Purchasing a ski pass is usually the most economical way to plan a ski vacation while offering access to a variety of ski resorts. The Epic Pass provides entry to over 60 resorts across North America and beyond, including some of the world’s best ski destinations. Even if you don’t plan to visit all 60 resorts this season, you may want to experience a few. To help you choose, our Mountain Travel Experts have curated a list of their top Epic Pass picks:
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge —fondly known as “Breck” by locals—is one of Colorado’s most beloved ski resorts. With its family-friendly atmosphere, picturesque views, and five towering peaks, Breck offers something for everyone. The resort spans nearly 3,000 skiable acres across the Ten Mile Range and provides terrain for all skill levels.
The five peaks are well-organized by ability level, with beginner green runs near the base of Peaks 8 and 9 and more advanced black terrain higher up. Beginners will appreciate the ski school options and wide, groomed runs, while seasoned skiers and riders love the wide-open bowls and challenging terrain of the T-Bar and Imperial Express on Peak 8.
Don’t forget to pack your can of oxygen! Breckenridge’s high elevation, sitting above many other resorts, contributes to its exceptional snowfall and extended season, often lasting beyond Memorial Day. It’s also home to North America’s highest lift, the Imperial Express, which reaches 12,840 feet. For those feeling adventurous, a short but mighty hike to nearly 13,000 feet rewards you with breathtaking views.
Beyond the skiing, Breck’s historic town is a major draw. With its Victorian-era buildings, charming local shops, great food, and inviting après-ski scene, the town exudes a cozy, laid-back mountain vibe that makes visitors return year after year.
Vail, Colorado
There’s just something so magical about Vail that makes you feel like you are walking through a quaint storybook-inspired European Village. With luxurious heated walkways lined with upscale shops and global cuisine, the town offers a blend of charming and upscale accommodations, all while skiers pass through, embodying sophistication, elegance, and mountain adventure. Its tagline, “Like Nothing on Earth,” perfectly captures the essence of this vibrant mountain town.
Vail is not only known for its luxurious feel but also for its world-renowned slopes. As Colorado’s largest ski resort, it features 5,317 acres of skiable terrain with something for everyone. Beginners will appreciate the groomed runs and designated family zones in the Golden Peak area, while experts can head straight to the back bowls for wide-open first tracks, especially thrilling on powder days.
The “Legendary Back Bowls” truly live up to their name, featuring seven expansive bowls with seemingly endless fields of snow that give the sensation of having the mountain all to yourself. There’s no need for avalanche safety gear here; Blue Sky Basin offers backcountry-style glades, exclusive vibes, and stunning views, making it perfect for exquisite skiing on both powder and bluebird days.
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, is the largest ski resort in the U.S., spanning 7,300 skiable acres with over 330 trails. The resort caters to all levels, offering everything from beginner zones to black diamond bowls and glades. Known for its abundant snowfall, Park City receives over 350 inches of light, fluffy snow each year, thanks to the “lake effect” from the Great Salt Lake. This unique snow is often called “the greatest snow on earth.” With such vast terrain, visitors can spend a week exploring and still not cover the whole mountain, finding new favorite runs each season.
Park City appeals to all types of skiers and snowboarders—families, powder enthusiasts, and those seeking a luxury getaway. It offers top-rated lodging, endless dining options, and a lively après-ski scene, both downtown and at the base areas of Park City Village and neighboring Canyons Village. Historic Main Street, the cultural and social hub, blends the town’s mining history with modern luxury, offering plenty for the whole family to enjoy. For added convenience, skiers can finish their day by taking Town Runs directly into town without the hassle of transportation.
One of Park City’s standout features is its accessibility. Salt Lake City International Airport is just a 35-minute drive away, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both convenience and world-class snow.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb is a world-class destination known for its vast skiable terrain, Olympic history, and charming village. With over 8,000 acres spread across two mountains, it offers something for everyone. Ski enthusiasts dream of visiting this iconic resort, while families appreciate the variety of activities both on and off the slopes.
Recently named the #1 ski resort in North America by UK Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, Whistler Blackcomb stands out for its world-class amenities, breathtaking scenery, and reliable snow conditions. Expert skiers will love the steep runs, moguls, and powder stashes, while more daring powder hounds can experience heli-skiing. Beginners and families are well catered for with dedicated learning zones, an excellent ski school, and extensive green runs. Even if you’re not a skier, there’s plenty to enjoy at the resort. Take a scenic ride on the iconic Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which offers breathtaking views while connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
In addition to epic skiing, Whistler Blackcomb’s village offers five-star dining, unique shops, luxury accommodations, spas, and a vibrant après-ski scene. Located at the base of the mountain, the charming pedestrian village features many ski-in ski-out options, making it easy to maximize your time on the slopes and get around effortlessly.
