The Guide to the Epic Ski Pass

Epic Ski Pass holders get access to several Epic resorts and partner resorts around the world. Think of it like a membership: Buy it once, use it all winter.

Most participating resorts are in the U.S., but there are also a handful in Canada and Australia plus partner resorts in Europe, Japan and the Canadian Rockies (plus one in the U.S.) that offer limited access to certain pass holders. Depending on when you purchase your pass, you may even get summer lift access, too, which could include lift-accessed mountain bike parks or scenic lift rides.

If you're planning to ski multiple days this season, the cost of a pass could be much cheaper than paying for daily access. But blackout dates and limits to when you can visit might apply. Make sure your favorite local resort is included in the pass before purchasing.

» Learn more: 6 ways to save on a ski trip

Epic Pass mountains and resorts are located all over the world, with the majority in the U.S.

Many even have lodging on-site, so you may be able to put those hotel points to good use at ski resorts to save even more.

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Epic Pass: $1,025

If you want nearly unlimited access to all Epic Pass resorts with no blackout dates during peak times (usually holidays), the classic Epic Pass is the one for you.

You’ll get unlimited access to most U.S., Canadian and international resorts. But Telluride in Colorado, several Canadian destinations and participating Japanese resorts still come with a cap on how many days in the season you can visit. Since it’s the most inclusive pass option, it’s also the most expensive.

Epic Local Pass: $762

Geared toward U.S. residents who may occasionally travel internationally to ski, the Epic Local Pass offers unlimited access to several resorts across the U.S. and limited days at international resorts. Some U.S. slopes don’t allow visits on peak days, though, so check to see if your favorite mountains come with limitations, especially if you’re planning to travel over the holidays.

Epic Day Pass: Starts at $46 per day

This flexible option allows you to buy a day pass (for one day up to seven) for use whenever it’s convenient. You can choose if you want those days to give you access to all Epic resorts or just a selection and if you want the pass to include peak dates (which costs more). Which you choose will depend on when and where you plan to travel to ski or ride.

Purchasing a pass this way scores you lift tickets at a discount up to 65% off. Epic says that works out to between $46 and $135 per day depending on your selections, meaning you could score yourself a pretty decent discount depending on what resorts you plan to visit.

Military passes: Start at $181

Whether you’re active military, retired military, a dependent or a veteran, there are several discounted passes available with unlimited access to a wide selection of resorts.

Area- and resort-specific passes: Start at $334

For those who don’t plan to travel far to ski or snowboard, there are several resort- or region-specific passes available. For example, the Tahoe Local Pass offers unlimited access to a handful of California resorts, plus extra days at a few destinations in Western states.

The Northeast Value Pass gets you access to slopes in New England, Pennsylvania and the Midwest. Several dedicated resort-specific passes are available, too, if you plan to always ski close to home.

To use an Epic Pass, download the My Epic app then scan your phone in lieu of a traditional lift ticket. That means you can skip the ticket line and head straight to the lifts at most resorts (except Telluride, which requires reservations).

The app also will keep track of days skied and any date restrictions associated with the pass you chose.

In addition to users getting access to often unlimited lift tickets by purchasing a pass before the season starts, the Epic Pass comes with a slew of other benefits at select resorts:

• 20% off food at many on-resort dining establishments.

• 20% off resort lodging.

• 20% off group ski or snowboard lessons.

• 20% off rental equipment.

• 50% off a tune-up and one free wax a year.

• Discounted single-day lift tickets or Buddy Tickets for friends or family (with select passes).

• Discounts on transportation and experiences at a handful of locations.

• Pass coverage: You may be able to get a refund or partial refund if you lose your job, a resort closes or you get injured, thus limiting your ability to use your pass.

» Learn more: Ski insurance: How it can come to the rescue

For many skiers, yes. But it depends on several factors — mainly, how often you’ll be able to use the pass and if it’s convenient for when and where you ski or snowboard.

Here's what to consider before purchasing:

• Location. Are any of the resorts near you part of the Epic Pass program? If not, and you’re not planning to travel to any that are, then you probably want to pass on this pass. If, however, your favorite hometown slope is included, and you plan to spend more than a few days layering up and strapping in in search of fresh powder or want to travel for a ski vacation, a pass could likely save you money.

• Frequency. The more days per season you ski or ride, the more the cost of a pass will be worth it. But even if you plan to ski or ride only a few days throughout the season, a day pass could likely save you quite a bit of cash compared to a full-priced lift ticket, so it’s worth considering, especially if you live near an Epic resort.

• Blackout dates. Keep in mind, too, whether the pass and included resorts allow you to claim lift tickets on peak days like Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re hoping to ski during the holidays, this is extra important.

• Finances: Don’t go into debt for a season-long ski pass. Whether you choose to pay in full or use Epic’s buy now, pay later option, make sure your finances are in good enough shape for large transactions or automatic withdrawals. If they’re not, stick with saving up and paying on just the days you want to ski.

For the best value, make sure you scan the list of passes available and choose one that makes the most sense for you. There’s no need to spend big bucks on a full-blown Epic Pass if a regional or local pass will suit your needs.