If you’re struggling to decide which is best between Ikon Pass vs Epic Pass, we don’t blame you! Both of these mammoth ski passes offer unprecedented access to resorts around the world, redefining the earthly obstacles to global ski seasons. Comparing these passes can be complicated, and you may be crying out for someone to just explain it clearly. That’s where we come in!
In this blog, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at just what the Ikon and Epic ski passes include. Perks, pitfalls, pricing… we’re here to lay it out so that you can make the most informed decision. So, without further ado, here is everything you need to know about the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass.
So, what makes Ikon and Epic passes different from a typical ski pass?
If you’ve not heard the buzz around these passes, then you probably want to know what sets them apart. It’s more than just a multi-resort pass like the Portes du Soleil pass, for example, which grants you access to a geographical area inclusive of 12 French and Swiss ski resorts. The Ikon and Epic passes span the globe, granting entry to spectacular slopes across 4 continents each.
For their key resorts, you can get unlimited access all season long, so your winter road trip to the best ski resorts will be easier than ever. Both passes also offer discounted (or even complimentary) ski passes for family and friends. If they can’t join you for the whole tour, they can at least join for one leg! And if you yourself aren’t looking for a full season of mountain exploration, both Epic and Ikon offer week passes or short stay passes. Though these tickets have different caveats, there are still fantastic rewards exclusive to Ikon and Epic.
When it comes to Ikon pass vs Epic pass, there are different perks to each one. However, no matter which you choose, you’ll find yourself revelling in the benefits all season long. From discounts on food and retail to special experiences like ‘First Tracks’, you’ll be blessed with the best of the mountains for less.
Where can the Ikon and Epic passes take me?
Naturally, the destinations are the crux of these passes. So many options are available in one season under one umbrella.
Ikon Destinations
The Ikon Pass grants unlimited access to 18 North American resorts, including Tremblant, Steamboat, and Palisades Tahoe. The full list of Ikon resorts may surprise you with its range. From smaller, local resorts with a cult following to world-renowned destinations that hold a place on the big stage of iconic ski resorts.
In addition, you can explore the world, with up to 7 days at each of their 42 resorts across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South America. Ski the famed powder of Niseko United, followed by a spot of summer skiing in Valle Nevado, Chile, or The Remarkables in New Zealand; there are barely enough days of the year to journey to everywhere this pass allows!
Accommodation in Ikon Pass Resorts, with Ski In Luxury
Take a look at the Ikon Pass resorts with Ski In Luxury…
- Zermatt, Switzerland
“Truly enviable ski terrain at the border of Switzerland and Italy, Zermatt is a premier resort with a reputation that precedes it. It’s not only the legendary Matterhorn that you’ll be writing home about. The luxurious chalets here are elevated classics, embroiling wooden interiors and tasteful decor with both modernity and high-end services.” - Soldeu, Grandvalira Resorts, Andorra
“Soldeu is an understated resort quickly gaining traction within the snowsports community. The most popular sector of Grandvalira (the biggest ski area in the Pyrenees), Soldeu, welcomes guests with open arms. Soldeu is fantastic for families and beginners, as well as for seasoned experts seeking a real challenge – the Avet black run will certainly test your skills!” - Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Canada
“If you want a dynamic ski holiday with magnificent powder treelines, then Revelstoke is perfect. Home to North America’s greatest vertical at 1,713m, this Canadian resort stands among the greats for adventure. Heli-skiing and backcountry playgrounds are undoubtedly the bread and butter, and the luxury ski lodges in Revelstoke match this prestige.” - Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, France
“Seeing the notorious Mont Blanc is enough to give even the most discerning mountain enthusiast goosebumps. Its alpine magic flows through the valley, from Les Grands Montets to Le Brevent and beyond. Additionally, the non-skiing activities in Chamonix, including luxury mountain spas and dog-sledding adventures, mean every taste is catered for.” - Dolomiti Superski, Italy
“The Dolomites stun from sunrise to sunset. The glorious vistas and incredible ski opportunities have meant a growing popularity year-on-year. The Ikon Pass gives the choice of 12 resorts, amounting to 29,650+ acres of skiing possibilities! Experiencing Northern Italian cuisine in the Dolomites’ best restaurants, the culture, and undeniably beautiful peaks necessitates your return…”
Epic Destinations
If you thought that the Ikon Pass must be unmatched, then it’s time to reassess. The Epic Pass resorts list is just as expansive.
