Epic Pass vs Ikon Pass
The ultimate 2025-2026 season pass showdown. Which one is right for you?
Epic Pass
Vail Resorts | Corporate Consistency
65+
Resorts Worldwide
VS
Ikon Pass
Alterra Mountain | Destination Variety
50+
Destinations
| Epic Pass | Ikon Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Vail Resorts | Alterra Mountain Company |
| Total Resorts | 65+ | 50+ |
| US Resorts | 40+ | 30+ |
| Base Pass Price | ~$583 (Local) | ~$689 (Base) |
| Full Pass Price | ~$859 | ~$1,049 |
| Blackout Dates | Some (Local pass) | Yes (Base pass) |
| Colorado Coverage | 10+ resorts | 6 resorts |
| California Coverage | Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood | Mammoth, Palisades, Big Bear |
| Utah Coverage | Park City | Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley |
| Wyoming | — | Jackson Hole |
| Montana | — | Big Sky |
| Buddy Tickets | Yes (Epic only) | Yes (Full only) |
| Day Access Limits | Unlimited (Full) | 7 days at some (Base) |
✅ Choose Epic Pass If You...
- Live near Colorado's Front Range (Vail, Breck, Keystone)
- Want Park City as your main destination
- Prefer corporate consistency and predictability
- Plan to ski 10+ days at Epic resorts
- Want Whistler Blackcomb access (limited days)
- Value no blackout dates (Full pass)
✅ Choose Ikon Pass If You...
- Want Jackson Hole or Big Sky access
- Prefer Utah variety (Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley)
- Love Mammoth Mountain in California
- Want to explore diverse, independent resorts
- Plan destination ski trips to bucket-list resorts
- Value character over corporate uniformity
🏆 The Bottom Line
There's no wrong choice—just the right fit for YOUR ski style.
Epic Pass dominates if you're a Colorado local or Park City regular.
Ikon Pass wins for destination diversity and iconic Western resorts.
Many serious skiers buy both passes or add Indy Pass for maximum coverage.