Vail Resorts Announces Epic Pass COVID Policy | Reservations Required

- EPIC PASS prices go up September 18th

- Last day to use credits towards your 20/21 Epic Pass is September 17th

- Reservation system to be in place for 2020-2021 Ski Season at all Vail Resorts

Since the onset of COVID-19, skiers and riders eager to get back to the mountains have waited with bated breath for information about how the “new normal” will affect operations at ski areas this winter season. That wait is finally over, as Vail Resorts today released its Epic Pass policies regarding access. While this season will most definitely look different than years past, we’re happy to say that the system appears to allow for equitable pass usage by visitors and locals alike. The system is based on a reservation process that is broken down into three access categories. These categories may change as the travel landscape continues to adapt to COVID-19.

https://twitter.com/Skicom/status/1295776088203776000

The first access category is EARLY SEASON.

EXCLUSIVE EARLY SEASON ACCESS – Pass holders get the mountains to themselves with exclusive early season access through Dec. 7. Lift tickets will not be sold by Ski.com or anyone else until Dec 8; buying an Epic Day Pass is a great alternative. Early season reservations can be booked up to a week in advance.

The second access category is CORE SEASON

If you want to lock in your big trip or a specific weekend you have your eye on, your best bet is to buy a pass now and reserve your spot before the season begins. As a pass holder, you will 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 you have not used your pass, you can get a refund with your Epic Coverage

The third access category is SEASONAL

As a pass holder, you 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 over the course of the season, or as many as your pass type allows.

But how do I make reservations to use my pass?

Good question. All reservations must be be made via your account on EpicPass.com. Once reservations are made, your pass will be activated for the days you reserved. Reservations for Priority Reservation Days will open on November 6, 2020, and all other reservations can be made a week in advance of your desired ski day(s).

FAQ - EPIC PASS UPDATE QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY VAIL RESORTS

Q: Will the mountains be fully open?

A: We are excited to welcome back winter and we plan to open all resorts and all terrain as weather, snow conditions and government regulations permit.

Q: Why are you implementing a reservation system?

A: For your safety, we are managing on-mountain access this season. To ensure physical distancing is possible, we will be managing the number of guests on-mountain at our resorts this season. For the vast majority of days, we expect that it will not be an issue for anyone to access our mountains– but for your safety, we are not planning for the majority of days, but for every day of the season. As such, reservations will be required every day of the season at every resort for all pass holders. Pass holders will have priority access to book their preferred days during the season, and lift tickets will not go on sale until Dec 8, 2020.

Q: What lift access capacity constraints will be in place for the 2020/21 season?

A: This winter season we will be implementing a reservation system to manage the number of guests on mountain across our 34 North American resorts. We operate many of the largest mountain resorts in North America, and for the vast majority of days during the season, we should be able to accommodate everyone who wants to be on our mountains. We want to provide assurance to our guests that we will do our very best to manage crowding at all times – be it a holiday weekend or the unpredictable powder day.

Q: How are the capacity maximums determined by resort?

A: We will be assessing capacity based on a variety of factors to determine the capacity across each of our 34 North American resorts by taking into account factors such as our operating plan, local regulations, weather conditions, size of resort, historic visitation numbers and our own operating experience to estimate of the number of guests we can accommodate for safe physical distancing. Capacity maximums will vary by resort based on the above factors and may change based on certain factors, including government regulations or operational ability.

Q: Do I have to make a reservation to be able to use my pass?

A: Yes, this season we will be implementing a reservation system for every day of the season, across each of our 34 North American resorts. It is possible that at some point in the season and for certain resorts, we may decide that we no longer need the reservation system. However, with so many uncertainties, we believe it is prudent to have this system in place now. The reservation system is designed to provide confidence to our pass holders to know when and where they will be able to use their pass. Pass holders will be required to make a reservation, whereas for lift ticket purchasers, the reservation will be automatically included as part of their purchase. When you purchase a lift ticket for this season, it will include a reservation for a specific resort and specific date, and therefore there is no need to make any further reservation.

