Pass Comparison Guide
Ikon vs Epic Pass 2026 – Full Comparison & Trip Planner Guide
Planning your 2025–2026 ski season? You’re not alone—Epic and Ikon continue their competition for the title of the ultimate ski pass. This guide thoroughly explores key differences such as pricing, terrain diversity, snow quality, accessibility, and regional highlights to help you select the pass that best fits your style, budget, and preferred destinations.
Iconic Destinations:
As many people buy ski passes to visit unique destinations around the world, we thought to begin our analysis by compiling a list of most popular destinations included into each pass together with most important information that should be taken into consideration while planning your trip.
USA Rockies
The below tables include list of top 6 popular destinations included into IKON & Epic Passes for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.
IKON PASS
| Resort | Diff | Area (ac) | Vert (ft) | Snow | Airport Reg / Int | Visa (Intl.) | Visa (US/EU/CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Hole (WY) | Interm-Exp | 2,500 | 4,139 | Dry Powder | R - Jackson Hole – 30 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Copper Mountain (CO) | All | 2,507 | 2,737 | Dry Powder | I- Denver, 2 hr | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Aspen Snowmass (CO) | Interm-Exp | 5,500 | 4,406 | Dry Powder | R - Aspen – 10 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Deer Valley (UT) | Beg-Interm | 2,026 | 3,000 | Light Powder | I- Salt Lake City – 45 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Alta / Snowbird (UT) | Interm-Exp | 4,700 | 3,240 | Legendary Powder | I- Salt Lake City – 40 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Mammoth Mtn (CA) | All | 3,500 | 3,100 | Mixed Dry | R- Mammoth Yosemite – 15 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
#NA - Not Applicable. ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorization
EPIC PASS
| Resort | Diff | Area (ac) | Vert (ft) | Snow | Airport | Visa (Intl.) | Visa (US/EU/CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vail (CO) | All | 5,317 | 3,450 | Dry Powder | Eagle – 40 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Beaver Creek (CO) | Interm | 2,082 | 3,340 | Dry Powder | Eagle – 30 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Breckenridge (CO) | All | 2,908 | 3,398 | Dry Powder | Denver – 2 h | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Park City (UT) | All | 7,300 | 3,200 | Light Powder | Salt Lake City – 45 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Keystone (CO) | Interm | 3,148 | 3,128 | Dry Powder | Denver – 2 h | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
| Crested Butte (CO) | Expert | 1,547 | 3,062 | Dry Powder | Gunnison – 45 min | B-2 Tourist Visa |
US & CA: #NA
EU - ESTA |
#NA - Not Applicable. ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorization
USA Rockies — Final Verdict
– Those skiers and snowboarders who prefer dry powder skiing & snowboarding, both passes offers excellent selection of prime destinations in U.S. Rockies. However, Ikon Pass offers better selection of iconic destinations for experts including the iconic Jackson Hole (WY), Aspen (CO) & Alta (UT). Nevertheless, who travel with kids or families, or those who like to have well rounded experience and big selection of various terrain, can actually combine several destinations included into Epic Pass and visit Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone on the same trip.
We leave it to you to choose the pass that better matches your budget, preferences and aspirations, but both passes offers competitive selection of powder snow destinations with one of the best and unique skiing experiences around the world!
Please also note that IKON offers access to all 3 famous ski resorts in Utah, including Alta, Snowbasin and Deer Valley so if you were interested to visiting them on the same trip, you can check out our video and an article that covers our experience of visiting 3 epic Utah ski resorts in march of 2025! Now let’s move to another region to see what each of these have to offer!
Canada
Canada's top ski resorts include the vast and renowned Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, known for its size and vibrant village, and the iconic Lake Louise and Sunshine Village in Alberta's Rockies.
IKON PASS
Ikon Pass offers access to one of the most iconic destinations in Canada, which is actually the Big 3 ski resorts located within boundaries of Banff National Park so it is more than just Lake Loiuse. In addition to that, Ikon Pass includes access to the Revelstoke, which is a paradise for expert skiers, thanks to its high altitude powder snow and one of the biggest vertical drops in North America.
| Resort | Diff | Area (ac) | Vert (ft) | Snow | Airport | Visa (Intl.) | Visa (US/EU/CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff / Lake Louise/ Banff Sunshine /Mt Norquay (AB) | All | 7,748* | 3,250 | Dry Continental | Calgary – 2 h | Visitor Visa / eTA | NA |
| Revelstoke (BC) | Expert | 3,121 | 5,620 | Deep Powder | Kelowna – 2.5 h | Visitor Visa / eTA | NA |
* Combined ~8,000 acres (Louise 4,200 + Sunshine 3,300 + Norquay 190)
Whether you are a beginner or intermediate or expert, each of the 3 areas offers you a variety of ski trails to enjoy the area. That is why Banff is really a paradise for all skiers or snowboarders!