Unlimited access with the Epic Pass spans Canada, the USA, Switzerland, and new for 2026, Australia! Start out in Park City, Utah, and then on to a stint in Colorado to discover Vail and Beaver Creek. If you’re making a year out of it, then why not travel to Perisher, way Down Under, as a grand finale? Or perhaps you’d rather close out the season with the Canucks, where you can stay in one of our luxury ski lodges in Whistler? The ski safari opportunities are almost limitless!
Ski In Luxury Chalets in Epic Pass Resorts
With the Epic Pass, Europe is certainly on the cards, as well as North America. It grants unlimited access to the following Ski In Luxury resorts:
- Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Switzerland
“Home to The Chedi Andermatt, one of the top luxury ski hotels the mountains can offer and endorsed by the famous faces of Switzerland that frequent this exclusive resort. Sporting legends like Roger Federer and Marco Odermatt could be skiing or dining beside you here! Andermatt is at once understated and luxurious beyond measure, the epitome of old-world grandeur”. - Crans-Montana Resort, Switzerland
“Prestige is the name of the game in Crans Montana. Both the high-end boutique shops and wine region locale are reasons to visit, plus its elevation extends to 3,000m for prime snow reliability. Its terrain diversity is also a huge talking point, boasting the second largest snowpark in Switzerland and one of the largest Super-Half-Pipes in the world!” - Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
“Whistler is without a doubt a bucket-list item for any skier or snowboarder. Due to its status as North America’s largest ski resort, its reputation is as stellar as its designer shopping options, inviting celebrities, royalty, and the global elite. But it’s also a haven for backcountry skiers and powder hunters, with legendary runs like the “Couloir Extreme” being many adventurers’ magnum opus.”
Additional Resorts
Several more Epic Pass resorts with Ski In Luxury are accessible for up to 7 consecutive days. This is including, but not limited to:
- 7 consecutive days at Les 3 Vallées, France
“Les 3 Vallées is famously home to the largest interconnected ski area in the world, with a 600-kilometre network of pistes and slopes and nearly 200 lifts. Size-wise, this region seems to outrank most North American resorts, while also offering a totally different ski experience that must be witnessed to be understood.” - 7 consecutive days at Skirama Dolomiti, Italy
“Cousin to the Dolomiti Superski area, Skirama Dolomiti spreads through Trentino, Italy, totalling 8 gorgeous resorts including one of our favourites, Madonna di Campiglio. A ski holiday in a UNESCO site with Italian charm and tree-lined runs is truly what dreams are made of.” - 5 consecutive days at Verbier 4 Vallées, Switzerland
“One of the most famous resorts worldwide, a Jewel in Switzerland’s crown, Verbier is certainly not to be missed. The undeniably world-class freeskiing opportunities are a constant point of praise, and the incredible restaurants in Verbier are just as exciting.” - New for Winter 2025/26: Epic Pass and Epic Adaptive Pass will include 5 days of access to Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Austria
“An underrated Austrian ski area near Salzburg! If you’re looking for a ski resort close to an airport that avoids the typical crowds of the Alps, then look to the Skicircus network. Additionally, the views are almost from another planet, especially from the iconic Julisam Estate.”
Please be aware that this blog is not in association with Ikon Pass or Epic Pass; no links are affiliated. Please see the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass websites for a full account of the resorts available.
Benefits and Rewards
Naturally, a multi-mountain ski pass is bound to have an exciting array of destinations in its quiver. But what if you’re only getting out to the slopes a couple of times? Can the destination choice really justify the purchase alone? For some, maybe. But for others, the pot may need a little sweetening. So, what are the added bonuses available with the Ikon and Epic passes?
Ikon Pass Benefits
Friends and Family Discounts: The Ikon Pass allows friends and family to purchase up to 12 passes at 25% off.
Food, Beverage, and Retail Discounts: 15% off in select destinations and retailers in-resort, as well as 20% off The North Face and WhiteSpace snowboards, and many more brands.
First Tracks: On one designated morning per month (January to March), the Ikon Pass ‘First Tracks’ allows pass holders to be the very first to make their turns on the mountain; untouched powder and freshly groomed pistes are all yours!
