The search for the perfect winter adventure often revolves around one key element: access to the best slopes and resorts. Enter the Epic ski pass. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total rookie, the Epic Pass offers a host of benefits that make it a valuable tool for maximizing your time on the mountain.
Fora Advisor Alli Widman, who also owns and runs the ski vacation site Avant Ski, said the season pass grants access to over 80 resorts worldwide, including all of the resorts owned by Vail Resorts. The pass also covers partner resorts across North America, Europe, Japan and Australia.
In addition to unrivaled access to top-tier resorts, the Epic Pass unlocks notable cost savings and perks. But there are different tiers to choose from, and knowing which Epic ski pass makes the most sense for your lifestyle can be a little overwhelming — or at least inconvenient. This guide breaks down all the details so you can get a sense of which options benefit you the most.
You can also chat with a Fora Advisor, who can obtain an Epic Pass for you and help you book and plan all your ski trips. This takes the hassle out of the entire process, so you focus on enjoying the slopes.
First, what is an Epic ski pass & what are the benefits?
An Epic Pass provides seasonal access to a wide selection of ski and snowboard resorts, both in the United States and internationally. This pass is a game-changer for winter sports enthusiasts, offering entry to renowned resorts like Vail, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City and Breckenridge, among dozens of others.
“The Epic Pass offers significant savings and convenience to those planning to ski more than four days and/or visit multiple resorts during the season,” Alli said.
Epic Passes also include benefits such as discounted lodging, dining and equipment rentals, plus access to special events and summer activities at some resorts. The pass is available in several versions, including regional and limited-access options (i.e., day passes), so there’s a version for every traveler interested in snow sports.
Is an Epic Pass worth it? (Hint: Fora Advisors think so)
Alli highly recommends that anyone planning to ski for four or more days get an Epic Pass.
“Window rates at resorts like Vail, Park City and Stowe are starting to exceed $250 a day,” Alli noted. “Epic Day Passes sell for closer to $100 per day; the full Epic Pass currently sells for $1,004 per year — it’s pretty much a no-brainer for anyone taking one to two [or more] trips.”
There’s an Epic ski pass for all types of travelers
“We have clients that purchase a pass to do a week at a bigger resort over the holidays, and then just spend a few long weekends at other resorts,” Alli said. In other words, the price of an Epic Pass essentially costs the same as one trip to a “bigger resort,” so all subsequent trips to Epic resorts are essentially free.
“The network of resorts is big enough, too — with Vail and partner resorts in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest, along with Utah, Colorado and Lake Tahoe — that it appeals to a wide audience” Alli added.
Save time — and money
“Besides the discounts, one of the best reasons to get an Epic Pass is to avoid wasting time at the ticket lines,” Fora Advisor Kris Weir explained. “Additionally, with over 22 resort options, you can plan your trip around the best mountain conditions while having flexibility to explore new options.”
Kris’ last point is especially important, as winter weather can be unpredictable anywhere. Fora Advisor Jennifer Schwartz agreed.
“I encourage all of my skiers and boarders to get the Epic Pass,” Jennifer shared. “It just makes sense! The pass gives you flexibility throughout the winter season to chase the conditions, and you can use your pass domestically and abroad!”
For the 2024/2025 season, the Epic ski pass grants unlimited access to over 30 resorts in the United States alone.
What mountains & resorts are part of the Epic Pass?
Many of the most famous ski resorts in North America — 39 to be specific — participate in the program. This includes world-class options in Colorado and Utah, those near Lake Tahoe, Pennsylvania’s resorts, around a dozen choices in the Midwest and many in New England and New York: Most ski resorts in the United States accept Epic ski passes.
A Fora Advisor can go over all your options and then some (see below); just reach out.
Related articles: The 5 Best Places to Stay in Park City, Utah & Where to stay in Telluride: Your Full Guide
There are a few different types of Epic ski passes
There are three major types of Epic Passes: the standard option, Epic Local Passes and Epic Day Passes. Each tier is split between adult, child and, for select resorts, teen passes as well. Additionally, Veterans and active military, college students, seniors and travelers with accessibility needs can all get discounted Epic Passes.
Here’s a breakdown of the main pass options.
Epic Pass (standard)
The main Epic Pass is best for travelers who like to visit different ski resorts throughout the season.
“There's coverage throughout North America — the Northeast, into the Rockies, the West and over to Whistler too,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Schwartz said, adding that there's also “coverage at excellent resorts in the French, Swiss, Austrian and Italian Alps, plus Japan and Australia.”
Aside from Telluride and the Canadian Rockies, which are all capped at seven visits each — consecutive or otherwise — Epic Passes grant unlimited access to all resorts in North America. Visits to Japanese resorts are limited to five consecutive days, and the number of times you can visit a European resort varies by location within a range of three to seven consecutive days.
Epic Local & Regional Passes
Anyone with the Epic Local Pass can still visit certain international resorts, and can also visit many North American resorts without restriction. Some of the more popular resorts are limited to 10 visits on the pass, and are blacked out during peak travel dates. There is no change to the number of days (five) you can visit Japanese resorts. Finally, Local passholders can still visit select Swiss resorts for up to five total days.
