Skip to content
MOUNTAIN POW
ExploreToolsGuidesMountain EventsMountain CinemaMapBucket ListMy Trips
Events
Guides / First-Timer's Guide

FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE TO SKI SEASON PASSES

Everything you need to know about the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass before buying

5 min read•Updated October 26, 2026 · costs are estimates

IN THIS GUIDE

1. What Are Season Passes?2. The Ikon Pass3. The Epic Pass4. Which Pass Is Right For You?5. Is a Season Pass Worth It?6. When to Buy7. Tips for First-Time Pass Holders

1. What Are Season Passes?

Reading marks…

The shared activity snapshot is unavailable. Actions on MtnPow, not unique people. Your own mark stays in this browser.

A season pass gives you access to multiple ski resorts at a fixed price instead of buying expensive day tickets ($150-250 each). The two major multi-resort passes in North America are the Ikon Pass and the Epic Pass.

The Ikon Pass combines Alterra-owned destinations with partner mountains, including Jackson Hole, Big Sky, and Deer Valley. The Epic Pass combines Vail Resorts' properties with partners, including Vail, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb, and destinations worldwide.

Most skiers break even in 4-8 days depending on the tier, making a season pass one of the best investments in skiing.

Ikon Highlights:

  • Jackson Hole, WY
  • Big Sky, MT
  • Deer Valley, UT
  • Mammoth Mountain, CA
  • Revelstoke, BC
  • Niseko, Japan

Epic Highlights:

  • Vail, CO
  • Park City, UT
  • Whistler Blackcomb, BC
  • Breckenridge, CO
  • Stowe, VT
  • Verbier, Switzerland

2. The Ikon Pass

Reading marks…

The shared activity snapshot is unavailable. Actions on MtnPow, not unique people. Your own mark stays in this browser.

Ikon’s two main season-pass products have different access levels and prices. Ikon also sells shorter Session products; compare the exact product before buying.

Ikon Pass

$1529
  • Unlimited access at 18 destinations
  • Up to 7 days at premier destinations
  • No blackouts at regular destinations; Bonus Mountains have restrictions

Ikon Base

$1099
  • Unlimited at 15 destinations; five days at selected others
  • Holiday restrictions at selected resorts
  • Best value for occasional skiers

3. The Epic Pass

Reading marks…

The shared activity snapshot is unavailable. Actions on MtnPow, not unique people. Your own mark stays in this browser.

The Epic Pass is built around Vail Resorts' network of owned and partner mountains. With 90+ resorts across North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan, it offers one of the broadest geographic coverages of any season pass.

Epic Pass

$1169
  • Unlimited access at all Vail-owned resorts
  • Limited days at partner resorts
  • No blackout dates

Epic Local

$869
  • Unlimited access at local/regional resorts
  • 10 combined days at flagship resorts
  • Holiday blackouts at flagship resorts only

4. Which Pass Is Right For You?

Reading marks…

The shared activity snapshot is unavailable. Actions on MtnPow, not unique people. Your own mark stays in this browser.

Choose Ikon if:

  • You prefer Ikon’s mix of Alterra-owned and partner mountains
  • Jackson Hole, Big Sky, or Deer Valley are on your list
  • You want variety in resort culture and terrain

Choose Epic if:

  • Budget is your top priority (Epic Local starts at $869)
  • Vail, Park City, or Whistler are your targets
  • You want the most resorts for the money
  • You ski primarily in the Northeast

Consider both if:

  • You ski 20+ days and want maximum variety
  • You travel to different regions each season

For a detailed breakdown, check our Ikon vs Epic comparison tool.

5. Is a Season Pass Worth It?

Reading marks…

The shared activity snapshot is unavailable. Actions on MtnPow, not unique people. Your own mark stays in this browser.

The math is simple: divide the pass price by your expected ski days. If the result is less than buying day tickets, the pass is worth it.

