The Best Ski Destinations on the Epic Pass

Get the Most Out of Your Epic Pass

An Epic Pass is one of the best ways to hit the slopes and squeeze as many thrilling runs into a single ski season as possible. With access to 40+ destinations in North America and abroad, the Epic Pass is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. If you’re a new Epic Pass holder or are looking for some recommendations on how to make the most of your season pass, our vacation experts are here to deliver the goods. We know all the best resorts to visit, where to find appropriate terrain for different skill levels, and have local, insider knowledge about how to create an unforgettable ski experience with your Epic Pass.

Which Epic Ski Resorts Should You Visit?

The answer to this question actually depends on what it is you’re looking for. Are you a first-timer who’s trying out a single-day pass and wants plenty of beginner runs? Are you bringing young kids on your adventure? Are you an experienced professional who wants to test your skills on advanced terrain? Whichever category you fall into, there is a resort to meet your needs.

The Best Family-Friendly Resorts on the Epic Pass

Skiing and snowboarding are more fun when the whole family can join in. If you’re bringing the kids along on your winter getaway, it’s a good idea to choose an Epic Resort that has plenty of kid-friendly activities, both on and off the slopes. While most resorts will have options for children, these are our top picks for a fun-filled trip with the family:

The Best Beginner Terrain at Epic Resorts

Beginner skiers can often feel intimidated on the slopes, but the trick is to find the right terrain for your skill level. If you’re new to skiing and the Epic Pass, you’re likely looking for the resorts with the best easy terrain – think gentle slopes, well-groomed runs, and plenty of space. If this describes the type of ski experience you want, we suggest paying a visit to these resorts:

• Beaver Creek Resort: This resort in Colorado is considered by many to be the top choice on the Epic Pass for beginner-friendly terrain. There are a large number of green runs to choose from, and you can easily access the beginner terrain from the top of the mountain.
• Park City Mountain Resort: This Utah resort offers 27 beginner trails, with most of them located on the Canyons side of the resort. There is also a dedicated beginner ski area called High Meadow Park that is designed for learning. The runs in this area are meant to help you grow your skills and prepare to graduate from green to blue runs.

Take in the Sights: Epic Resorts with Unbeatable Views

One of the best parts of getting out on the slopes is immersing yourself in the beauty of Mother Nature. Nothing showcases this beauty quite like 360 degree views of snow-covered mountains, and the resorts of the Epic Pass have no shortage of sights to see. If you’re looking for resorts with unforgettable views, we suggest paying a visit to these destinations:

• Heavenly Ski Resort: Located near Lake Tahoe, this resort offers stunning views of the lake’s blue waters as you cruise down the slopes. Plus, there’s plenty of beginner terrain if you’re just starting out.
• Okemo Mountain Resort: This Vermont resort is a great place to take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Ascutney, the highest peak in Windsor County.

Perfect Your Tricks at a Terrain Park

Are you an experienced skier or snowboarder looking for the thrill of an exciting park run? If you want to get in some jumps or show off your tricks on the halfpipe, there are several Epic resorts with terrain parks that will allow you to do just that. These parks are the best way to continue perfecting your skills and rub shoulders with other experienced riders. We recommend these resorts for a stellar terrain park experience:

• Breckenridge Resort: Breckenridge Resort has 3 terrain parks, 2 designed for intermediate riders and 1 for expert level riders. You can expect something different at these parks each season, as the elements change every year. You’ll also see more features added as more snow falls throughout the season.
• Northstar California Resort: This resort offers terrain parks for all skill levels, including beginners. The Burton Progression Park is great for those looking to learn and grow their skills. But there’s also two other parks for the advanced thrill seekers. You can shred countless rails in the Pinball Park or crush massive jumps in the Straits. 

Epic Resorts Where You Can Experience the Best Powder Days

There’s nothing quite like a powder day on the slopes. The snow is lighter, fluffy, and makes you feel like you’re floating down the trails. If you prefer to carve lines in freshly fallen snow, timing is everything, and you’ll need a little luck too (there’s no predicting Mother Nature). To experience the best of a powder day, we suggest getting up early to beat the crowds. The more people down the slopes means the more packed the snow becomes, ruining that fluffy feeling. We suggest visiting these resorts for top-tier powder:

• Vail Ski Resort: With average annual snowfall over 300 inches, chances are you can catch an exciting powder day at this Colorado resort. And even if you miss it, you’ll still find exceptional powder conditions at Vail, especially if you hit the slopes early. The grooming crew is out every night prepping the slopes so the early birds can get their corduroy snow in the morning. 
• Park City Mountain Resort: The mountains of Utah are a great place to experience a powder day. January and February usually make for the best conditions because there’s a solid base and frequent fresh powder.

Get Adventurous with Advanced Terrain and Off-Piste Skiing

Are you ready to take on a heart-pounding run? If your skills and nerves are up to the challenge, there’s no shortage of advanced terrain at Epic Resorts. You can find plenty of black diamond runs, off-trail exploration, and extreme mountain experiences at these resorts:

• Whistler Blackcomb: This ski resort in Canada has some of the best extreme terrain for adrenaline junkies. Navigate steep, deep double blacks or explore off trail with plenty of off-piste options you can hike up and soar down. There’s even options in this area for intense heli-skiing excursions led by a local guide – your inner adventurer will be in heaven.
• Keystone Ski Resort: If you’re looking to cruise through some snow-covered pines, Keystone has plenty of options. You’ll find numerous tree-gladed runs with double black diamond ratings where you can test your skills and navigate steep terrain.