Q: When will I be able to make my reservations for the season?

A: 2020/21 pass holders can start making reservations online beginning November 6, 2020, for our Core Season (from December 8, 2020 to Easter, April 4, 2021). For our Early Season (all days prior to December 8, 2020) we will release reservation inventory for the upcoming week based on conditions and terrain availability.

Lift tickets will go on sale December 8, 2020. When you purchase your lift ticket this season, it will include a reservation for a specific resort and specific date, and therefore there is no need to make any further reservation. We will not be selling lift tickets during Early Season.

Q: How do I make a reservation?

A: Pass holders will be able to make a reservation online by logging in to your Epic Pass account.

Lift ticket purchasers will be able to purchase daily lift tickets online at any of our resort sites, starting December 8, 2020. When you purchase your lift ticket this season, it includes a reservation for a specific resort and specific date, and therefore there is no need to make any further reservation.

Q: How many days can I reserve at one time?

A: Every pass holder will be offered Priority Reservation Days for the Core Season for the number of days of access on each of their passes up to 7 Priority Reservation Days. As pass holders use their Priority Reservation Days, they can book additional reservations, maintaining up to 7 reservations (or however many days of access are remaining on their pass(es)) at a given time. For Epic Coverage protection, only the initial Priority Reservation Days reserved prior to 12/7 are eligible to be covered (if you do not elect Core Season coverage).

In addition, pass holders will be able to make as many week-of reservations (or however many days of access are remaining on their pass) within a week of their desired ski or ride day, subject to availability and their pass access at that resort on that day.

Pass holders will be able to make as many reservations in Early Season as available, based on capacity and pass access. Reservations will be made available on a weekly basis for the upcoming week of skiing, and these reservations do not count towards pass holders Priority Reservation Days for the Core Season. We expect that for many days throughout the season, pass holders will be able to make a reservation within the week of their desired date.

Q: Do pass holders get first access to reservations?

A: Yes. In the Early Season, pass holders will be the only guests on the mountain and lift tickets will not be for sale. Pass holders will have exclusive access to make reservations for the Core Season from November 6, 2020 through December 7, 2020 to reserve up to 7 Priority Reservation Days or the number of days available on their pass up to 7 days. During this window, there will be no daily lift tickets sold for the Core Season, giving pass holders priority access.

Q: When can I purchase lift tickets?

A: Lift tickets will go on sale December 8, 2020. When you purchase your lift ticket this season, it will include a reservation for a specific resort and specific date, and therefore there is no need to make any further reservation. We will not be selling Lift Tickets for Early Season.

Q: Will all lift tickets be available?

A: No. While the vast majority of our lift ticket products will be available for the 2020/21 season, including Buddy and Ski-With-A-Friend tickets, certain products and product features will not be offered this year, including lift tickets with a duration of 8 or more days and lift tickets featuring multi-resort access.

Q: I used one of my Priority Reservation Days, may I make a new reservation?

A: Yes. Prior to December 7, 2020, pass holders will have the ability to reserve up to 7 Priority Reservation Days or the number of days available on their pass up to 7 days. Once you ski or ride on one of your Priority Reservation Days, you can make a new reservation bringing your total reservations back up to 7, or the remaining number of access days on your pass. For Epic Coverage protection, only the initial Priority Reservation Days reserved prior to 12/7 are eligible to be covered (if you do not elect Core Season coverage).

Additionally, general pass holders will be able to make as many reservations in Early Season and week-of reservations as available, based on capacity and pass access. Reservations will be made available on a weekly basis for the upcoming week of skiing, and these reservations do not reduce a general pass holders’ Priority Reservation Days for the Core Season. We expect that for many days throughout the season, pass holders will be able to make a reservation within the week of their desired date.

Q: What if I am not satisfied with the Priority Reservation Days I was able to make?

