Which Resort Should You Ski and Ride on Your Epic Pass?
Setting the standard for multi-resort passes, the Epic Pass now offers unlimited year-round access to an unprecedented 13 world-class resorts in the U.S. and Australia! With each resort delivering its own unique ski experience and culture, this run-down may help you decide where you’ll be doing most of your epic swooshing this winter.
Vail, CO: More than 5,200 acres of terrain to shred including the legendary back bowls, a world-class village area, and overall, the ultimate ski and ride experience. If you’ve never been to Vail, you will not be disappointed.
Arapahoe Basin, CO: Known as the Legend, not only for longevity, but also since half the mountain sits above timberline, the season spans from Oct. through June. Typically the first to open and close in North America, this area is for those who love to get it in early, and often.
Beaver Creek, CO: A legend in its own right, Bear Creek pampers skiers with luxury and attention to details – from fresh-baked cookies served on the slopes every afternoon, to trails groomed to perfection, and plenty of fine dining, shopping and lodging experiences. Ski here to enjoy Ski Country’s high life.
Breckenridge, CO: Home to the Imperial Express SuperChair, North America’s highest chairlift, Breckenridge provides access to five peaks and renowned terrain parks above an authentic mining mountain town. Ski and ride all day every day, with quick access to alpine mountain living.
Keystone, CO: With three outstanding mountains and two distinct village areas, it’s clear why groups and families flock to this ski resort. Keystone also caters to the younger set with its comprehensive ski school, the world’s largest Snow Fort, and Kidtopia – free, daily on-slope events topped off with weekend parade and fireworks. If you’re bringing a large posse, this may be where you’d want to ski.
Park City, UT: Now united with Canyons, Park City forms the largest resort in the Unites States, connecting 7,300 acres of skiable terrain via the new Quicksilver Gondola. Once a stand-alone resort, Canyons now serves as the massive ski resort’s base area. Park City is for those who desire to ski as far as the eye can see in one direction of North America’s winter wonderland.
Heavenly, CA: Known for its energy and electric vibe, Millennials flock to this resort with its sweeping views of Lake Tahoe during the day. The on-mountain fun continues into the night with Heavenly’s infamous Unbuckle Après Ski Party at the Tamarack gondola at 9,150 feet. If “Ski Vegas” was a thing, it would be found at Heavenly.
Northstar, CA: This ski area sits on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, and is recognized for its laid back culture peppered with luxury amenities. Sip complimentary bubbly on the slope, or enjoy family s’mores. The terrain parks are world-class and include a 22’ superpipe designed by Olympian Shaun White. Ride then chillax at Northstar.
Kirkwood, CA: Experienced skiers and riders appreciate the challenge of the legendary terrain that is expertly laid out. Deep in the Eldorado National Forest, an expedition into the backcountry is why hardcore freeskiers and riders clamour for this hill.
Afton Alps, MN: This ski area is big for the Midwest with diverse terrain to keep skiers happy. Spread out along the ridge overlooking the river valley, it offers nearly 50 trails with four terrain parks served by 18 chairlifts. Midwesterner skiers with a little ski moxie like to test their skills on the many trails here.
Mt. Brighton, MI: A long-standing Midwestern resort, Mt. Brighton is a big league resort with small town charm, and has been a favorite family winter destination for decades near Detroit. Since joining the Vail portfolio, the resort has installed world class improvements that include new chairlifts, enhanced ski and ride school, new terrain parks, and a revamped snowmaking system. Life-long skiers are born here, and here they shall ride or die.
Wilmot Mountain, WI: Don’t let Wilmot’s cozy size fool you. Small even for Midwestern standards, it’s a favorite among travelers who enjoy its proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee. The newest resort to join the Vail family, Wilmot offers four terrain parks, night skiing and riding with development plans to expand lodging, dining and après activities on and near the mountain. And with $13M of new money thrown into infrastructure and ski school improvements, Wilmot’s manageable size makes it perfect for those learning to ski and ride, or who take a more leisurely approach to winter sports.
Perisher, Australia: True to Vail fashion, the company’s newly-acquired ski area in Australia, Perisher, is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Spanning seven peaks in the Australian Alps, most of the ski area’s 3,076 skiable acres are reserved for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. Perisher is home to continent’s highest chairlift, and offers terrain parks and night skiing. But best of all, Australia’s winter occurs from June to August, a great time for exploring a new land, and enjoying an extended your winter season.