What Is the Epic Pass?

Who Sells the Epic Pass?

Vail Resorts, a massive ski resort conglomerate, sells the Epic Pass. The conglomerate’s resort portfolio stretches across the U.S. and includes international destinations in Canada, Australia, and Europe. The Epic Pass is a key element of Vail Resorts’ business model.

How Many Resorts Can You Access With the Epic Pass?

The Epic Pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to 42 resorts, including destinations like Vail Mountain, Colorado; Park City Mountain, Utah; and Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia. Additionally, varying access to other ski resorts brings the total number of worldwide mountains available on the Epic Pass to 86. Outside of the 42 core resorts, access varies. For instance, with the Epic Pass, you’ll score seven days at Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado, instead of a complete season.

Which Regions are Best for Epic Pass Skiers?

There are few regions and states where the Epic Pass really shines, allowing skiers to check out multiple, clustered resorts in a single season without grabbing a plane ticket:

• Pennsylvania: The Epic Pass provides unlimited access to eight Pennsylvania ski areas, including Liberty Mountain Resort, Jack Frost, and Seven Springs.
• Colorado: In Colorado, there are five unlimited access Epic Pass options, like Beaver Creek and Breckenridge.
• Lake Tahoe: Three of Lake Tahoe, California’s ski resorts—Kirkwood, Northstar, and Heavenly—have unlimited Epic Pass access.
• The Northeast: Numerous ski areas across Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York are available with the Epic Pass.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. Given the Epic Pass’ breadth, there are multiple ways to make it work in your favor geographically.

Should I Buy an Epic Pass?

The Epic Pass favors weekend warriors who also plan to go on a ski vacation or two. There are cheaper options if you just want to ski at your local hill during the season. For instance, the Epic product that exclusively works at Stevens Pass, Washington, costs hundreds of dollars less than the complete Epic Pass. Paying $1004 wouldn’t make sense to skiers who only visit Stevens Pass during the winter. 

Alternatively, say you’re a Washington resident who hits Stevens Pass several days each season, but you're planning a ski trip to Colorado. Then, you should strongly consider the Epic Pass, which will allow you to visit multiple major resorts during your trip. 

What about vacation focused skiers? See if the Epic Pass aligns financially with your plans, or consider an alternative like the Mountain Collective, which offers two days of skiing each at numerous high-profile resorts. Ultimately, with the Epic Pass or another similar multi-pass, you’re paying for flexibility—and dodging absurdly high lift ticket window prices. Don't overpay for a multi-pass you don't think you'll use enough to pay off, though.

What are Epic Pass Benefits?

Epic Pass Benefits are perks included with the purchase of an Epic Pass, including Epic Mountain Rewards, Epic Coverage, and discount tickets for friends and family. Epic Mountain Rewards offers Epic Pass holders a 20% off food, lodging, lessons, rentals, and more. Epic Coverage is similar to insurance, providing a refund for the days you miss if a covered event stops you from skiing. Discounts tickets are self-explanatory—they score you discounted lift tickets for your pals at Epic Pass resorts.

What Types of Epic Passes Are There?

The Epic Pass is Vail Resorts’ flagship product, but it isn’t the only multi-pass offered by the conglomerate. The other primary choice is the Epic Local Pass, which costs less but provides unlimited access to fewer resorts, and excludes peak dates at some destinations. Alongside the Epic Local Pass are numerous regional variants, like the Tahoe Local Pass, Keystone Plus Pass, and the Summit Value Pass. These regional variants only provide access to resorts within a specific area but, like the Epic Local Pass, cost less than the Epic Pass. Some only work at one resort.

What Does an Epic Pass Cost?

The Epic Pass currently costs $1004, the Epic Local Pass is $746, and regional variants are cheaper.

Does the Epic Pass Require Reservations?

Over the past few years, ski resort reservations have become relatively common, requiring skiers to book their resort days in advance. However, almost all ski resorts under the Epic Pass don’t need reservations. Only Telluride, Colorado, requires reservations in advance. Parking reservations may be necessary at some resorts, though, so make sure to do your research before heading to the slopes.

What Are Blackout Dates?

Blackout dates—the Epic Pass uses the phrase “peak dates”—are periods where some types of season passes don’t work. Usually, they’re around the holidays when ski resorts are busy. When choosing a season pass, Epic or otherwise, look at the details to ensure peak date access doesn’t interfere with when you plan to ski.

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