Alternatively, if you’re only interested in visiting certain resorts, there are Regional Passes. Fora Advisor Hannah Kratz offered an example.
“Since we live within an hour and a half of each of the Tahoe resorts, the Tahoe Local Epic Pass makes a lot of sense for our family,” she said. “It grants us access to excellent local spots like Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood without breaking the bank.”
Additional region-specific pass options include the Summit Value Pass (for Colorado resorts like Keystone and Arapahoe Basin), the Northeast Value Pass (for resorts in the Northeastern United States) and others.
Local Passes cost about 75 percent of the standard option. The price of Regional Passes depends on which resorts they cover.
Epic Day Pass
Epic Day Passes may be the best option for travelers whose ski dates are locked in. You’re can choose between one and seven days to spend at all 39, 32 or 22 North American resorts. Visits do not need to be consecutive.
If you choose the all-resorts option, Day Passes cost between a tenth to two-thirds of a standard Epic ski pass, depending on the number of days you choose, and which resorts you want access to. A Fora Advisor can help you sort through the options.
Why go through a Fora Advisor to obtain an Epic ski pass?
A Fora Advisor knows the best resorts, times to visit and places to stay. They’ll design a ski vacation based on your preferences, all while unlocking VIP perks.
"You won't pay anything extra, but you will be sure to travel like a VIP on ski trips, always,” Alli — who, again, runs Avant Ski and is a member of Fora X — said. “Advisors can also help with lessons, rentals and all of the little things that will take the stress out of ski travel.”
Fora Advisor Jennifer Schwartz agreed.
“When you book with a Fora Advisor, you'll have a (helping) hand in arranging your whole ski trip — or trips!” Jennifer said “From lift tickets, rentals and lessons to accommodations and any off-mountain experiences, you'll be able to concentrate on enjoying your vacation, and the nitty gritty logistical details are left to a professional!”
Ready to get after it? Connect with a Fora Advisor and start planning your next trip.
Epic ski pass FAQs
We’ve rounded up answers to common questions Fora Advisors get about Epic ski passes. Feel free to reach out to a Fora Advisor directly for answers specific to your travel plans.
Are Epic Passes for both skiing and snowboarding?
Yes, Epic Passes are for skiers and snowboarders.
Are Epic Pass benefits the same each year?
No: The exact benefits vary by season. This guide is updated for the 2024/2025 season.
How much does an Epic Pass cost?
Prices vary by pass. The standard Epic Pass costs about $1,000 per adult or a little over $500 per child. Local Passes are more varied, with options for adults, teens and children. Their exact pricing depends on their respective location. There are discounts for veterans and service members, college students, travelers with accessible needs and seniors.
All passes can either be paid for in full or split into monthly payments.
A Fora Advisor can help you sort through all the options and break down pricing for you.
How many days can I ski with an Epic Pass?
The standard Epic Pass allows holders to visit most resorts as many times as they’d like. The only exceptions are Telluride, which allows a maximum of seven visits (consecutive or otherwise) and international resorts, which vary by location. The days allotted by Local and Regional Passes vary by type.
Do Epic ski passes include lift tickets? Can you go straight to the lift with an Epic Pass?
You can indeed go straight to the lifts if you have an Epic Pass. Standard and Local Passes also include lift access in summer — it’s a pleasant ride any time of year — while Day Passes do not.
Can you use an Epic Pass at any resort?
No. While Epic Passes grant you access to an incredible variety of resorts across the world, it doesn’t cover them all. For example, an Epic Pass does not grant entry to the Aspen/Snowmass resort in Colorado, which is covered by the Ikon Pass (a few of the notable ski areas in Colorado favor this pass).
If you have a particular destination in mind, your Fora Advisor can confirm whether it accepts Epic ski passes. Simply reach out.
Can I use my Epic Pass to buy food?
Yes: Passholders get 20 percent off food at participating resorts. This discount also applies to things like lessons, lodging, bike rentals and more, depending on the resort.
Can household members use my Epic Pass?
No. Each household or family member needs their own pass.
Can you get a refund for an Epic Pass?
Under certain circumstances, yes. These include but are not limited to: job loss, resort closure, student or military transfer, injury or illness and more.
What are the restricted dates for the 2024/2025 season?
Standard Epic Passes do not have date restrictions. However, Epic Day and Local Passes block November 2930, December 24–31, January 18 and 15 and February 16.
For Local Passes, these restrictions apply to Beaver Creek, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, Park City, Stowe, Whistler Blackcomb and Vail. The above dates only affect Epic Day passholders attending Telluride or resorts in the Canadian Rockies.
Restricted dates for regional passes vary, so we recommend reaching out to your Fora Advisor for intel.
More ski & snowsport travel resources
Check out the guides below for destination ideas for your next ski trip:
The 12 Best Places to Stay in Colorado: Cities, Hotels & More
Where to Stay in Vail, Colorado: Luxury Hotels & Boutique Ski Resorts
All the Best Places to Stay in Utah: Luxury Hotels & Resorts
6 of the Best Places to Visit in Europe, From Lisbon to Paris
Fora’s Ultimate Guide to Where to Ski (and Stay) on the Epic & Ikon Passes