A: As part of the introduction of a reservation system, we have updated our Epic Coverage program. If you are unable to book your preferred Priority Reservation Days during the initial booking window from November 6, 2020 through December 7, 2020 you will have the option to receive a full refund for your pass and rollover all or a portion of your 2019/20 pass holder credit to the 2021/22 season. In order to receive a full refund, you must not have used your pass, reservations must be unavailable on the dates and at the resort you planned to use your pass, and you must submit your refund request by December 7, 2020. You can submit a refund request starting early November, more information will be available at that time. Once you make a reservation for your maximum number of Priority Reservation Days, you will be deemed to be satisfied with your Priority Reservation Days and no refund will be permitted, other than due to a qualifying Resort Closure or qualifying Personal Event.

Q: I bought an Epic Day Pass or other frequency pass product, how many days may I reserve at one time?

A: Pass holders with an Epic Day Pass with 1 through 7 days may reserve as many Priority Reservation Days as your pass allows. For example, if you purchase a 3-Day Epic Day Pass, you will be able to reserve up to three Priority Reservation Days. Pass restrictions and blackout dates apply.

Pass and card holders with a 10-Day EDGE Card or 8 to 10-Day Whistler Blackcomb Day Pass will be able to reserve up to 7 Priority Reservation Days at one time. Additional days may be reserved once a day is used to maintain a total of 7 Priority Reservation Days at one time, or up to the maximum remaining days of access on your pass. Only the Priority Reservation Days for the core season reserved by December 7, 2020 will be eligible for Epic Coverage protection (if you do not select Core Season for your Epic Coverage protection preference). In addition, you can reserve as many days as your pass allows (minus the number of Priority Reservation Days you have reserved) during the Early Season and with week-of reservations throughout the season, as long as there is available capacity on that day and you have remaining access days on your pass. These reservations will open up on weekly basis throughout the season. Pass restrictions and blackout days will apply.

Q: I bought multiple season pass products, how many days may I reserve at one time?

A: Pass holders may reserve as many Priority Reservation Days as eligible on each pass product purchased per the question above.

Q: Is there a fee to make a reservation?

A: There is no additional fee to make or cancel reservations.

Q: How do I change my reservations?

A: You will have the ability to change your Priority Reservation Days until December 7, 2020. At that time, you will be deemed to have been satisfied with the Priority Reservation Days you reserved and will not be entitled to a refund unless qualifying under Epic Coverage through a qualifying personal event or qualifying resort closure. Only the Priority Reservation Days for the core season reserved by December 7, 2020 will be eligible for Epic Coverage protection (if you do not select Core Season for your Epic Coverage protection preference).

Q: Will daily reservations be required for skiing and riding in the Early Season?

A: Yes, reservations will be required for every day of the ski season. Reservations for the Early Season (from the resort opening to December 7, 2020) will be released on a weekly basis for the upcoming week of access.

Q: Will lift tickets be available to ski or ride in the Early Season?

A: No, you will need to purchase one of our passes to make a reservation to ski or ride on or before December 7, 2020. With the flexibility of our Epic Day Pass and Whistler Blackcomb Day Pass, guests have the ability to choose the specific number of days they would like to ski for the upcoming season at an attractive savings relative to the price of a lift ticket.

Q: Will I be able to purchase Buddy or Ski-With-A-Friend tickets this season?

A: Yes, Buddy tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend tickets will be available for purchase beginning on December 8, 2020. For the 2020/21 season, you must be a pass holder to purchase a Buddy or Ski-With-A-Friend ticket online (you may not send your benefits to others to redeem online this season). Pass holders will be able to utilize their Buddy and Ski-With-A-Friend benefit tickets on any day when there is available capacity for lift ticket purchases. You will be required to purchase your Buddy or Ski-With-A-Friend tickets in advance to secure your ticket before traveling to our resorts to pick up the ticket. The pass holder must be present at the resort for pick up with their friend.

Q: Will I be able to make reservations for my entire family?

