Image courtesy of Hotel Jerome
Ski season is just around the corner. And the earlier you book, the better. We asked a few of our expert Fora Advisors to break down the differences between the Epic and Ikon Passes, the best North American ski mountains and where to stay in each.
Below, discover five top ski mountains, and the best hotels near each, covered on both Epic and Ikon. We’ll take you to Canada, Utah, Colorado, Lake Tahoe and Vermont on the Epic, and again to Canada, Utah and Colorado on the Ikon, plus Montana and Wyoming.
Regardless of the pass and resort you choose, it’s always best to book your ski vacation with a Fora Advisor. (And if you’re not feeling a hotel or resort, your advisor can also book you an amazing condo or home.) There are so many logistics to keep in mind; an advisor will take out the stress of planning so you can focus on hitting the slopes (or getting your après on).
Should you buy a ski pass?
Most of the advisors we spoke to said that a ski pass is more economical than buying à la carte tickets the day of. Fora Advisor Alli Widman, who’s also the founder of Avant Ski, said that, if you plan on skiing more than four days, a pass is worth it.
When deciding which pass — Epic or Ikon are the main ones. The first thing to consider is where you want to ski. Alli mentioned that the actual resort you want matters more than the geographic region, since both passes cover a lot of mountains all over North America (and the world, but this guide pertains solely to North American skiing).
The Epic Pass has a few more resorts in Colorado, while the Ikon Pass has a few more in Utah. Fora Advisor Alexandra Farrington shared that the resorts themselves are the biggest differences, but mentioned that the Epic Pass is a bit better for the East Coast skier, while the Ikon would be more ideal for the West Coast skier.
Finally, consider when you want to ski, and the flexibility of your preferred dates, Alexandra said. Each pass and mountain has blackout dates, so you don’t want to purchase a pass for, say, a Christmas Eve trip, only to find out that the 24th is not covered. And if you don’t want to commit to a full season pass, local passes and limited-day passes are great options. They have a few more restrictions, but they’re also less expensive.
You can use Avant Ski’s pass recommender to determine which pass is best for you and your travel companions, or you can ask your Fora Advisor for help deciding. Again, the earlier you buy your pass, the better (and cheaper). Alli recommends locking in your pass by April. The final deadline falls in November.
Epic Pass
“Asking my favorite mountain is like asking my favorite child,” Alli said. “There are a lot of good ones out there.”
The Epic Pass indeed covers a lot of ground, but a few mountains stand out, and were common favorites among the advisors we interviewed.
British Columbia: Whistler Blackcomb
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Alli, Alexandra and Fora Advisor Lee Elkins recommended this Canadian ski mountain, which is actually two resorts connected by an “amazing Olympic Village,” Alli said. She touted the mountain’s huge terrain variety and outstanding ski school. Plus, it’s only about two hours from Vancouver, and is relatively easy to get to from the US’ west coast.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Whistler & Fairmont Château Whistler were the top hotel recommendations. Both hotels evoke a European alpine village. The Four Seasons has an excellent ski concierge that takes care of all your rentals, storage, fittings and the like. It’s a short walk (and even shorter free shuttle ride) from Blackcomb Mountain. At the Fairmont, you're right next to the Blackcomb Gondola, which makes for easy access getting up to the mountain and beating the crowds.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort Whistler
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Fora Perks at Fairmont Château Whistler
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Utah: Park City
Image courtesy of Pendry Park City
Another stand-out on the Epic Pass is Park City, the US’ largest ski area. Even better, Park City terrain is unlimited on the Epic Local Pass (except for a few holiday blackout dates).
Alli is a New Yorker, but admitted that, “If there was one town I could be in and live my life and work, Park City is it.”
There are two bases: Park City and Canyons. Park City is charming and authentic, with amazing shopping and restaurants. Alli added that Canyons is especially great for its ski school.
“The kids love taking the orange bubble chair up to where the ski school is,” she said.
Where to stay: The Pendry Park City is one of Alli’s favorites. It’s modern and relatively new, with outstanding service — plus a rooftop pool and hottub to boot. They also have the best ski valet: “They'll have your skis out for you every morning when you get onto the mountain,” Alli said. Also in the Canyons Village is the Waldorf Astoria Park City, right next door to the Frostwood Gondola. The hotel has an on-site rental partner, plus a ski valet that will have your equipment ready each morning. They’ll even dry and store your gear at the end of each day.