Les 3 Vallées, France
Les 3 Vallées, located in the stunning French Alps, is the largest ski resort in the world—bigger than the five largest North American resorts combined. Spanning 25,916 skiable acres, or roughly 380 miles of terrain, it connects seven renowned resorts across four valleys: Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Val Thorens, and Orelle. With wide-open slopes, beginner runs, blue groomers, tree-lined trails, steep couloirs, and learning areas, the resort offers something for every level of skier. Its high alpine environment ensures reliable snow and a long season.
As an Epic Pass Partner, pass holders can enjoy 7 consecutive days at Les 3 Vallées. With its expansive terrain and varied difficulty levels, this resort offers endless options for all ages and abilities. It also features multiple villages, each with a unique atmosphere, vibrant après-ski scenes, and diverse accommodations ranging from cozy chalets to luxury hotels. Dining is a highlight, with over 16 Michelin-starred restaurants in the area, combining epic skiing with world-class French cuisine. Warning: After skiing here, you might never want to leave!
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Imagine wrapping up your last run of an epic day, whether you’ve been learning the ropes, cruising down pristine groomed slopes, or navigating tree runs. Your legs are tired, and you’re ready to relax in a hot tub with a glass of wine. To your delight, a chef awaits at the end of the run, offering freshly baked, gooey chocolate chip cookies to celebrate your day on the mountain. This sums up the essence of the service, excellence, and warm atmosphere that Beaver Creek Ski Resort provides for its guests.
Beaver Creek is renowned for its luxury amenities, family-friendly vibe, low crowds, and exceptional service. Often referred to as a “hidden gem” by both locals and visitors, this ski resort is sure to enchant you. As you drive through the gates, flanked by waving international flags, you immediately feel a sense of pampering and exclusivity.
With 1,815 skiable acres, Beaver Creek offers terrain for all ability levels, including a designated learning area that’s away from traffic and crowds, long scenic groomed runs in the Bachelor Gulch area, and challenging chutes and moguls for experts seeking untouched powder. The signature Birds of Prey run, famous for hosting World Cup races, is known for its impeccable grooming, and the resort boasts one of the best learning programs in the area.
Beyond the slopes, the village exudes charm with its upscale ambiance, heated sidewalks, boutique shopping, and delicious alpine dining options. Unique on-mountain cabins provide memorable dining experiences, accessible via snowcat rides. The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch features an outdoor patio that hosts a lively après-ski scene with live music, champagne popping, and a cozy bonfire. One visit is all it takes to fall in love with Beaver Creek’s enchanting atmosphere—come see for yourself!
Crans-Montana & Andermatt, Switzerland
Skiing in the Swiss Alps feels like a dream come true, gliding down the mountain surrounded by stunning peaks, experiencing the iconic apres-ski culture, and ending the day with traditional Swiss fondue, we promise it’s not too good to be true! Crans-Montana and Andermatt are our Mountain Travel Experts’ top picks on the Epic Pass, we promise you’ll love them just as much!
Crans-Montana boasts 300 days of sunshine, ensuring epic weather during your visit. This high-altitude resort offers glacier access, guaranteeing excellent snow—an ideal combination for every skier. With breathtaking views from the mountaintop, you can see the iconic Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps and Western Europe. Spanning 87 miles of ski runs, the resort caters to skiers of all skill levels. Two neighboring villages enhance the experience with chic boutiques, delightful restaurants, hotels, and vibrant bars, featuring an exquisite Swiss-style après-ski scene.
Andermatt, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is renowned for its authentic charm and exceptional off-piste skiing. Less commercialized than nearby resorts, this ski area features uncrowded slopes and outstanding conditions. With over 12 feet of snowfall annually, it is the largest ski area in Central Switzerland, covering 1,500 skiable acres and catering to beginners and expert skiers alike. The resort and its village exude a laid-back, local vibe, showcasing traditional Swiss architecture, cozy chalets, and warm hospitality, providing a genuine Swiss experience.
Hakuba Valley, Japan
For a unique cultural experience, travel to Japan to ski at one of the 10 resorts in the Hakuba Valley. You may have heard the term “Japow,” referring to the impressive snowfall that many Japanese ski resorts receive annually. The Hakuba Valley, located in the Japanese Alps, averages over 30 feet of snow each year. Here, the yuki—the Japanese word for snow—is often light and dry, meaning no snowball fights here! It crumbles in your hands, which creates a sensation of floating on clouds under your skis and snowboards. These resorts cater to every skier, offering family-friendly activities, ski schools, childcare, groomed blue runs, and expert terrain for those seeking extreme snow adventures.
Japan not only boasts epic skiing but also provides a rich cultural experience. Immerse yourself by staying in traditional ryokans (inns) and unwinding après-ski in relaxing onsens (hot springs) to soothe your sore muscles. Don’t miss the chance to try local sushi or ramen for a true taste of the culture, and be sure to stop by one of the many vending machines for hot and cold beverages, including beer!
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