For some of us, the mountains are always calling—the scenic beauty of a powder day, the fun of après, and all of the experiences that bring us back to the resorts, year after year.
However, the cost of lift tickets can sometimes be a steep slope. So, here’s a way to save on our favorite winter sport and help secure access all season long.
Lift Tickets vs Season Pass
Lift tickets have been the traditional go-to for skiers looking to enjoy a day or two on the slopes. They offer the no-commitment simplicity of showing up, purchasing your ticket, and hitting the lifts.
To maximize time on the slopes, a season Pass presents an unparalleled value.
Season Passes are available in a variety of options, offering something for all levels of commitment: unlimited access to a number of resorts, local access with peak date restrictions, and day passes. In addition, most season Passes include exclusive benefits or discounts. For example, Epic Pass Holders get 20% off food, lodging, group lessons, rentals and more.
Choose Your Epic Adventure
There are a number of options to cater to a variety of different needs. Here are three of the most popular Epic Pass products:
- Epic Pass
UNLIMITED ACCESS. NO RESTRICTIONS. THE ULTIMATE ALL-SEASON PASS.
- For the avid skier, unlimited access to all Vail Resorts operated mountains, plus additional days at partner resorts worldwide
- Epic Local Pass
INCREDIBLE VALUE WITH ACCESS TO ALL YOUR FAVORITE RESORTS
- Limited restrictions on coast-to-coast access to all your favorite resorts, offering significant savings.
- Epic Day Passes
BUILD A PASS THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS
- Choose from 1 to 7 days to ski and ride throughout the season, providing flexibility and savings for shorter trips.
Is a Lift Ticket the Same as a Day Pass?
While Epic Day Passes and lift tickets have some similarities, namely that they provide access by the day rather than the season, they are different in a few key ways.
Like a lift ticket, an Epic Day Pass is a great way to get just a few days of access or try out the sport. However, a lift ticket gives you access to a specific resort on a specific day. Epic Day Pass, on the other hand, can be used at multiple resorts any day throughout the season.
Epic Day Pass has three components that you can customize: number of days, number of resorts, and whether you want access on peak dates. An Epic 1-Day Pass at 22 resorts without peak date access will be the least expensive Day Pass. An Epic 7-Day Pass with all resorts and peak date access will be the most expensive Day Pass option. But you can customize your Day Pass to be somewhere in the middle based on when, where, and how often you plan to visit. If you want to ski or snowboard more than 7 days, a season Pass is a better fit than a Day Pass.
Does Epic Day Pass include lift tickets?
No, Epic Day Pass does not include lift tickets. Epic Day Pass provides lift access to the Pass Holder for 1-7 days, depending on the number of days purchased. If you run out of days on your Epic Day Pass, you can show your Pass at the resort lift ticket window to buy a discounted lift ticket. Upgrade to an Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, or other eligible season Pass product for Buddy or Ski With A Friend Tickets.
Epic Day Pass vs. Lift Tickets
Lift Ticket Pros:
- Available on short notice or even day-of
- Refundable
Lift Ticket Cons:
- Lift tickets are limited and may sell out
- Less flexible and customizable
- More expensive than a Day Pass
- No benefits, perks, and discounts
Epic Day Pass Pros:
- Lower cost
- Extremely flexible and customizable
- Multi-resort access
- Includes Epic Mountain Rewards and Epic Coverage
Epic Day Pass Cons
- Only available while Passes are on sale
Key Differences Between Day Pass and Lift Tickets
| Lift Tickets | Epic Day Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Available on short notice | x | |
| Refundable | x | |
| Limited and may sell out | x | |
| Guaranteed access | x | |
| Flexible and customizable | x | |
| Biggest savings | x | |
| Epic Mountain Rewards | x | |
| Epic Coverage | x | |
| On sale for a limited time | x |
Pre-Purchase for More Perks
Regardless of whether you opt for a lift ticket or a Pass, planning ahead pays off.
It is cheaper to buy lift tickets in advance at the online rate. Of course, if you know in advance that you want to ski or ride next season, a Pass is the best option.
One of the undeniable benefits of opting for a season Pass is the ability to pre-purchase and secure your access in advance. Not only does this ensure your spot during the busiest times of the season, but it comes with significant savings compared to buying lift tickets on arrival.
Epic Pass: Your Ticket to the Mountains
One season Pass to check out is the Epic Pass. It’s far more than just a season-long lift ticket—it's a gateway to making skiing and riding a more affordable and manageable part of your winter routine.
The Epic Pass allows for pre-purchased access at the best prices—turning days at the slopes from an expenditure into an accessible adventure.
In addition, depending on your Pass, Epic Pass Holders get the following benefits:
- Epic Mountain Rewards: 20% off food, lodging, group lessons, rentals, and more.
- Buddy Tickets & Ski With a Friend Tickets: Lift ticket savings for friends and family.
- Epic Coverage: If a covered event holds you back from your ski and ride season, you may be eligible to receive a refund for the days you miss.
Epic Coverage includes:
- Job loss and job furloughs over six months
- Mandatory stay-at-home order from County, State, or Country
- Injury, sickness, or death
- Student transfer
- Pregnancy
- Visa rejections
- Jury duty
- Military transfer
- And more
The Bottom Line
In comparing pre-purchased Passes versus lift tickets, Epic Pass emerges as the clear winner for those looking to get the most value out of their ski season. It not only makes skiing and riding more affordable but also allows an unmatched level of flexibility to schedule around snowfall and your availability.
Plan Ahead, Ski More
The key to unlocking the best value for your ski season lies in planning ahead. By choosing the Pass that best suits your needs, you can ensure a season filled with skiing. Compare all of the offerings at epicpass.com.
So whether you're carving down the back bowls of Vail or exploring the Whistler Blackcomb sidecountry, Epic Pass is your ticket to a winter filled with adventure and savings. Don’t wait; the prices increase throughout the sale period from March through the fall. And remember, Passes are not on sale all year, so make sure to buy now to get the best price possible.
Visit epicpass.com today and make this season your best yet.