Epic Raises Prices, Adds Perks and is Still Cheaper than Ikon.

Major season pass players Epic and Ikon continue to duke it out for customers but there are additional options including the Mountain Collective, Indy Pass and something called Mountain Capital Partners. More on those later. We previously looked at Ikon so it is Epic’s turn this time. 

Vail has increased the cost of its 2022-23 Epic Passes slightly. The overall Epic Pass went from $783 to $841. The Epic Local Pass went from $583 to $626. There are significant changes in the product line up. Snowbasin and Sun Valley bailed on Epic and will join the Ikon and Mountain Collective Passes for the 2022-23 season. 

Vail’s new acquisitions – Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel in Pennsylvania – will be added to the Epic, Epic Local and Northeast Value with unlimited, no-blackout access to all three resorts, which are also included in the Northeast Midweek pass as well as the Northeast Midweek pass.

Even with the price increases, Epic is still less expensive than Ikon. The $1,079 Ikon Pass is $238 more than the $841 Epic Pass, and the $769 Ikon Base Pass – which comes with more restrictions than Vail’s $626 Epic Local Pass – is an extra $143.

Vail is also introducing a new Epic FlexPay monthly payment plan and a lower-tier, lower-cost Epic Day Pass. The plan offers zero interest and zero dollars down if purchased by May 30 (Memorial Day). Payments would begin in September. They can be spread out over three, six, nine, or 12 months. Not sure why but the plan is not available to West Virginia or Iowa residents.

Most skier and snowboarders know that the company was subject to a lot of criticism this past season concerning staff shortages, poor snow making, and overcrowding. Partially in response to the negative press, Vail is pumping some significant money into its operations. Prior to next season, the company is investing $325 million into 21 new lifts spread out among a wide portion of its portfolio. An investment in a new labor plan will run $175 million – per year.