HOW TO: Squeeze Every Last Dollar Out Of Your Epic Pass

With a bevy of benefits offered by every multi-resort pass on the block, it’s hard to keep track of where you should be saving all that hard-earned money.
So this week, we’re checking out the EPIC PASS and giving you, THE SKI.COM COMMUNITY, an insider’s look as to how you can truly maximize your passholder benefits at 78 mountain resorts across the globe.

EPIC PASS VS. IKON PASS | COMPARE & FIND YOUR PERFECT PASS 

To begin, not all Epic Passes are created equally. The Epic Pass and its more affordable partner, The Epic Local Pass have different levels of benefits that apply to different mountain resorts at different times, so figuring out which applies to you and when is paramount to taking advantage of your pass. 

Unlimited Access, Blackout Dates, And Partner Resorts  

Vail Resorts continues to expand its pass offerings to include some of the best skiing in the world via its Epic and Epic Local passes. Obviously, the full Epic Pass has more expansive access when compared to the Epic Local. That said, the Epic Local also offers some amazing destinations, albeit with blackout dates. Here’s the general breakdown.

• Epic Pass – Unlimited access to 37 mountain resorts, unlimited 7-day access at 9 North American mountains resorts, limited access to 21 European mountain resorts, and 5 consecutive days at Hakuba Valley mountain resorts as well as Rusutsu in Japan.
• Epic Local Pass – Unlimited access to 26 mountain resorts, limited access at 8 mountain resorts, 2 days at Snowbasin and Sun Valley (*blackout dates apply), and 5 consecutive days at Hakuba Valley mountain resorts as well as Rusustsu in Japan. 

Buddy & Ski With A Friend Tickets 

At select resorts, Epic Pass holders can gift 6 ‘buddy tickets’ to friends and family. The discount equates to roughly 40% off the window ticket price and the Epic Pass holder must be present at the time of purchase. 
EPIC PASS Buddy Rates: 

• Vail/Beaver Creek – $135 
• Whistler Blackcomb – $115 CAD 
• Breckenridge – $122 
• Keystone – $109 
• Crested Butte -$85 
• Northstar – $111 
• Heavenly – $101 
• Kirkwood – $77 
• Okemo- $78 
• Mount Sunapee -$65 
• Stowe – $92 
• Stevens Pass – $65 
• Park City – $102 
• Afton Alps – TBA 
• Mt. Brighton – TBA 
• Wilmot – TBA 

Beware The Blackout Dates 

Not doing your homework when it comes to blackout dates is a sure fire way to put a damper on any ski trip. Always double check THE BLACKOUT DATES and make sure your pass is eligible before booking a ski trip.
Epic Pass – $969

• ZERO blackout dates 
• Unlimited, unrestricted skiing at 37 mountain destinations 
• 7 unrestricted days at 8 North American ski areas 
• 5 consecutive days at Japan’s Hakuba Valley, Rusutsu 
• Access to 21 European resorts (learn more here) 

Epic Local Pass – $719

• Blackout dates at Vail, Beaver Creek, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, Kirkwood, and Stowe 
• Unlimited, unrestricted skiing at 26 mountain destinations 
• 2 restricted days at Snowbasin and Sun Valley 
• 5 consecutive days at Japan’s Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu 
• Half price and advanced ticket prices available during blackout dates at participating resorts.