On top of that Banff is also known for its Luxury accommodations. Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Set in a castle-like building in Banff National Park, this grand hotel lies within 1.8 km of Bow Falls, and downtown Banff, which is a premier destination for upscale dining, shopping and night life. Many hotels offers free shuttles to each of the Big 3 ski resorts so you can access Mt Norquay, Banff Sunshine or Lake Louise within 30-60 mins by taking a bus or riding your own car.
EPIC PASS
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
By many measures, it is the largest ski resort in North America and has the greatest uphill lift capacity. It features the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for moving between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains at the top. Whistler Blackcomb is an all skier place – thanks to its size, organized layout and variety of ski trails for skiers of different abilities. One of the biggest difference between Whistler Blackcomb and the Big 3, is perhaps quality of snow. Being located closer to the coastal areas of British Columbia, Whistler usually gets lots of coastal snow, which is heavier than dry powder snow.
| Resort | Diff | Area (ac) | Vert (ft) | Snow | Airport | Visa (Intl.) | Visa (US/EU/CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whistler Blackcomb (BC) | All | 8,171 | 5,280 | Moist coastal snow, heavier base but lower dryness | Vancouver – 2 h | Visitor Visa / eTA | NA |
Canada - Final Verdict:
Skiers and snowboarders who look for dry powder snow or luxury amenities, may get better bang for their bucks with Ikon Pass. However, if you are in close proximity to Whistler Blackcomb, then Epic will be a winner here offersing you access to one of the largest ski resorts in North America. In addition to that, Epic pass also offers access to variety of expert oriented ski resorts, including Kicking Horse, Fernie, Sun Peaks, and Big White in British Columbia. So if you are in expert skier, you may combine visiting some of these during the same trip and get much bigger return for your investments. Choice is yours here!
Europe
Same as United States and Canada, Europe offers big selection of ski resorts for skiers of different abilities, however, Ikon Pass could be a winner for those looking to experience either of the 3 legendary ski resorts including Chamonix, Dolomiti Superski or Zermatt.
IKON PASS
Ikon Pass offers one of the biggest selection of ski resorts in Europe, most of each area located in Italy so if you are looking to explore various destinations, we would highly recommend you checking a full list available on their website. For the purpose of this guide and to save your time on analyzing pros and cons of each destination, we would focus reviewing most iconic destinations in Europe that are included on the Ikon Pass.
| Resort | Diff | Area (ac) | Vert (ft) | Snow | Airport | Visa (Intl.) | Visa (US/EU/CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt (CH) | Int-Exp | ≈ 5,000 | 7,477 | Mixed Alpine | Geneva – 3 h | Schengen Visa (Type C) | NA |
| Chamonix (FR) | Expert | ≈ 3,700 | 9,209 | Mixed Alpine | Geneva – 1.5 h | Schengen Visa (Type C) | NA |
| Dolomiti (IT) | All | ≈ 30,000 | 5,700 | Mixed Alpine | Innsbruck – 2 h | Schengen Visa (Type C) | NA |
Each of these 3 resorts deserve its own review. That is why below, we provided several links to full reviews of Chamonix and Dolomiti ski resorts that we published on our Youtube channel. However, to give you an idea, we would just mention that Chamonix is known as a mecca for free riders and also one of the most iconic destinations for skiers around the world. Thanks to its vast terrain, iconic and panoramic views of Mont Blanc, and access to 5 ski areas located in the Valley, Chamonix has a lot to offer and without a doubt is a memorable destination for any adventure seeker. While Chamonix terrain and snow experience is more tilted to Intermediate or Expert Skiers, Dolomiti Superski area located in Italy, would be ideal destination for those who appreciate perfect grooming, Tyrolian cuisine and amazing views of the Dolomites from various spots of the Sellaronda ski circuit, which is the largest ski circuit in the world. Similar to Chamonix, Dolomiti Superski area offers access to multiple ski resorts in the area, and actually offers much bigger selection, compared to Chamonix. Each of the 12 ski areas has its own unique offersings and deserve their own reviews.