A: Pass holders may reserve the same days for everyone listed in the Family/Household within “My Account” as long as there are reservations available for all family members.

Q: May I transfer my reservation to another pass holder or lift ticket holder or from one resort to another?

A: No, reservations are non-transferable from pass holder to pass holder or lift ticket holder, or from one resort to another.

Q: Is it possible to reserve half days?

A: No, lift tickets and reservations are for a full day of skiing or riding only.

Q: Will I need a reservation for night skiing?

A: We are currently assessing night skiing safety measures. Please check back closer to November 6, 2020, when the reservation system goes online for further information.

Q: Which resorts will require a reservation?

A: All of our 34 owned and operated North American resorts will require pass holders to make reservations during the 2020/21 season.

Lift tickets will go on sale December 8, 2020. When you purchase your lift ticket this season, it will include a reservation for a specific resort and specific date, and therefore there is no need to make any further reservation. We will not be selling lift tickets during Early Season.

Q: As a pass holder, will I have to make reservations for Partner Resorts?

A: No, as it currently stands, as an Epic Pass holder you do not have to make reservations at any partner resorts. Given the uncertainty of the situation, this is subject to change as we move forward.

Q: Am I able to reserve days at different resorts?

A: Pass holders may reserve days at any Vail Resorts’ owned and operated North American resort based on the access of their pass. Reservations may be spread across multiple resorts or at one resort only, depending on the access of the pass purchased.

When you purchase a lift ticket for the 2020/21 season, it is for an exact date at a single resort.

Q: If I’m a resident of the U.S., may I reserve days in Whistler Blackcomb?

A: Yes, pass holders with access to Whistler Blackcomb may make reservations at Whistler Blackcomb. Please note that access to Whistler Blackcomb from the U.S. must adhere to any border closures and restrictions by the Canadian government. Please check border restrictions before making plans.

Q: If I’m a Canadian resident, may I reserve days at any of Vail Resorts’ owned and operated resorts in the United States?

A: Yes, Canadian pass holders with access to resorts in the United States may make reservations at these resorts. Please check border restrictions before making plans.

Q: What do I need to bring to the resort on the day of my reservation?

A: Booking a reservation will turn on and off your pass access for that day, so there will be no need for pass holders to bring anything but their pass and they will be able to access the mountain as usual.

If you purchase a lift ticket this season, it will include a reservation for a specific resort and specific date, and therefore there is no need to make any further reservation. As a result, you only need to bring your lift ticket as you normally would to access the mountain.

Q: How do I view active reservations?

A: Once the reservation system launches in early November, all reservations can be viewed via your Epic Pass Account. This is where you will be able to manage or cancel your reservations.

Q: How do I cancel a reservation?

A: In the event that you need to cancel a reservation, you must cancel by 12:00am of your planned ski date.

Q: After I cancel my reservation, how long until I can book another one?

A: Once you cancel a reservation, you may immediately rebook a new reservation. Pass holders may have up to 7 Priority Reservation Days booked at any time (or the number of days left on their Pass). Additionally, general season pass holders can make as many week-of reservations as they would like subject to availability. These week-of reservations do not reduce your maximum number of 7 Priority Reservation Days. For Epic Day Pass holders and other fixed season pass products, guests may book up to the number of days remaining on their pass less the number of Priority Reservation Days booked, as long as there is available capacity at a given resort.

Q: What if I do not ski or ride on the day of my reservation?

A: If you no longer plan to use your reservation, you may cancel the reservation by 12:00 am of your planned ski date. The earlier you cancel your reservation, the more likely that a fellow skier or rider will be able to use your spot to enjoy the mountain.

We reserve the right to restrict the ability of the pass holder to make future reservations if the reservation system is being abused or manipulated in any way. If you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms, please cancel your reservation and do not visit our resorts for the safety of our guests and employees.

Q: Will there be a waitlist if there are no reservations for a day I want to use my pass?

A: There will not be a waitlist, however you can check back regularly to see if reservations become available for the day(s) you wish to use your pass.

