We offer the best rates available. 
While we haven't even wrapped up this year's ski season, you hardcore skiers know it's time to start thinking about next season, especially if you want to get the best deals. After all, this is the when you can get the best prices on ski passes. To that end, Vail Ski Resorts has announced its Epic Pass options for 2019-2020 — and there are a lot of them! For the first time, Vail is introducing what it's calling an Epic Day Pass, a customizable pass that allows guests to pick the number of days they want to ski or ride (with or without holiday access) for any of its North American-owned resorts. There are also traditional Epic Passes and Epic Local Passes. This post will be looking at the options, including the Epic Pass costs, benefits (like Epic Buddy Tickets) and restrictions.
This is a good time to mention that we're offering select Epic Passes at the best rates of the season! We've got 4-, 5- 6-, 7-day and unlimited Epic Passes for 2019-2020, so if you're ready to buy at the best price available, then hop to it! Don't froget, we also offer discounts on hotels and regular lift tickets (when you bundle with us)!
Epic Pass | Epic Local Pass | Epic Day Pass | Epic Pass Comparison | Epic Buddy Pass & Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets
Epic Pass 2019-2020
The Epic Pass is the big kahuna of the ski passes — with access to the most resorts and the fewest restrictions (but also the highest price). This pass is perfect for globe-trotting, ski-loving and snowboarding families who want to pack in as much powder time as they possibly can!
It offers unrestricted, unlimited skiing and riding for the entire 2019 season at these resorts:
Rockies
Crested Butte, CO
West
Stevens Pass, WA
Midwest
Wilmot, WI
Afton Alps, MN
Mt. Brighton, MI
East
Stowe, VT
Okemo, VT
Mount Sunapee, NH
Canada
Whistler Blackcomb, BC
Perisher, Hotham, Falls Creek (2020 access - subject to certain approvals)
Plus additional access with limited dates to:
Telluride, CO
Sun Valley, ID
Snowbasin, UT
Fernie Alpine Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Stoneham
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Nakiska Ski Area
Mont-Sainte Anne
11 Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu, Japan Ski Resorts
30 European Ski Resorts
Epic Local Pass
While the name is somewhat confusing, the Epic Local Pass is not limited to locals. Rather, it's geared more for anyone who wants a more affordable option than the Epic Pass with access to most of the Vail resorts (with a few restrictions).
The Epic Local Pass offers access unrestricted skiing or riding at the following resorts:
Rockies
Crested Butte, CO
West
Stevens Pass, WA
Midwest
Wilmot, WI
Mt. Brighton, MI
Afton Alps, MN
East
Mount Sunapee, NH
Okemo, VT
It offers date restrictions and/or a limited number of days at the following resorts:
Stowe, VT
Whistler Blackcomb, BC
Sun Valley, ID
Snow Basin, UT
11 Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu, Japan Ski Resorts
New for 2019! — Unrestricted and Restricted Epic Day Passes
The Epic Day Passes offer flexible days at about 50% off the cost of standard lift tickets. You choose the number of dates you want to ski or ride — from one day to seven days — and decide whether you want to include holidays (unrestricted) or not (restricted). For the majority of you skiers and riders who plan to take one or perhaps two ski vacations, this is the most practical and economical choice. It allows you to lock in the best rates of the season without committing to a full Epic Pass. Plus, you do not have to select your dates, and they do not have to be consecutive.
It's also worth noting that are only a handful of dates that have holiday restrictions, so if you don't yet know your dates, we think your best bet is to go with restricted. This pass is valid starting October 2019.
The Epic Day Pass offers skiing or riding at the following resorts:
Rockies
Crested Butte, CO
West
Stevens Pass, WA
Midwest
Afton Alps, MN
Mt. Brighton, MI
Wilmot, WI
East
Stowe, VT
Okemo, VT
Mount Sunapee, NH
Canada
Whistler Blackcomb, BC
The Epic 4-Day Pass (and above) offers additional access to:
Telluride, CO
Snowbasin, UT
Sun Valley, ID
Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
Epic Day Pass Holiday-Restricted Dates
Nov. 29-30, 2019
Dec. 26-31, 2019
Jan. 18, 2020
Feb. 15-26, 2020
| Which Epic Pass | Cost | How Many Resorts? | Restrictions? | Additional Tickets/Benefits? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Pass | $939 | 69* | No | 6 Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets; 10 Buddy Tickets** |
| Epic Local Pass | $699 | 30 Resorts | Holidays | 6 Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets; 10 Buddy Tickets** |
| Epic Day Pass Unrestricted (4-7 Days) | $456 for 4 days | Up to 26 | No | No |
| Epic Day Pass Restricted (4-7 Days) | $388 for 4 days | Up to 26 | Holidays | No |
*Perisher, Hotham, Falls Creek (2020 access - subject to certain approvals)
**Benefits subject to change
What Is the Difference Between Epic Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets?
Epic passes come pre-loaded with a set number of Epic Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets that give you discounts for friends and family. The tickets are not the same thing! Epic Buddy Tickets are discounted tickets that stay the same price all season long. They are only available at Vail Ski Resorts (not partner resorts). The flat rate is determined by ski resort. Last year, for example, the Epic Buddy Ticket rate for Vail/Beaver Creek was $129, while the Epic Buddy Ticket rate for Heavenly was $101.
Ski With a Friend Tickets are single-day lift tickets that are discounted from the window price, but these prices fluctuate throughout the season. At Vail last season, the Ski-With-A-Friend Ticket was $171 for most of March and $106 in April.
Have a question about any of the Epic passes? Drop us a line in comments below! Need help deciding which ski resort is right for you and your family? We've got a handy overview of the top U.S. ski resorts.
Related: Frog Family's Insider Guide to Heavenly Ski Resort
Related: Frog Family's Insider Guide to Skiing Breckenridge Colorado
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