Heli-Skiing & Heli-Hiking Credits: Between $400 CAD and $1,200 CAD discounts with select heli-ski companies, with destinations across North America, including the notorious Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
POW Membership: A 1-year membership to Protect Our Winters (POW), an international non-profit charity working to encourage action and support for climate action so that we can stay on the snow for longer. With this comes 15% off POW merchandise, event access, partner discounts, and more!
Epic Pass Benefits
Buddy and Ski With a Friend Tickets: Buddy Tickets allow for up to 45% off on a friends or family members ticket, with fixed prices all season long. For day tickets, get 6 ‘Ski With A Friend’ tickets per season so your friends can avoid long ticket lines and simply join you.
Food and Beverage Discounts: 20% off lunches, snacks, and après-ski treats at select North American resorts and eateries.
Ski & Snowboard School Discounts: 20% off group lessons and guides for all skill levels.
Rental Discounts: Get your gear in select North American resorts for 20% off, plus an additional 20% off when you book in advance online (with the Plus Pass).
Whistler Heli-Skiing: 20% off single day group Whistler Heli-Skiing Packages.
Please note that these selected benefits and rewards will vary depending on the tier of pass, and the season. To view caveats, further rewards, and details, please visit the Ikon and Epic Pass websites.
Types and Prices of Ikon
Ikon Pass
- 62 destinations
- No blackout* dates
- Adult Passes (23+): $1,429 USD
- Youth, Child, and Under 4 Passes: $1,089, $439, and $149, respectively
- All Ikon benefits and rewards
Ikon Base Pass
- 54 destinations
- Limited blackout dates*
- Adult Pass: $1,009 USD
- Youth, Child, and Under 4 Passes: $739, $369, and $99 USD, respectively
- Limited benefits and rewards, e.g. fewer friends and family passes, smaller discount on food and retail etc.
Ikon Session Pass
- 44 destinations, for 2, 3, or 4 days at one mountain or split the days across destinations
- Northern Hemisphere blackout dates*
- European resorts excluded – Japan, USA, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Australia included (select resorts)
- Adult Passes: from $299 to $489 USD
- Further limits on benefits and rewards, e.g. no retail or food discounts
*Blackout dates refer to certain dates in the season that are excluded from the Ikon allowance, such as national holidays. To discover further details on which dates are blacked out for each pass type, visit the Ikon website.
Types and Prices of Epic Pass
Epic Pass
- 80+ destinations (including 42 with unlimited access)
- All Epic Mountain Rewards
- Includes peak dates
- Adult Pass (13+): $1,075 USD
- Child Pass (5-12): $548 USD
- Summer lift access at applicable resorts
Epic Local Pass
- 29 unlimited resorts, 5 unlimited resorts excluding peak dates, 5-10 days at various Rockies, Canadian, Swiss, and Japanese ski resorts/areas
- All Epic Mountain Rewards
- Excludes peak dates in some resorts
- Adult Pass (19+): $799 USD
- Teen Pass (13-18): $646, Child Pass (5-12): $416 USD
Epic Day Passes
- Choose between 1-7 day passes
- 46 destinations to choose from (limits on 1-3 day passes)
- All Epic Mountain Rewards
- Excludes peak dates in some resorts
- Adult 7-Day Pass: $708 USD
- Child 7-Day Pass: $370 USD
Epic Adaptive Pass
- For passholders with permanent disabilities as defined by the ADA
- One guide/companion lift ticket per day for a reduced price at resorts owned and operated by Vail Resorts
- 42 unlimited access resorts, 35 resorts with varied access across Europe, Asia, and North America
- Includes peak dates
- All Epic Mountain Rewards
- Adult Pass: $527 USD
- Child Pass: $270 USD
Prices given are for the 2025/26 season.
So, Ikon vs Epic Pass… Have you decided which you’ll be purchasing for next season? We hope you’ve been enlightened and are eager to start planning your trips. But firstly, you’ll need somewhere to stay! Our team of experts are brimming with knowledge of the absolute best luxury ski chalets in Europe and Canada. Send an email to ask@skiinluxury.com, or give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203650, and we’d be happy to find the best property for your needs and desires.
In the meantime, keep up with the latest additions to our luxury portfolio, as well as holiday deals and offers, by following us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest.