Q: I bought my pass before I knew you would need a reservation to use your pass. Do I need to do anything prior to making a reservation?

A: Thank you for purchasing a pass! You will have access to reserve your Priority Reservation Days as soon as the reservation system goes live on November 6, 2020. We will send you more information on the reservation process, prior to early November.

Q: What if I purchased my pass and none of my preferred days are available?

A: If you are unable to book the 7 Priority Reservation Days (or eligible days on your product) you prefer during the initial booking window from November 6, 2020 through December 7, 2020, you will have the option to receive a full refund for your pass and rollover any potential 2019/20 pass holder credit to the 2021/22 season. In order to receive a full refund, you must not have used your pass, reservations must be unavailable on the dates and at the resort you planned to use your pass, and you must submit your refund request by December 7th, 2020. Once you make a reservation for your maximum Priority Reservation Days, you will no longer be eligible to receive a refund prior to December 7, 2020. You will still have Epic Coverage due to a qualifying Resort Closure or qualifying Personal Event. You can submit a refund request starting early November when more information will be available.

Q: I bought my Epic Pass before the reservation system was announced, can I get a refund?

A: Yes, you may request a refund for the net price paid for your pass and, if you have a 2019/20 pass holder credit, it will no longer be valid. Refunds must be requested by September 17, 2020.

Q: What is Epic Coverage?

A: Epic Coverage is free for all pass holders and provides protection across a range of qualifying personal events and qualifying resort closures and has been updated for this season.

Q: If I’m a pass holder and plan to take a Ski & Ride School lesson, should I get a ski reservation before booking my lesson?

A: Ski and Ride School lessons must be booked in advance and will include lift access. Please check back regularly to learn about any updates regarding our Ski & Ride School programs.

Q: If I am a pass holder and plan to book Lodging, should I make a pass reservation before booking lodging?

A: All pass holders should book their reservations to align to their vacation stay. You will not be guaranteed access to use your pass because you booked lodging – you must have a reservation in order to use your pass.

Q: How does Early Season skiing work with reservations for EDGE Cards?

A: Pass holders with Early Season skiing access will be able to make a reservation a week prior to the date they want to use their pass. These reservations will count toward your Priority Reservation Days for the core season.

Q: How can I register friends for Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend days?

A: Buddy tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend tickets will be available for purchase beginning December 8, 2020. For the 2020/21 season, you must be a pass holder to purchase a Buddy or Ski-With-A-Friend ticket online (you may not send your benefits to others to redeem online). Pass holders will be able to utilize their Buddy and Ski-With-A-Friend benefit tickets on any day when there is available capacity for lift ticket purchases. We strongly recommend purchasing your Buddy or Ski-With-A-Friend tickets in advance before traveling to our resorts. The pass holder must be present at the resort for pick up.

Q: Can I purchase a discounted lift ticket to ski or ride on a day or at a resort where my pass is restricted or after I have used all of the included days on my Epic Day Pass or frequency product?

A: If you choose to ride on a day or at a resort where your pass is restricted, or after you have utilized all of your eligible days on a frequency product, you can purchase a daily lift ticket at the pass holder discount rate through the call center, starting December 8, 2020. These daily lift tickets will only be available during the Core Season if capacity allows at the resort.

Q: Will I have to make reservations to ski or ride, beyond the 2020/21 season?

A: We are focused on the upcoming winter season and ensuring a safe ski and ride experience. We will assess the winter operating plan for the 2021/22 season next year.

Q: How will the reservation system impact my credit from the 2019/20 season? Can I rollover my credit to the 2020/21 season?

A: Your 2019/20 pass holder credit is not impacted by the reservation system. You will have until September 17, 2020 to utilize your credit towards your 2020/21 pass purchase. However, you are only eligible to rollover your 2019/20 Pass Holder credit if you are eligible for a refund of your 2020/21 pass under Epic Coverage. Terms and conditions apply.

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