Breaking Down Ikon vs. Epic COVID-19 Guidelines And Reservations

Updated – 12/8/20

Since making their respective announcements back in September, the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass continue to solidify operating plans for the 20-21 ski season. At Ski.com, we are constantly examining the fine print associated with these policies so we can pass along the most up-to-date information to our customers. And while these two season pass policies do differ, both season passes offer pass holders relatively easy access to the mountain destinations we’ve come to know and love.

* International travel to/from the United States is currently limited. 

Ikon Pass – Pass Holder Priority + Adventure Assurance + Reservation Only Destinations

“Lift access reservations will not be required for Ikon Pass holders at most Ikon Pass destinations. Please check back often and with each Ikon Pass destination’s website to review specific and updated local access and policy information.”

• Unrestricted access for Ikon Pass holders at most destinations
• Reservations to be required at Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Big Sky Resort, Brighton, Loon, Taos Ski Valley, and Windham Mountain

In what is most likely the simplest set of guidelines set forth by any resort operator, Alterra Mountain Company says it will provide Ikon Pass holders with mostly unrestricted access to its resorts for the 2020-2021 season, all while capping day ticket sales and limiting daily on-mountain capacity. Still, a number of partner resorts have yet to announce whether or not they will require reservations this winter. We will update this post as more information becomes available. Following are where the Ikon Pass destinations of the United States stand on reservation policies and opening dates.

Adventure Assurance:

Any 20/21 Ikon Pass purchased can be deferred to the 2021/22 season. If your selected Ikon Pass destination closes due to an eligible COVID-19 event between December 10, 2020 and April 11, 2021, you will receive a proportional credit towards the purchase of any 21/22 Ikon Pass. Passes are non-transferable. Any refunds that meet Adventure Assurance guidelines will be facilitated through Ikon.

Opening Dates + Reservation Policies:

For Ikon Pass destinations requiring reservations, Ikon Pass holders will be able to start making reservations on November 9.

Alta, UT | Opening: 11/21 | Reservations: NO (First-come first-serve parking)

Arapahoe Basin, CO | Opening: TBA | Reservations: Yes

Aspen Snowmass, CO | Opening: 11/26 | Reservations: Yes

Big Sky, MT | Opening: 11/26 | Reservations: Yes

Copper Mountain, CO | Opening: 11/30 | Reservations: Parking reservations required 

Deer Valley, UT | Opening: 12/5 | Reservations: Not required at this time 

Jackson Hole, WY | Opening: 11/26 | Reservations: Yes

Killington, VT | Opening: 11/14 | Reservations: Not required at this time 

Mammoth, CA | Opening: 11/14 | Reservations: Not required at this time 

Mt. Bachelor, OR | Opening: 12/7 | Reservations: Not required at this time 

Snowbird, UT | Opening: 11/30 | Reservations: Parking reservations required

Solitude, UT | Opening: 11/20 | Reservations: Not required at this time 

Squaw Alpine, CA | Opening: 11/25 | Reservations: Not required at this time 

Steamboat, CO | Open 11/21 | Reservations: Not required at this time

Sunday River, ME | Opening: TBA | Reservations: Not required at this time 

Taos, NM | Opening: TBA | Reservations: Yes

Winter Park, CO | Opening: 11/30 | Reservations: Yes

*Open/close dates for the 20/21 season are weather dependent. Parking reservations may apply at select resorts.

Epic Pass – Epic Coverage + Reservations

“The relative value of one of our season passes may never be better than [it is] for this winter because we are giving our season pass holders the best access to the mountains.” – Rob Katz, Vail Chief Executive Officer

• Priority reservations for core season
• Week-of reservations
• Priority reservation window: Nov. 6 – Dec. 8

For the 20-21 ski season, the Epic Pass has introduced a reservation policy that allows pass holders to secure up up to 7  priority days in advance for the core season (December 8, 2021 – April 4, 2021). In addition to that access, you can add as many “week-of” reservations as your Epic Pass allows. The reservation period for “priority days” during the core season will open on November 6, 2020 and closes on December 8, 2020.

Epic Coverage: 

Included FREE for all pass holders, the Epic Pass provides refunds associated with certain personal events, including illness, job loss, and injury. It also expands coverage to protect you from certain resort closures, such as any due to COVID-19. Passes are non-transferable. Any refunds that meet Epic Coverage guidelines will be facilitated through Epic.

Reservation Policy: 

For increased guest safety, Epic Pass resorts are requiring pass holders to reserve ski days. Reservations will be required to access all Vail Resorts mountains. Epic Pass holders get the mountains to themselves with exclusive early season access through Dec. 7 and receive an early opportunity to reserve up to seven Priority Reservation Days for the core season (Dec. 8 – April 4) before lift tickets go on sale. The exclusive reservation window runs Nov. 6 through Dec. 7. If you cannot get the Priority Reservation Days you want by Dec. 7, and have not used your pass, you can get a refund with Epic Coverage. Pass holders can make as many week-of reservations during the season as your pass type and availability allow. Week-of reservations are in addition to your Priority Reservation Days. As you use your Priority Reservation Days, you can book new ones, holding up to seven at any time, or as many as your pass type allows.

Ready to buy your Ikon Pass, Epic Pass, or perhaps even both? The industry leader since 1971, Ski.com is the one-stop shop for all your ski travel needs. Get a free quote and receive complimentary concierge service from a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert, who can take care of everything from lodging to lift tickets, ground transportation to airfare.