There is a bit of a buzz in the snow travel world. We expect many of you have at least heard the names 'Epic' or 'Ikon' (the new standard for season ski passes), while on the slopes or in the news as of late.
The fact is the mountain travel industry is experiencing a bit of disruption, the players running the resorts are getting bigger, and their competitive offerings are getting bigger too. What the outcome could look like for many of us may include improvements in ski facility infrastructure and services for one, and access (often unlimited) to amazing resorts across North America and beyond at a fair price point.
Now that skiers/boarders have two interesting multi-resort pass options before them for the 2018-19 season, the big question is, which pass?
So, here's the skinny as we see it.
IKON Pass
Credit: IkonPass.com
The IKON Pass (Alterra Mountain Company which is a combo of Aspen Ski Company and KSL Capital. They acquired the remaining assets of Intrawest etc.) covers 26 North American resorts including several high profile resorts like Ski Big 3 (Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay), Revelstoke, BC; Aspen Snowmass, CO; Alta and Snowbird, UT; and Jackson Hole, WY.
For skiers in Ontario and Quebec – Blue Mountain and Mt. Tremblant, and resorts in Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire are also included. CMH Heli-Ski, BC is another part of this impressive mix. The biggest advantage of this product is that it includes premium destination ski areas, plus great variety closer to home for NA East Coast customers.
EPIC Pass
Credit: FreeSkier.com
The EPIC Pass (Vail Resorts), this popular veteran provides access to all the Vail resorts including other A-listers like Whistler-Blackcomb, and some mega resorts in Europe, Australia, and Japan.
Recent additions include Telluride (this is the only resort with limited access on the roster) and the RCR resorts (Kicking Horse, Fernie, and Kimberley, BC). These are not pictured in the above map. The biggest advantage of this product is its deluxe roster of resorts internationally and therefore its inherent monetary value.
* Both pass options are tiered to accommodate different needs – child, teenager, and adult with basic or premium access. The list of resorts for each pass has not been listed. Please ask Skican for complete details.
Which Ski Pass is Right for Me?
Ultimately, the decision to consider/purchase either product will be most easily made by determining where you ski regularly or where your ‘home’ mountain is – coupled with where you want to ski on vacation. For example, if you anticipate skiing more than 7-10 days next season (including home and vacations), one of these passes may save you money and open up your ski future to destinations you enjoy or want to discover. On the other hand, if you ski at Blue Mountain or Mt. Tremblant with regularity, the IKON pass may bring ease and savings for you. If you add on a road trip to the Eastern USA or a fly-to destination, it is likely a no-brainer.
At Skican we understand the nuances of these two different and exciting products and can help you determine whether they are a fit, or not, for you and yours. We will walk you through the details of mountain options, access and prices to get you set up for next season properly. If you choose to add on a ski trip at any point beyond pass purchase, we will help you build the perfect holiday.
Please call 1.888.475.4226 for more information. We look forward to serving you.
