Notes about multi-resort passes for 2026-27: Indy, Epic, Mountain Collective, Ikon

[Aerlind]

What about lift tickets?

7 days on Ikon for my SO (he gets the full Ikon pass), and I used 4 of his buddy passes on an early-season sale for 40% off the window price, so I skied 4 days for $180 total. The only downside to this was we planned in October for a trip in February and locked in the days we were going to ski, but that wasn’t a big downside for us (and they may have been able to transfer dates if I called the resort, I didn’t need to) If all parties have Ikon access, free. 4 days of skiing was plenty for us.

Lodging and car were about $350 each, which my SO and I split. (I paid lodging, he paid car). We packed light and smart, so we ONLY checked a double ski bag with our skis + some other light items, so it weighed 49lbs. I paid the $40 bag fee, which I actually used my credit card points to reimburse.

We went mid-February, President’s day week, and chanced that there would be decent snow (it was alright) and we didn’t care if it was cold (good thing because one day the highs were in the single digits) because skiing in Montana in February is arctic too. Even being a holiday week, it was still mostly the off-season, so pricing wasn’t peak for anything.

 

[marzNC]

Just for fun since most readers of TSD live in the northern hemisphere, here's one way to evaluate "Ikon vs Epic" when someone lives in Australia. It's pre-season in Australia and New Zealand. The first snowstorm has happened at Perisher and snowmaking is starting up. Vail bought Perisher in 2015. Added Falls Creek and Hotham a few years later.

May 6, 2026

https://www.escape.com.au/experiences/snow/skiing-and-snowboarding/the-big-ski-debate-epic-or-ikon-pass/news-story/2fc29ac766076a9145b68a9b168118ad

" . . .
The Epic Australia Pass is geared to the Australian market, because Vail Resorts owns Perisher, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek. The Ikon Pass is geared to the American market because it doesn’t own, only partners with Thredbo and Mt Buller. So, locally, we’re not comparing apples for apples.

On the Epic Australia Pass, you get unlimited ski days at its three Australian resorts, with complimentary days at Northern Hemisphere resorts. The Ikon Pass is the opposite; it gives you seven complimentary days at each of its two Aussie resorts, with unlimited access to 15 American resorts.

To simplify, Epic is ideal for people who want the full season Down Under and Ikon is for people who want the full season in the Northern Hemisphere. But you can get around Ikon’s limitations. You can, for example, buy a 2026 Thredbo Season Pass currently valued at AUD$1899 (adult) and set to rise to AUD$2099. Thredbo’s season pass means you can ride as much as you like there.
. . ."

 

[Olesya C]

@Aerlind glad to hear you had a great time! I love Alyeska for variety of reasons, it's steep, usually has great skiing conditions, some of the most snowfall in US. The views into Turnagain arm never get old, it rarely gets crowded! Lapping North Face in good conditions is amazing! Though locals complain when there is a 5 min lift line. :D And yes, Girdwood is still relatively affordable as compared to most resorts on Ikon or Epic. One can make it even more affordable if you stay in Anchorage (45 min drive), I have done it for multi-week stays. There is so much to do in Girdwood/Anchorage area and hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing really is amazing there too. I go with a non-skiing spouse, who doesn't do well at high altitude, he likes it there and I think it's a great place to go with non-skiing partner/SO or friend.

The downsides are: it can rain at the base, even mid-season, though usually is snowing on top. I have experienced rain in January and in December. The snow tends to be heavier/wet sometimes, but depends how cold it is, colder=light snow. Also, in low visibility the upper mountain is tough because it's an open bowl with few trees. Though there is one side that has more trees and a short section without that has fence/markers for visibility. Diva West there would be fun - I am happy to be a guide and recruit a few local friends as additional guides. It's a fairly small mountain, so very easy to get around.

 

[Olesya C]

I also should mention that they do women's Wednesday clinics several times during ski season. I have taken it and it's great. If we wanted to do Diva West I could try to see if ski school is willing to organize a women's multi-day clinic while Diva West takes place. I know several ski instructors at Alyeska and the women's clinic coordinator.

 

[santacruz skier]

I also should mention that they do women's Wednesday clinics several times during ski season. I have taken it and it's great. If we wanted to do Diva West I could try to see if ski school is willing to organize a women's multi-day clinic while Diva West takes place. I know several ski instructors at Alyeska and the women's clinic coordinator.

That sounds amazing....

 

[HappyPlace]

told, travel + lodging + car was about $1000/person for a 7-day trip.

Very reasonable. Hopefully airline tickets don't go too sky high for next year.

 

[marzNC]

The last day for the lowest prices for 2026-27 Epic passes is May 25.

A year ago, the price increases in May were under $25 for the various Epic pass options. Rob Katz became CEO of Vail Resorts for the second time in late May 2025. What happens for Epic pass prices before they go off sale in early December may be different than in the past.

 

[marzNC]

Took a while to understand the recent announcement of the "addition" for Zillertal access for Epic. Valleys in the European Alps have access to huge expanses with lift-served ski trails. It's common to have multiple resorts that are both separate and connected by lifts. Mayrhofen and Hintertux are the most well known resorts in the Zillertal Valley of Austria and were the first to join Epic. The Hintertux glacier provides for a longer season. There is a short introduction to the five resorts that will be available to Epic passholders in 2026-27.

From Epic website in May 2026:

 

[marzNC]

Epic prices eventually increased in late May. Extended by a few days compared to the initial date announced. Purchasers get 5 Epic Friend Tickets for 50% discounts at this stage. Was 10 to start, then 6 after mid-April.

Prices as of May 28, 2026:
$1119 (+30) Full Epic
$829 (+20) Epic Local
$359 (+8) 4-day Epic Day, 32 resorts inc CB, Keystone, Tahoe, northeast, MidA
$218 (+5) 4-day Epic Day, 22 resorts excl destination resorts, Stevens Pass

 

[IKam]

I don't know if anyone mentioned the link between the midwest and the Ikon Pass special. For the last few years I've been getting both the Granite Peak Season Pass and either Ikon or Epic. Lutsen and Snow River were added to the Granite Peak pass a few years ago. Now the 3 are on the Ikon Pass with a 7 day limit which works great for me. So, this year I opted for the Ikon and was able to skip the Granite Peak Season Pass, saving something like $700.