Epic and Ikon Ski Passes Explained
What the two big multi-resort passes include, and how to tell whether one makes sense for your trip.
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Two passes dominate North American skiing: the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass. Each gives access to a large network of resorts across the United States, Canada and other countries for a single up-front price, bought before or early in the season. For skiers planning several days on the snow, they have changed how ski trips are priced.
Epic Pass
Sold by Vail Resorts. Products include the full Epic Pass, the Epic Local Pass and the Epic 1-7 Day Pass for a set number of days, plus regional and specialty passes. Resorts listed on its site include Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, Heavenly, Stowe and Whistler Blackcomb, with Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham in Australia. Pass holders also get Epic Mountain Rewards discounts on food, lodging, lessons and rentals.
Ikon Pass
Sold by Alterra Mountain Company with partner resorts. The full Ikon Pass has no blackout dates and includes priority reservations; the Ikon Base Pass has limited blackout dates; the Ikon Session Pass covers a few days at select destinations. Destinations listed on its site include Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Deer Valley, Alta, Sun Valley, Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe.
Resort lists, products and terms are updated each season. We checked both official sites in October 2026; always confirm the resort you plan to ski is on your exact pass product.
When a Pass Makes Sense
- You will ski several days in the season, whether on one long trip or two shorter ones.
- Your chosen resorts are on the same pass. Mixing an Epic resort and an Ikon resort on one trip usually means buying lift tickets for one of them.
- You can commit early. The best pass prices usually come before the season, when your dates may not be final. Some products offer a refundable option at extra cost; read the terms.
- You will use the extras, such as discounts on lessons, rentals and lodging.
When daily tickets are better
For a single short trip, an independent resort that is on neither pass, or a beginner who will spend most days in lessons, a lift ticket bought from the resort in advance, or a lesson package that includes lift access, may cost less. Resorts generally reward buying online ahead of arrival rather than at the ticket window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the Epic and Ikon passes?
The Epic Pass is sold by Vail Resorts and covers its own resorts plus partner mountains. The Ikon Pass is sold by Alterra Mountain Company with a group of partner resorts. Both publish their full resort lists on their official websites.
Do I need to reserve days on a multi-resort pass?
Sometimes. Some pass products include blackout dates on the busiest days, and some partner resorts require advance reservations. Read the terms for the exact pass you are considering.
Are pass prices the same all year?
No. Both passes are typically sold well before the season, and buying earlier usually gives the best price. Pass products, prices and deadlines change every year, so check the official sites.
Planning lodging around a pass? Compare rooms near the lifts on Rooms Cheap, or ask us to quote the whole trip.
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