail Resorts’ flagship destinations.
Where:
- USA: Stevens Pass, Afton Alps, Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine, Hidden Valley (MO), Mad River Mountain, Mt. Brighton, Paoli Peaks, Snow Creek, Wilmot, Attitash, Big Boulder, Crotched Mountain, Hidden Valley (PA), Hunter Mountain, Jack Frost, Laurel Mt., Liberty Mountain, Mount Snow, Mount Sunapee, Okemo, Roundtop Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, Whitetail, Wildcat, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Keystone.
- Additional Access: 10 days total at Vail, Beaver Creek, and Whistler-Blackcomb; 5 total days at Hakuba Valley, Japan.
Restrictions: Holiday access is restricted at Park City Mountain Resort, Northstar, Stowe, Beaver Creek, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Vail, and Whistler-Blackcomb. Advanced Lift Ticket Rate available during blackout dates at Vail, Beaver Creek, Whistler-Blackcomb, and beyond 10 days.
Cost: Adult $778 (19+); Teen $632 (13-18); Child $408 (5-12)
Night Skiing and Riding
The Epic Local Pass is particularly valuable for those living near ski areas and wanting to enjoy night skiing. Many resorts close to cities offer night skiing several nights a week, making it perfect for a few runs after work or school. Check your local resort’s website for details.
Epic College Pass
For college students, the Epic College Pass is available for $690, offering access to specific regions or individual resorts like those in Summit County, Colorado, or Lake Tahoe, California.
Epic Day Passes
Who: Ideal for those planning shorter ski vacations.
Where: Access to resorts including Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, Stevens Pass, Afton Alps, Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine, Hidden Valley, Mad River Mountain, Mt. Brighton, Paoli Peaks, Snow Creek, Wilmot, Attitash, Big Boulder, Crotched Mountain, Hidden Valley, Hunter Mountain, Jack Frost, Laurel Mountain, Liberty Mountain, Mount Snow, Mount Sunapee, Okemo, Roundtop Mountain Resort, Seven Springs, Stowe, Whitetail, Wildcat, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Keystone, Park City Mountain Resort, Telluride, and Vail. The Epic 4-Day, 5-Day, 6-Day, and 7-Day Passes include access to Telluride in Colorado and the six Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
Epic 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day Passes with all-access, and all Epic Day Passes with limited access, do not include access to partner resorts. Holiday restrictions also apply at partner resorts.
Cost: The cost for a 7-Day Pass for all resorts is $691 (adult). Customizable passes are available for 1-7 flex days.
Epic Buddy Pass vs. Ski-With-A-Friend Pass
Buddy Passes offer discounted lift tickets at a flat rate. Several complimentary Ski-with-a-Friend passes are included with pass purchases.
Important Considerations
Epic Passes are non-refundable. However, Epic Coverage, included with all pass purchases, provides refunds for illness, job loss, injury, and certain resort closures, subject to terms and conditions. If you need to upgrade your pass, you may be able to do so by calling (970) 754-0008.
Choosing the Right Epic Pass
The best Epic Pass for you depends on how often and where you plan to ski or snowboard. If you plan to hit the slopes five or more times this season, purchasing a pass will likely be worthwhile. Compare the different Epic Pass options carefully, and also consider the Ikon and Indy passes for other mega and local ski areas in North America and around the world. For full details on the Epic Pass, visit their website.
Purchasing an Epic Pass can unlock incredible skiing and snowboarding experiences, but understanding how much is an Epic Pass and which option best suits your needs is crucial.
