Featured Image: Rachael Zimmerman
Start manifesting powder days for next season because the new 26/27 Epic and Ikon passes have dropped. The Ikon 26/27 passes dropped on March 12 and Epic passes dropped on March 3. Let’s see what’s new with the two biggest ski pass contenders in the world.
Let's compare
So, which pass should you get for next winter? Well, let's talk about it. Both passes are great options, but deciding which one depends on your location, age and which benefits suit you best. If you love skiing at the Vail resorts, then there is no question about which pass you should get. The Epic Pass has all the major Vail resorts in Colorado like Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek. All of these resorts tend to be seen as more high-end, so if you enjoy a nice après and dinner, then these resorts are perfect for you. In terms of price, the Epic Pass does provide better deals, especially with military and family discounts. With that said, the Ikon Pass offers a wider range of difficult terrain, making it more attractive for experienced skiers and young adults, especially when factoring in their new squad pack savings for those ages 23 to 28. Even though Epic Pass has more destinations, Ikon offers a range of top destination advanced terrain ski resorts worldwide, from Steamboat and Jackson Hole in the U.S., Lake Louise in Canada, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Zermatt in Europe, 9 resorts in Japan and all the way down to Valle Nevado in Chile. If you are looking for an adventure, I would recommend getting the Ikon Pass. Ikon also just added new resorts in the Midwest region of the U.S., giving Midwesterners more options. To break it down, I would recommend the Epic Pass for families and those looking for a good time, and the Ikon Pass for the younger generation and more experienced skiers.
Below is a more broken down list of new prices, benefits, and destinations.
Prices
Both passes went up in price compared to last year with Epic at a $38 difference and Ikon at a $70 difference. But, there are new benefits for both.
Legendary back bowls of Vail.
Legendary back bowls of Vail.
Epic
Adult Epic Pass - $1,089
Adult Local Pass - $809
Child - $555
Teen and Young Adult Epic Pass - $869
Teen and Young Adult Local Pass - $649
Ikon
Full pass - $1,399
Base pass - $949
Ikon Session Pass - $299
Child Pass (Ages 5-12) - $478
4 and Under Pass - $238
Benefits
Both Epic and Ikon are trying to appeal to Gen Z with new discounts and deals for teens and young adults.
New Benefits Epic Pass
Teens and Young Adults save 20% on passes (Ages 13-30).
Buying early secures 10 discounted tickets for friends and family (Ends April 12).
Anyone who purchased a lift ticket during the 25/26 season can save up to $175 on a 26/27 pass.
Same Benefits Epic Pass
Pass includes free scenic lift rides for the summer, plus 20% off bike rentals, golf, and food/lodging at participating resorts (counts for both summer and winter). Winter deals include discounts off of rentals, group lessons, Epic Mountain Express, and heli-skiing.
New Benefits Ikon Pass
Squad Pack Savings: if four friends aged 23-28 all go in on Ikons, they save $199 on each Ikon Base Pass.
Discounted young adult pass (ages 13-22).
Improved child savings pass with up to $100 off every Child Pass with the purchase of one Adult Ikon Pass.
New renewal rewards, which include a pass renewal discount.
Same Benefits Ikon Pass
Up to 15% off food and retail.
Friends and family discount of up to 15 lift tickets with the full pass and 10 for the base pass at 25% off.
Destinations
Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat, Colorado.
Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat, Colorado.
Epic provides access to over 90 resorts worldwide and Ikon provides access to over 70 resorts worldwide. Ikon has added three new Midwestern resorts - Snowriver Mountain Resort (MI), Lutsen Mountains (MN), and Granite Peak (WI). Epic has decided not to add new destinations to the 26/27 pass but rather make improvements to their destinations. Below are some of the improvements that both passes have made for their destinations including changing the amount of days one can spend at a resort and not having to make reservations.
Epic
A new high-speed, 4-person chairlift is being installed on the north side of Peak 7 at Breckenridge, CO.
7 total days at Telluride
7 total days at the resorts of the Canadian Rockies. Epic pass holders will receive 50% off additional lift tickets after all 7 days are used.
5 days at Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu Resort in Japan.
Access to 32 European Partner Resorts.
No restricted blackout dates.
No restricted resorts.
Epic Local Pass
Unlimited access at 29 resorts.
Restricted blackout dates.
Restricted resorts.
Ikon Base
Unlimited access at 15 destinations
Up to 5 days at select destinations in the U.S. and internationally
Restricted blackout dates.
Restricted resorts.
Ikon Full
Unlimited access at 18 destinations.
Up to 7 days at select locations in the U.S. and internationally.
Ski up to 2 days at 8 bonus mountains (does not include blackout dates).
No restricted blackout dates.
No restricted resorts.