Destinations with the Best Après-Ski Activities

On a ski vacation, the actual time spent on the slopes is just half the fun. The other half is all the après-ski activities you can partake in when the day is done. Many of the destinations on the Epic Pass have top-rated restaurants and exciting nightlife where skiers can unwind, have a drink, and chat about the day’s adventures. Though you’re sure to find fun, post-ski hangouts in any ski town, these are some of the destinations we recommend for a unique experience:

• Beaver Creek Resort: The après-ski activities can start in the afternoon at Beaver Creek. If you have kids or prefer a low-key activity, Beaver Creek serves its famous chocolate chip cookies in the village and at the base of the Centennial Express every day at 3 PM.
• Vail Ski Resort: If you go skiing in the Vail Valley, you can enjoy a night out on the town after a day on the slopes. There are numerous options to grab a bite or a drink, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. Plus, you’ll enjoy a snow-free walk around town – the main streets of Vail are heated to keep the roads and sidewalks clear.
• Mount Snow Resort: Experience New England skiing at this Vermont resort that is sure to provide a great nightlife scene following an epic day on the mountain. There’s live music on Saturdays at the Snow Barn, food and arcade games for the kids at The Last Chair, and comedy acts with a side of beer and wings at Cuzzins.

Travel Tips for Various Epic Pass Destinations

Planning a ski vacation requires a lot of coordination. You’ll need to ensure everyone in your group has ski passes and appropriate gear as well as accommodations and transportation for the entire family. We’re here to provide you with some practical tips and information to make your vacation planning easier, so everything is accounted for and everyone has a great time. We’ve put some tips together below so you can plan the best getaway with your crew.

Rental Car Options

One of the most important things to remember – if you’re flying to your destination and renting a car, make sure you secure a vehicle capable of handling snow. This means you need to spend the extra cash on an all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive vehicle to ensure safe travels if a snow storm hits. For those who prefer not to drive in winter conditions, a ski in/ski out rental property might be the best option. This way, you can take a shuttle from the airport to your rental and access the resort via your own two feet (with the help of skis, of course.)

Book Your Trip as Early as Possible

As fun as a spontaneous trip can be, when it comes to ski trips, the earlier you book, the better. Lodging, rentals, and lift tickets sell quickly due to the popularity of the sport and the limited access of some resorts. Due to demand, prices for accommodations will also increase as the season kicks off and reaches its peak in January and February. We recommend planning as far in advance as you can to ensure the best experience and prices.

Nearest Airports to Popular Epic Pass Destinations

When you’re traveling to a new place via plane, it can sometimes be difficult to know which airport puts you closest to your final destination. Many of the resorts on the Epic Pass are located within driving distance of major or regional airports. However, it is important to note that all ski destinations do require a drive into the mountains after you land, so you will need to either rent a car or arrange for a shuttle ride – ride share services like Uber and Lyft are not always a great option. We’ve rounded up a quick list of nearby airports to make your vacation planning easier:

• Colorado Destinations: For Colorado ski resorts, the nearest major airport is the Denver International Airport. However, it’s important to note that this airport is still approximately 2+ hours from many of the ski towns, so you’ll need to rent a car or book a ride on one of the airport shuttles. You can also fly into the smaller Eagle County Regional Airport, which will get you much closer to the ski towns – Vail is about a 40 minute drive from this airport.
• Park City: If you’re traveling to the mountains of Utah, your best option is to fly into the Salt Lake City airport. You can then choose to rent a car and drive yourself or book a ride with a shuttle service – the drive to Park City is under an hour.
• California Destinations: If you’re looking for major airports near Lake Tahoe ski destinations, your best options are the Reno-Tahoe Airport or the Sacramento Airport. There are also some smaller, regional airports you can choose from, but flights into these smaller airports often come with higher prices.
• Vermont Destinations: Vermont has two destinations included in the Epic Pass – Mount Snow Resort and Okemo Mountain Resort. If your plan is to go to Mount Snow, Albany International Airport is the closest major airport, located about a 1.5 hour drive from the slopes. You can also fly into the smaller Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. For a trip to Okemo, the Rutland Airport is also a great choice, as it’s less than 30 minutes from the resort. If you prefer to fly into a major airport, both Albany International Airport and Burlington International Airport are about a 2 hour drive from Okemo.

Your Epic Ski Adventure Begins Here

Ready to shred the slopes with your Epic Pass this season? We have the perfect place for you to stay. SkyRun offers premium vacation rentals to accommodate cozy getaways for two or group trips with the whole family or friend crew. Our homes offer a private getaway that’s just for your family, and we even have options for ski in/si out access. SkyRun has locations near some of the biggest Epic Pass destinations, so be sure to keep us in mind when booking your ski trip!

SkyRun Breckenridge

• Breckenridge Ski Resort

SkyRun Keystone

• Keystone Resort

SkyRun North Tahoe

• Northstar California Resort
• Heavenly Mountain Resort

SkyRun Park City

• Park City

SkyRun Vail Valley

• Beaver Creek Resort
• Vail Ski Resort

SkyRun Vermont

• Mount Snow Resort
• Okemo Mountain Resort