The two big ski passes that dominate the winter sports landscape are the Ikon Pass and the Epic Pass. These two passes are widely recognized for offering extensive access to a vast network of ski resorts across North America and beyond.
Understanding the Major Ski Passes
Both the Ikon Pass and the Epic Pass cater to skiers and snowboarders seeking multi-resort access throughout the ski season, providing a cost-effective way to explore various mountains. While both are comprehensive, it's important to note that the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass each grant access to different resorts, and there is no overlap when it comes to mountain access between them. This means that a resort available on one pass will not be available on the other.
The Ikon Pass
The Ikon Pass is a multi-resort pass offered by Alterra Mountain Company and its partners. Launched in 2018, it quickly became a major player in the ski industry, consolidating access to some of the most iconic destinations worldwide.
- Key Features:
- Provides access to over 50 destinations globally.
- Includes a mix of unlimited access and limited days at various resorts.
- Offers different tiers (e.g., Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, Ikon Session Pass) to suit diverse needs and budgets.
- Often includes additional benefits like discounts on lodging, retail, and food and beverage.
The Epic Pass
The Epic Pass is Vail Resorts' flagship multi-resort pass product, first introduced in 2008. It revolutionized the ski industry by offering unlimited, unrestricted access to a wide array of resorts owned and operated by Vail Resorts, as well as partner resorts.
- Key Features:
- Grants access to over 80 resorts across the globe, primarily in North America, Europe, and Australia.
- Offers various pass options, including full Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, and regional passes.
- Typically provides unlimited access at many resorts, with some restricted days or limited access at others depending on the pass type.
- Benefits often include discounts on lodging, lessons, gear rentals, and in-resort spending.
Comparing the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass
While both passes offer extensive access, their distinct resort portfolios mean that skiers often choose based on their preferred mountains, travel plans, and the specific resorts included with each pass.
| Feature | Ikon Pass | Epic Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Alterra Mountain Company | Vail Resorts |
| Resort Access | Over 50 destinations worldwide (e.g., Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Palisades Tahoe, Big Sky) | Over 80 resorts worldwide (e.g., Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb) |
| Overlap | No overlap with Epic Pass resorts | No overlap with Ikon Pass resorts |
| Pass Tiers | Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, Ikon Session Pass, etc. | Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, regional passes, etc. |
| Benefits | Discounts on lodging, retail, food & beverage, friends & family tickets | Discounts on lodging, lessons, rentals, in-resort spending, friends & family tickets |
These two passes effectively define the landscape for multi-resort skiing, making it essential for avid skiers and snowboarders to compare their offerings based on their specific needs and desired destinations.
