What Currency is the Epic Pass In? Pass Prices, Savings and Tips for Skiers
The Epic Pass, when purchased on epicpass.com, is sold in US dollars and offers the best value for skiers and riders who plan to visit multiple Vail Resorts destinations in one season. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll analyze Epic Pass prices, savings, included resorts, and whether the pass makes sense for different types of skiers.
Epic Pass Cost – How Prices Break Down
The full Epic Pass offers unlimited access to 40+ resorts for $859 for the 2022/2023 season when purchased in advance. Here‘s a breakdown of the main Epic Pass options and their current prices:
| Pass | Price | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Epic Pass | $859 | Unlimited at all resorts |
| Epic Local Pass | $719 | Unlimited with holiday restrictions |
| Epic Day Pass (1-day) | $92 | 1 day at all resorts |
| Epic Day Pass (5-pack) | $462 | 5 days at all resorts |
Additional passes like the Epic Military Pass, Epic Student Pass, and Epic Senior Pass offer discounted rates for eligible groups. Prices increase by up to $150 as opening day approaches.
For reference, walk-up US adult lift ticket rates at popular Vail Resorts mountains for 2022/2023 are:
- Vail: $219
- Breckenridge: $209
- Park City: $209
- Whistler Blackcomb: $181
Epic Pass Savings vs Buying Lift Tickets
The Epic Pass delivers huge savings compared to purchasing lift tickets, especially for skiers who take multiple trips per season.
For example, let‘s estimate the cost of lift tickets for two 5-day ski trips, one to Vail and one to Park City:
| Mountain | Days Skiing | Daily Lift Ticket Price | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vail | 5 | $219 | $1,095 |
| Park City | 5 | $209 | $1,045 |
| Total | 10 | $2,140 |
In contrast, with the Epic Pass those 10 days of skiing would be covered for $859 – a total savings of $1,281!
For frequent skiers, the math is easy – you‘ll likely break even on the Epic Pass in under 5 days on the mountain.
Breaking Even on the Epic Pass
To estimate how many days you need to ski for the Epic Pass to pay for itself, you can divide the pass price by the average daily lift ticket cost at the resorts you plan to visit.
Here‘s a look at the break-even point for some popular destinations:
| Mountain | Daily Lift Ticket Price | Days to Break Even on Epic Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Vail | $219 | 4 days |
| Park City | $209 | 4 days |
| Breckenridge | $209 | 4 days |
| Whistler Blackcomb | $181 | 5 days |
| Stowe | $144 | 6 days |
As you can see, you can make your money back on the pass after just 4-6 days on the mountain for most resorts. For pricier destinations like Vail, it may only take 2-3 days.
Getting the Most from Your Epic Pass
To maximize value, consider these tips:
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Ski weekdays – Lift tickets typically cost $20-$30 more on Saturdays and holidays. Hit the slopes midweek to save.
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Ski different resorts – Mix it up! Use your Epic Pass perks at a variety of the 40+ resorts.
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Take spring skiing trips – Additional getaways in late March/April let you leverage the pass further.
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Use Epic Mountain Rewards discounts – Take advantage of 20% off dining and lodging to save even more.
Epic Pass Perks and Benefits
Beyond lift ticket access, the Epic Pass unlocks discounts and perks that make vacations more affordable:
- Lodging – Up to 25% off owned and operated Vail Resorts hotels
- Dining – 20% off meals at Vail Resorts cafes and restaurants
- Ski and ride school – 10% off lessons for all ages
- Equipment rentals – 10% off rentals at Vail Resorts locations
- Friends & Family Lift Tickets – Discounts to invite others to join you
These benefits can save a family of four hundreds of dollars on a week-long ski trip.
For example, a family staying and eating on-mountain at Breckenridge could expect over $800 in total discounts thanks to their Epic Passes ($500+ on lodging, $300+ on dining for the week).
Best Epic Pass Options for Different Skiers
With multiple types of Epic Passes available, which is right for you?
For Frequent Skiers
Hands down, the full Epic Pass is the way to go if you plan to ski 10+ days in a season. nothing beats unlimited access across 40+ resorts at a price that pays for itself quickly.
For Occasional Skiers
If you only ski a handful of days per year, the Epic Day Pass is a smart flexible option. It allows 1-7 days at any Vail Resorts mountain. Great for mixing it up across different resorts.
For Those on a Budget
The Epic Local Pass provides unlimited access to 29 resorts for $719 – over $100 less than the full Epic Pass. Some holiday restrictions apply, but still an amazing value.
For City Dwellers
For city residents without cars, the Epic Day Pass "City Pass" offers discounted 1-day tickets at resorts accessible by public transit from major cities. Perfect for urbanites who take the occasional ski train or bus trip.
For Overseas Travelers
Global jet-setters will love the full Epic Pass‘ access to resorts in Canada, Australia, Japan, and Switzerland. No need to buy different tickets in each country across multiple trips.
Comparing the Epic Pass to Other Multi-Mountain Passes
While the Epic Pass stands out for its exceptional number of resorts and multi-country access, it‘s not the only multi-mountain pass option.
Ikon Pass
- Cost: $1,149
- Resorts: 41 destinations across 15 states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Japan.
- Key details: Less unlimited access (14 resorts), but includes iconic spots like Aspen and Jackson Hole.
Mountain Collective Pass
- Cost: $649
- Resorts: 2 days each at 23 destinations across 4 countries.
- Key details: A lower priced option offering a set number of days versus unlimited. Popular for occasional travelers.
Indy Pass
- Cost: $339
- Resorts: 2 days each at over 80 mainly independent resorts across US and Canada.
- Key details: Focus is on smaller family-friendly resorts. Great way to discover hidden gem locations.
For skiers loyal to just one or two resorts, site-specific season passes directly from that mountain may also be an option.
Making Skiing More Affordable
While the Epic Pass represents value in the world of lift tickets, ski vacations can still be pricey. Here are my top tips for keeping costs down:
- Book lodging early – Aim for airbnbs, vacation rentals, and budget hotels.
- Buy discounted equipment rentals and lift tickets ahead of time.
- Prepare your own food – store bought groceries and packed lunches save money.
- Use resort apps to track discounted lift tickets and lessons.
- Avoid peak holiday periods like Christmas and Presidents’ Day week.
- Take advantage of kids ski free deals and lift ticket combo packages.
- Splurge on passes to access cheaper ski areas – skip the $200 lift tickets.
Is the Epic Pass Worth It? My Take.
In my experience as a Colorado ski enthusiast who takes regular trips, the Epic Pass is hands-down worth the investment. I‘ve used it for incredible ski weekends at places like Breckenridge and Vail that would normally cost me $400+ in lift tickets. Plus, the pass keeps me motivated to hit the mountains regularly all season long.
While the upfront cost seems high, by spreading my skiing out across 20+ days at a variety of amazing resorts, I‘m able to keep my per-visit costs shockingly low. Adding in the discounts on rentals, lessons, and mountain food & beverages, my perk-filled Epic Pass pays for itself easily.
There‘s nothing better than heading straight to the lift with pass in hand, ready to maximize every shred-filled minute on the hill without budget worries. I wouldn‘t hit the slopes without it!
For occasional skiers, the math may look different. But frequent riders who love exploring different terrain can‘t beat the unlimited skiing freedom the Epic Pass unlocks.
The Bottom Line
Sold in US dollars, the Epic Pass represents a smart investment for regular skiers and snowboarders who want to access an incredible network of resorts across the US and worldwide. Do the math for your specific ski plans – chances are excellent the pass will pay for itself in short order and provide you season-long savings. Let the epic adventures begin!