Is the Epic Pass worth it for European skiers and snowboarders?
The Epic Pass is an incredible product that comes from the company that owns Vail Resorts. The Epic Pass has been pretty controversial as the company has taken ownership of numerous ski resorts across the USA. What cannot be argued about is the value an Epic Pass represents to a US-based skier or snowboarder with unlimited skiing across Vail-owned resorts including; Heavenly, Breckenridge, Stowe and over 30 more. The Epic Pass also has many additional partner resorts allowing for up to 7-days access per winter. As a European-based snowboarder, I have taken advantage of the Epic Pass owned and partner resorts across four continents so I feel uniquely positioned to discuss whether this pass is in fact worthwhile for European skiers and snowboarders.
WHAT IS INCLUDED ON THE EPIC PASS?
In the winter of 2023/24, the Epic Pass retails for 949 USD for its all-access pass. This pass offers access to 41 ski resorts on an unlimited basis with no blackout dates. The Epic Pass includes some of the biggest names in world skiing with Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Heavenly, & Park City alongside a number of partner resorts.
PARTNER RESORTS
As a European snowboarder, although I have used my Epic Pass in the US, it is the Partner Resorts in Europe that drew me into purchasing the pass. The Epic Pass is partnered with ski resorts in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland which means you can still get your fill of resort access without the flight across the pond.
GOOD VALUE ACCESS
3 VALLEYS
For a number of years, Epic Pass has been partnered with some of the best ski resorts in Europe including the world’s largest combined ski area Les Trois Vallées. Access to the 3 Valleys with Epic Pass is limited to 7 days but includes all 600km of pistes across 7 French ski resorts. I’ve enjoyed making the most of the access to the 3 Valleys with Epic Pass and have been able to visit resorts across the region. If like me you are budget savy consider staying in Orelle or Les Menuires for cheaper accommodation with good access to the rest of the 3 Valleys ski area.
SKIRAMA DOLOMITI
The Skirama Dolomiti comprises eight ski resorts across the Dolomites including the chic Madonna Di Campiglio. A week’s Skirama Dolomiti lift pass is included with the Epic Pass which means access to some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the Dolomites. A personal favourite is Pejo 3000 which has high-altitude skiing with long descents back to a traditional Italian Alpine village.
ANDERMATT - SEDRUN - DISENTIS
Andermatt ski resort in Switzerland brings incredible value to the Epic Pass with unlimited skiing and snowboarding available at this Epic Pass Europe resort. Since its introduction to the Epic Pass Andermatt has become one of the main reasons why European skiers and snowboarders would purchase this lift pass. Skiing in Andermatt offers 120km of pistes including the Gemsstock which is home to some epic freeride routes.
ACCESS THAT COULD BE BETTER
VERBIER 4 VALLEES
Verbier and the 4 Vallees encompasses six ski resorts and 410km of pistes with some of the best freeride terrain in Europe. Epic Pass holders can get up to five days of access to this combined ski area, however, there are lodging requirements. Staying in partner lodging grants you a day’s pass for a maximum of 5 days. You get a one-day pass for each day of your lodging (up to a maximum of 5 days).
SKI ARLBERG
Ski Arlberg in Austria is the country’s largest connected ski area with over 300kms of pistes. To use your Epic Pass to ski in Ski Arlberg you need to stay in the partner lodging where you can gain 3 days of access the ski area.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As a European-based snowboarder, I would recommend the Epic Pass to skiers and snowboarders who are interested in taking multiple trips per winter. The Epic Pass allows skiers to visit some of the best ski resorts in Europe with lots of diverse terrain set amongst some beautiful alpine villages. I was able to save money and have some great experiences along the way.