Fora Perks at the Pendry Park City
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at the Waldorf Astoria Park City
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily & an upgrade whenever possible.
Colorado: Vail & Telluride
Image courtesy of Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
If you want to go to Vail, the Epic Pass is best. Alli admitted that the famed ski town is a bit crowded and expensive for the quality of the skiing, but, “There's terrain for everyone,” she said. “It's not the steepest and the deepest like Telluride, but [they have a] really excellent ski school, and a huge, really nice pedestrian village.” Pro tip: Make restaurant reservations well in advance, she stressed.
Speaking of Telluride, one of Alli’s absolute favorite ski mountains, the European-style resort is a seven-day partner on the Epic Pass.
Where to stay: Vail has a ton of amazing hotels such as Sonnenalp Hotel, Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail, the Sebastian and Rockresorts - The Arrabelle At Vail Square. In Telluride, the ski-in/ski-out Madeline Hotel & Residences is Alli’s top pick. And with sprawling suites and larger accommodations options, it’s especially ideal for families.
Fora Perks at Sonnenalp Hotel
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Fora Perks at the Sebastian
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Rockresorts - The Arrabelle At Vail Square
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
$100 hotel / resort credit, $45 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lake Tahoe: Heavenly, Kirkwood & Northstar
Image courtesy of Edgewood Tahoe Resort
When it comes to views, Heavenly delivers.
“You can ski from top to bottom with lake views the whole way,” Alli said of the South Lake ski resort. “And it was pretty, pretty outstanding.”
Northstar, on the North Shore, is great for families, glade skiing and a top-tier ski school. Kirkwood is “steeper and deeper,” Alli said. It’s a bit more isolated and old-school, and that’s part of its charm. A big plus about the Epic Pass is that you can try out several resorts around Lake Tahoe. No need to stay on just one mountain.
Where to stay: Edgewood Tahoe Resort is a great option on the South Shore, a mere five-minute shuttle to Heavenly. Edgewood has an outstanding ski valet, Alli said: “They literally bring your skis to you.” And after a day on the slopes, you can come back, walk around the lake and soak in the hot tub before heading to dinner at one of Edgewood’s gourmet restaurants. At Northstar, the ski-in/ski-out Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, is a convenient, alpine-chic option, with a buzzy farm-to-table restaurant and a luxurious spa.
Fora Perks at Edgewood Tahoe Resort
$100 hotel / resort credit, $60 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
$100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Vermont: Stowe
Image courtesy of The Lodge at Spruce Creek
“Stowe is the top of the top for the East Coast,” Alli said, adding that Epic’s East Coast offerings are perfect for weekend getaways for those living out east. Alexandra also loves Stowe. She learned to ski out east, and believes she’s a better technical skier for it. The runs are shorter, the skiing a bit easier and relaxed. Alli added that Stowe is great for those who want a West Coast feel, with a real ski town and higher-end offerings.
“If you get the snow right, they do actually have some pretty good steep terrain,” she said. “And they have a gondola so you can stay warm, because it can get very cold up there.”
Where to stay: The Lodge at Spruce Creek was recommended by both Alli and Alexandra. It’s a luxury slopeside, ski-in/ski-out spot with a wide breadth of accommodations, from cabins and townhouses to suites and residences.
Fora Perks at The Lodge at Spruce Creek
$100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ikon Pass
Ikon, too, covers an impressive amount of terrain. There are fewer resorts overall on the Ikon, but it covers many world-class mountains (Aspen, Jackson Hole), plus under-the-radar gems worth exploring. “The fact that there are this many amazing resorts on one pass is pretty amazing,” Alli said. Here are the top places to go.
Canada: SkiBig3 & Tremblant
Image courtesy of Fairmont Château Lake Louise
SkiBig3 sits within Banff National Park, and encompasses Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. Banff is a lovely town to explore, always with something going on, and Lake Louise is gorgeous. The terrain itself is vast and varied. Tremblant, a favorite spot of Lee’s, is on the eastern side of Canada. It’s got a European flair and is perfect for all levels.