Ikon Pass also covers lift tickets at Zermatt, well known and iconic destinations for skiers of all abilities in the world. Zermatt sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the world’s most photographed peaks. It gives the entire resort a cinematic backdrop unmatched anywhere — even experienced Alps travelers find it awe-inspiring. It offers year-round glacier skiing, Michelin-star dining, and direct connection to Cervinia (Italy). You can literally ski from Switzerland to Italy for lunch — Swiss rösti in the morning, Italian pasta and wine at noon and be back at your room for dinner.
EPIC PASS
Unlike Ikon Pass that offers lift tickets to all 3 iconic destinations and also more than a dozen of smaller ski resorts in Europe, Epic emphasizes scale and prestige: Courchevel provides the largest linked ski area on earth, and Verbier anchors the freeride elite of the Swiss Alps.
EPIC PASS — EUROPE
| Resort | Diff | Area (ac) | Vert (ft) | Snow | Airport | Visa (Intl.) | Visa (US/EU/CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbier (CH) | Expert | ≈ 10,000 | 6,070 | Alpine Powder | Geneva – 2 h | Schengen Visa (Type C) | NA |
| Courchevel / 3 Vallées (FR) | All | ≈ 14,800 | 6,069 | Alpine Powder | Geneva – 2.5 h | Schengen Visa (Type C) | NA |
| Andermatt–Sedrun (CH) | Int | ≈ 4,400 | 4,920 | Dry Alpine | Zurich – 2 h | Schengen Visa (Type C) | NA |
Epic Pass resorts in Europe — Verbier, Andermatt-Sedrun, Courchevel/Les 3 Vallées, and Skirama Dolomiti—offers a compact, but premium portfolio centered on world-class infrastructure and luxury. Epic’s Verbier and Courchevel rival Ikon’s Chamonix for challenging terrain, while Andermatt offers better accessibility for intermediates. Epic’s European experience feels polished and luxury-oriented—ideal for travelers who want consistent service and five-star lodging. Overall, Epic Europe provides fewer but more elite destinations, whereas Ikon covers more iconic peaks and cultures—making Epic the choice for luxury efficiency and Ikon the choice for diversity and discovery.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations:
Epic Pass vs Ikon Pass 2026
Choosing between the Epic Pass and the Ikon Pass ultimately comes down to your travel style, preferred regions, and budget flexibility. Both passes dominate the global ski landscape, yet they cater to different types of skiers and travelers.
The Epic Pass, operated by Vail Resorts, focuses on consistency, scale, and ownership. It delivers a streamlined experience across its vast portfolio, from Colorado to Canada, Europe, and Japan. Meanwhile, the Ikon Pass, managed by Alterra Mountain Company, celebrates diversity, culture, and heritage. Each mountain in the Ikon network feels distinct—Zermatt’s iconic Matterhorn, Chamonix’s wild terrain, and the Dolomiti’s cinematic Italian cliffs all tell a unique story.
For 2026, the Epic Pass (Adult) is priced around $1,097 USD, while the Ikon Pass (Adult) costs approximately $1,429 USD. On paper, Epic looks cheaper, but real-world value depends on how and where you ski. Epic’s lower entry price favors those who log many days on snow, while Ikon’s higher price often rewards travelers seeking authentic destinations and cultural variety.
2026 Pass Prices at a Glance
| Tier / Notes | IKON Pass | EPIC Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship (Adult) | Ikon Pass — $1,429 (23+); unlimited at select resorts; up to 7 days at others; no blackouts; Adventure Assurance. | Epic Pass — $1,097 (13+); unlimited at Vail, Breck, Park City, Whistler & more; partner access; Epic Coverage; 20% Epic Rewards. |
| Value Tier | Ikon Base Pass — $1,009 (23+); unlimited at 14; up to 5 days at many; holiday blackouts; excludes Aspen, Jackson, Deer Valley, Alta, Sun Valley, Snowbasin. | Epic Local Pass — $816 (19+); season access with peak date restrictions; 10 combined days at Vail, Beaver Creek & Whistler; Epic Coverage; Epic Rewards. |
| Short-Trip Options | Ikon Session (2–4 Day) — $299–$489 (adult); set number of days; blackouts at some resorts. | Epic 1–7 Day Pass — from ~ $114/day; choose 1–7 days; holiday restrictions vary by selection. |
| Notable Perks | First Tracks (select dates), up to 2 bike park days, Friends & Family discounts, partner travel savings. | Epic Friend Tickets (50% off), Epic Mountain Rewards (20% off food, lodging, lessons, rentals). |
| Notes | Ikon Base Plus discontinued for 25/26; access to Aspen, Jackson, Deer Valley, Alta, Snowbasin, Sun Valley on full Ikon only. | Verbier partner access expanded; regional passes available; college/military/senior pricing options. |
Pricing and terms sourced from ikonpass.com and epicpass.com; always check operators' sites for current details.
