Epic vs Ikon: A Tale of Two Passes

The Epic Pass is offered by Vail Resorts, which is the largest ski resort operator in the United States. It offers unlimited access to over 30 ski resorts across North America, including Vail, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, and Heavenly. In addition to unlimited skiing, the Epic Pass also includes some other perks, such as discounts on lodging, dining, and equipment rentals. The Epic Pass also typically offers a generous veterans discount of up to 50% off the regular price for eligible veterans, and an even larger discount for active duty and retired military personnel.  The Ikon Pass also offers a military discount of around 20% off the regular price, which is a nice perk, but it's not as substantial as the Epic Pass discount.

One of the advantages of the Epic Pass is its great access to excellent resorts in Tahoe, Utah, and Colorado. However, for those of us in the Pacific Northwest, the Epic Pass has limited access to resorts, with Stevens Pass and Whistler being the only options. This is where the Ikon Pass comes in. The Ikon Pass, offered by Alterra Mountain Company, operates 43 ski resorts in North America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The pass offers unlimited access to 15 ski resorts and up to seven days at 28 other resorts, including several beloved Pacific Northwest resorts like Schweitzer, Snoqualmie, Mt Bachelor, and Crystal Mountain. This makes the Ikon Pass a great choice for those who live in the Pacific Northwest and want access to a variety of ski resorts. 

Side note:  Pacific Northwest skiers and riders may also want to take a look at the Powder Alliance which gets you full access to the resort you buy the pass from, plus limited access to partner resorts including White Pass, Mission Ridge, Timberline, and Bogus Basin.

Another difference between the two passes is the geographical coverage. While the Epic Pass offers unlimited access to many of the best ski resorts in North America, it offers minimal access to resorts outside of the continent. The Ikon Pass, however, offers access to some of the best ski resorts in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, which is a significant advantage for those who like to travel and ski in different parts of the world.

Finally, the price of the passes should also be considered. The cost of the Epic Pass varies depending on when it's purchased and how many days of skiing are desired, but typically it costs between $700 and $1,000. The Ikon Pass costs slightly more, ranging from $999 to $1,149, but it also offers access to more ski resorts and includes some additional benefits.

Both the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass offer access to some of the best ski resorts in the world and can save skiers and snowboarders a significant amount of money. The choice between the two passes will depend on individual preferences, including how often you plan to ski, where you want to ski, and how much you're willing to spend. If you live in the Pacific Northwest and want access to several resorts in the region, the Ikon Pass is a better choice. However, if you're a veteran, you really can't afford not to get the Epic Pass with the massive discount. One long weekend trip to Tahoe or Park City, and it's paid for itself. Ultimately, the best choice will be the one that meets your ski or snowboard goals.

Please let us know what you think in the comments section. 

Information contained in this article is based on historic pricing, coverage and perks for Epic, Ikon and Powder Alliance passes and may not be reflective of upcoming 2023/24 policies. This article is informative only, Carve Culture receives no compensation for any passes purchased.

For more information visit:

Epic Pass:  www.epicpass.com

Ikon Pass: www.ikonpass.com

Powder Alliance: powderalliance.com