Quick Break-Even Math:

7 days
Ikon Base ($1,099)
9 days
Ikon Pass ($1,529)
5 days
Epic Local ($869)
7 days
Epic Pass ($1,169)

Illustration using an assumed $175 ticket price; standard adult pass prices before tax

Use our calculators for personalized numbers: Ikon Calculator | Epic Calculator

6. When to Buy

Reading marks…

The shared activity snapshot is unavailable. Actions on MtnPow, not unique people. Your own mark stays in this browser.

Reading marks…

The shared activity snapshot is unavailable. Actions on MtnPow, not unique people. Your own mark stays in this browser.

Pass prices typically go up in phases throughout the year:

Pricing Timeline:

Spring Sale (March-April)Best prices
Summer (May-August)Good prices
Fall (Sept-Nov)Higher prices

Pro tip: Both Ikon and Epic offer spring renewal deals for returning pass holders. If you think you'll buy again next year, renewing in spring can save $100+.

For more strategies on getting the most from your pass, see our Maximizing Your Season Pass Value guide.

7. Tips for First-Time Pass Holders

Reading marks…

The shared activity snapshot is unavailable. Actions on MtnPow, not unique people. Your own mark stays in this browser.

Download the App

Both Ikon and Epic have dedicated apps. Track your days, see real-time conditions, and manage reservations (where required).

Check Reservation Requirements

Some resorts require advance reservations, especially during peak periods. Check before you go.

Understand Blackout Dates

Both passes have tiers with blackout dates during peak holidays. Check the Ikon and Epic blackout calendars to plan trips around restrictions.

Explore New Resorts

The pass is your license to explore. Try at least 2-3 resorts you've never visited. Many destinations are at high elevation—if you're coming from sea level, read up on altitude management.

Bring Your Pass Every Day

Your pass card must be scanned at the lift. Forget it at home and you'll be buying a day ticket.

READY TO EXPLORE?

Start planning your ski season with our interactive tools and resort guides.

Browse ResortsCompare Passes

By the Mountain Pow editorial team · Editorial disclosure updated October 26, 2026

Our guides combine official operator sources with clearly labeled editorial judgment. We do not claim firsthand experience at every destination, and dates, prices and access rules should be confirmed before booking. How we research, correct and fund Mountain Pow →

A little mountain mail

A LITTLE MORE MOUNTAIN

Fresh guides, trip ideas, and resort updates. More reasons to head for the mountains.

Questions or want to leave the list? Email us.

SEE YOU UP THERE.

MOUNTAIN POW

For the alpine enthusiast. Discover mountain destinations, find your kind of adventure, and make more time for life up there. Not affiliated with Alterra Mountain Company or Vail Resorts.(They don’t return our calls either.)

Questions & good ideas

sendit@mtnpow.com

Bugs & spectacular wipeouts

faceplant@mtnpow.com

Explore

  • All Resorts
  • Resort & Snow Map
  • Mountain Events
  • Rocky Mountains
  • West Coast
  • Northeast
  • Midwest
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Oceania
  • South America
  • Bucket List

Tools

  • All tools →
  • Find a Mountain
  • Compare Resorts
  • Plan a Trip
  • Road Trips
  • Pass Tools

Guides

  • All guides →
  • First-Timer's Guide
  • Skiing Without a Season Pass
  • Ikon vs. Epic
  • Maximizing Pass Value
  • Packing for a Ski Trip
  • Family Skiing
  • Multi-Gen Trip Planner
  • Multi-Resort Road Trips
  • Pet Travel Guide
  • Powder Hound's Playbook
  • Understanding Ski Weather
  • Altitude & Fatigue
  • Alpine 25

Resources

  • Resort snow alerts
  • About & editorial standards
  • Privacy & your information
  • Free eBook: Powder Trails
  • Resort photo credits
  • Official Ikon Pass ↗
  • Official Epic Pass ↗

© 2026 Ebbline LLC. All rights reserved. Not affiliated with Ikon Pass, Epic Pass, Alterra Mountain Company, or Vail Resorts.