Where to stay: Fairmont Château Lake Louise and the Post Hotel & Spa are the top choices for Banff. Alli mentioned that the Post has an impressive wine cellar; it’s the perfect spot for an après-ski drink. Out east, Fairmont Tremblant is the place to be.
Fora Perks at Fairmont Château Lake Louise & Tremblant
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Utah: Deer Valley
Image courtesy of The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection
“The Ikon Pass really dominates in Utah,” Alli said. “Some of my favorite resorts anywhere are there.”
There are numerous Utah mountains on the Ikon Pass — Alta, Snowbird — but Deer Valley, right next to Park City, stands out. It’s a great family mountain, with lots of groomers, manicured bumps and mellower terrain. Plus, the ski school and private instruction here are excellent. (Both of Alli’s kids learned to ski at Deer Valley.)
Where to stay: The St. Regis Deer Valley is one of the area’s top properties. “You take a little cable car to get up to it, which is pretty fun,” Alli said. “And they've got s'mores outside and a really fun après scene.” Also consider the Montage Deer Valley, an especially great option for families, with its family programming and array of two-bedroom residences. Auberge’s ski-in/ski-out Goldener Hirsch is another excellent choice. You’ll love the sprawling bedrooms, locally sourced food and chalet-chic aesthetic.
Fora Perks at The St. Regis Deer Valley
$100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Montage Deer Valley
$100 hotel / resort credit, $90 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection
$100 hotel / resort credit, $70 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Colorado: Aspen Snowmass
Image courtesy of The Little Nell
Aspen Snowmass is another seven-day partner on the Ikon Pass (although Copper Mountain, near Vail, and Winter Park, closer to Denver, are additional great options on the pass). Aspen’s après scene is strong, and an impressive collection of hotels and activities make it an ideal location for groups and families with travelers who may not want to ski all day, every day.
Where to stay: You can’t go wrong with the stately, centrally located Hotel Jerome, whose bar and restaurant are local hotspots. The Little Nell has ski-in/ski-out access, and sits right next to the Ajax Gondola. Alli says go to the MOLLIE for the best chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate, plus a killer egg sandwich they feed you in the morning before taking you to the slopes.
Fora Perks at Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
$100 hotel / resort credit, $60 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at MOLLIE Aspen
$100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at The Little Nell
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Wyoming: Jackson Hole
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole has seven days on the Ikon Pass, which is perfect, considering that you can ski the mountain all week without getting bored.
“There are not many mountains where I can be like, I could just ski this one mountain all week,” Alli said.
You can take the tram up, and even ski the more rugged backcountry. There really is something for everyone, beginners and pros alike. Plus, the village is lively and fun, with great food and shopping.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is a modern, elevated option right by the main lift. Alli recommend the hotel’s Handle Bar pub for an après drink. Hotel Terra is also right in the village, with a boutique vibe and an approachable price point.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Fora Perks at Hotel Terra
Hotel / resort credit and daily breakfast.
Montana: Big Sky
Image courtesy of Montage Big Sky
Alli, Alexandra and Lee all recommended Big Sky, which sits on the opposite side of Yellowstone National Park as Jackson Hole. Big Sky recently got a major upgrade, with lots of new infrastructure added, plus a slew of renovations. Alli said the resort now has some of the fastest lifts in the country — complete with heated seats, no less.
“It's amazing how many people they can get up to the mountain in a fairly short amount of time,” she said.
Where to stay: The Montage Big Sky offers ski-in/ski-out access and the on-site Compass Sports, an outdoor-adventure outfitter. They even have a private “ski beach,” where you can get your gear adjusted or grab a snack or drink before heading out to the slopes. An approachably priced alternative is The Wilson, which is right in town and within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants.
Fora Perks at Montage Big Sky
$100 hotel / resort credit, $70 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Bonus: Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a unique place to ski, with lots of terrain and significant recent investments. Alli called it off-the-beaten-path, something different and fresh. Plus, there’s great Southwestern food.
Where to stay: The Blake at Taos Ski Valley is a sophisticated, ski-in/ski-out stay with great Tex-Mex food to boot. Penthouses and residences are available in addition to their suites and guestrooms.
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your dream ski getaway today.