EPIC Pass vs. IKON Pass: Which One Is Right for You?
If you're a frequent skier or snowboarder looking for multi-resort season passes, you've probably heard of the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass. These two industry-leading passes offer access to some of the best ski destinations in North America and beyond, but they cater to different types of riders.
Which pass should you get? That depends on where you like to ski, how often you go, and what kind of experience you want. Here's a breakdown of Epic vs. Ikon, including their pros, cons, and key differences.
Epic Pass: Overview
The Epic Pass is offered by Vail Resorts, one of the largest ski resort companies in the world. It provides access to a massive network of resorts across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and even Japan.
Pros:
Largest Network of Resorts – Includes top destinations like Vail, Breckenridge, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, and Heavenly.
Unlimited Access – Some pass options offer no blackout dates at select resorts.
EpicMix App – Track vertical feet, lift rides, and earn digital pins. Also offers real-time snow conditions.
Discounts & Perks – Passholders get discounts on lodging, food, rentals, and more at participating resorts.
Regional & Budget-Friendly Options – There are cheaper passes for regional skiing or limited days at select mountains.
International Access – Ski resorts in Japan, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy (limited days at select locations).
Unlimited Access – Some pass options offer no blackout dates at select resorts.
EpicMix App – Track vertical feet, lift rides, and earn digital pins. Also offers real-time snow conditions.
Discounts & Perks – Passholders get discounts on lodging, food, rentals, and more at participating resorts.
Regional & Budget-Friendly Options – There are cheaper passes for regional skiing or limited days at select mountains.
International Access – Ski resorts in Japan, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy (limited days at select locations).
Cons:
Expensive – The full Epic Pass is pricey, especially if you don’t ski often.
Crowded Resorts – Vail-owned resorts are some of the most popular, leading to long lift lines during peak times.
Limited Flexibility – Mainly for resorts owned by Vail Resorts. If you like independent mountains, this may not be the best option.
Crowded Resorts – Vail-owned resorts are some of the most popular, leading to long lift lines during peak times.
Limited Flexibility – Mainly for resorts owned by Vail Resorts. If you like independent mountains, this may not be the best option.
Epic Pass Resort Highlights:
U.S. & Canada: Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, Heavenly, Stowe, Northstar
Europe: Verbier (Switzerland), Arlberg (Austria), Courchevel (France)
Japan: Hakuba Valley, Rusutsu
Ikon Pass: Overview
The Ikon Pass is owned by Alterra Mountain Company and includes a mix of independent and Alterra-owned resorts. It’s known for its access to legendary ski destinations across North America, Japan, Australia, and Europe.
Pros:
Diverse Resort Options – Covers Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Mammoth, Alta, Snowbird, and more.
More Independent Resorts – Includes a mix of Alterra-owned resorts and partner mountains.
Flexible Access Options – Offers unlimited days at some resorts and a set number of days at others.
Fewer Crowds – Many Ikon resorts have fewer visitors than Epic resorts, leading to shorter lift lines.
Great for Powder & Big Mountain Riders – Features steeper, deeper, and more challenging terrain.
International Access – Ski resorts in Japan, Switzerland, Chile, and Australia.
More Independent Resorts – Includes a mix of Alterra-owned resorts and partner mountains.
Flexible Access Options – Offers unlimited days at some resorts and a set number of days at others.
Fewer Crowds – Many Ikon resorts have fewer visitors than Epic resorts, leading to shorter lift lines.
Great for Powder & Big Mountain Riders – Features steeper, deeper, and more challenging terrain.
International Access – Ski resorts in Japan, Switzerland, Chile, and Australia.
Cons:
Not as Many Resorts as Epic – Covers fewer total resorts compared to Epic.
Some Resorts Have Limited Days – Unlike Epic, which has full access to its resorts, Ikon has limited-day access at some of its biggest destinations.
Still Gets Crowded – Popular spots like Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Big Sky can get busy during peak weekends.
Some Resorts Have Limited Days – Unlike Epic, which has full access to its resorts, Ikon has limited-day access at some of its biggest destinations.
Still Gets Crowded – Popular spots like Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Big Sky can get busy during peak weekends.
Ikon Pass Resort Highlights:
U.S. & Canada: Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Mammoth, Alta, Snowbird, Revelstoke, Deer Valley
Europe: Zermatt (Switzerland), Dolomites (Italy), Kitzbühel (Austria)
Japan: Niseko United
Southern Hemisphere: Thredbo (Australia), Valle Nevado (Chile)
Pricing: Which Pass Offers Better Value?
Pass | Full Season Price | Resort Access | Unlimited Resorts? | Limited Access Resorts? | Blackout Dates? |
Epic Pass | ~$949 | 80+ worldwide | Yes, at many | Some European & partner resorts | Varies by pass |
Epic Local | ~$705 | 29+ U.S. resorts | Some | Yes, limited access at some resorts | Yes |
Ikon Pass | ~$1,259 | 50+ worldwide | Yes, at some | Yes, at major resorts like Jackson Hole & Aspen | No (for Ikon Pass) |
Ikon Base Pass | ~$929 | 50+ resorts | Limited | Yes, limited days at some resorts | Yes |
Note: Prices fluctuate each season and vary depending on early-bird sales and discounts.
Epic vs. Ikon:
Go for the Epic Pass if:
You want access to more resorts worldwide, including Vail, Whistler, and Park City.
You prefer groomed runs, resort amenities, and family-friendly terrain.
You plan to ski in Europe or Japan and want extra days abroad.
You want an affordable regional pass option for places like the Midwest or Northeast.
You want access to more resorts worldwide, including Vail, Whistler, and Park City.
You prefer groomed runs, resort amenities, and family-friendly terrain.
You plan to ski in Europe or Japan and want extra days abroad.
You want an affordable regional pass option for places like the Midwest or Northeast.
Go for the Ikon Pass if:
You love big-mountain terrain, powder skiing, and steep slopes at resorts like Jackson Hole and Alta.
You prefer a mix of independently owned and Alterra-owned resorts.
You don’t mind fewer resorts but higher-quality destinations.
You want international options in Japan, Switzerland, and Chile.
You love big-mountain terrain, powder skiing, and steep slopes at resorts like Jackson Hole and Alta.
You prefer a mix of independently owned and Alterra-owned resorts.
You don’t mind fewer resorts but higher-quality destinations.
You want international options in Japan, Switzerland, and Chile.
Both Epic and Ikon offer incredible value for frequent skiers and snowboarders, but they cater to different styles:
Epic Pass = More Resorts, More Variety, and Groomed Terrain.
Ikon Pass = Big-Mountain Resorts, More Powder, and Less Crowds.
If you're loyal to Vail Resorts and want the most destinations, go with Epic. If you prefer independent mountains and more expert terrain, Ikon is your best bet.
Either way, you’ll get access to legendary mountains and endless winter adventures!
SENDY Tip: Buy your pass early in the season to lock in the best price!