Epic’s unlimited access model allows skiers to spend as many days as they wish at most owned resorts. Ikon, on the other hand, offers a blend of unlimited and limited-day access depending on each resort’s partnership level. The difference reflects the two companies’ strategies: Epic emphasizes volume and infrastructure, while Ikon champions diversity and destination charm.
In the Rockies, Epic controls more total acreage, led by giants like Vail, Breckenridge, and Park City. Ikon answers with boutique legends—Aspen Snowmass, Deer Valley, and Jackson Hole—each representing luxury and authenticity. Across Europe, Epic’s footprint reaches into Verbier, Andermatt–Sedrun, and Les 3 Vallées, while Ikon showcases Zermatt, Chamonix, and Dolomiti Superski. Epic’s presence feels more curated and upscale, whereas Ikon’s network spans wider geography and culture.
Epic excels at consistency and infrastructure—modern lifts, cashless systems, and unified mobile apps create a seamless global experience. Ikon delivers emotional resonance—its destinations are rooted in culture, landscape, and storytelling. For many skiers, that intangible sense of place defines the soul of skiing more than convenience ever could.
From a pricing perspective, Epic is generally more affordable, especially for families and frequent weekend skiers. Its child passes and buddy tickets are cheaper, and lodging discounts through Vail Resorts can cut trip costs by up to 20%. Ikon’s value shines for travelers who prioritize resort variety and cultural immersion over total ski days. Both passes usually go on sale in spring, and early buyers can save $100–$150.
Refund policies are robust on both sides. Epic’s Epic Coverage and Ikon’s Adventure Assurance provide refunds or rollovers in case of illness or resort closures—an important benefit in today’s unpredictable travel climate.
For international skiers, Epic’s owned resorts simplify multi-continent trips, while Ikon’s partnerships provide deeper immersion into local alpine traditions. When it comes to snow quality, Ikon’s Utah and Rockies partners enjoy lighter powder, whereas Epic’s coastal resorts like Whistler offers immense terrain and dependable base depths. Ikon often wins for culinary and cultural depth, from Italian rifugios to French bistros, while Epic’s consistency and technology make it ideal for organized travelers who appreciate predictability.
If your goal is maximum days on snow, Epic delivers unbeatable value per dollar. If your goal is unforgettable destinations, Ikon reigns supreme with its scenic diversity and cultural breadth. Both passes pay off after roughly six to eight ski days compared to buying day tickets, and both reward early planning. We’ve skied with both passes across 10+ resorts in North America and Europe. Based on firsthand experience, Ikon better fits travelers chasing variety, while Epic excels for those who ski frequently at owned resorts.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal definition of adventure. Epic excels in reliability, luxury, and seamless operations. Ikon thrives on diversity, alpine storytelling, and that unmistakable sense of discovery. Together, they define a golden era of global skiing—one that gives every skier, from powder hound to mountain dreamer, a perfect passport to the peaks of the world.
By Andy Newman, NextOutdoorAdventures founder, Oct 5, 2025
Useful Links - Ski Resorts Video Overviews
- Why Dolomiti Superski Should Be on Your Bucket List? – 5 Insider Tips!
- 5 Reasons to visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for skiing and more!
- Val Gardena vs. Chamonix - Which is best for you? - Ski resorts comprehensive comparison.
- Your First Time at Jackson Hole? Watch This Ski Resort Guide First
- First Time at Copper Mountain? Here's Everything You Need to Know!
- WHY Alta Ski Area Is Great for More Than Advanced Skiers? - MUST WATCH FOR FIRST TIMERS!