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If you’ve ever looked at lift ticket prices at Vail Resorts and felt your stomach drop, you’re not alone. A single-day ticket at resorts like Park City, Vail, or Whistler can easily run $300+ during peak season (Christmas Holiday Lift Tickets cost over $350/day). For families, that cost multiplies fast and can make skiing feel completely out of reach.
Well as a Park City local and employee of Park City Resort (the largest resort owned by Vail)I want to let you in on a secret: the Epic Day Pass is the cheapest way to ski at Vail Resorts without committing to a full season pass. If you’re planning even just a few ski days at any Vail-owned resort, this pass can save you hundreds of dollars.
READ: The Ultimate Park City Ski Guide
Tips for Skiing Crested Butte
The Ultimate Family Guide to Skiing Whistler BC
What is the Epic Day Pass?
The Epic Day Pass is a flexible, multi-day pass that works like a punchcard for skiing. You choose how many days you want to ski (1-7 days), which resorts you want access to, and whether you need access during peak holiday periods. Then you show up and ski whenever you want throughout the season, with no need to use your days consecutively or decide your dates in advance.
It’s designed for skiers who want multiple days on the mountain but don’t need unlimited access that a full season pass provides. And the savings compared to buying lift tickets at the window are massive, up to 65% off.
How Much Does the Epic Day Pass Cost?
NOTE: Epic Day Passes are typically only on sale until the beginning of ski season, and the price does increase a bit the closer you get to ski season. These prices are accurate as of publishing.
The cost depends on three factors: how many days you want, which resorts you need access to, and whether you’re skiing during peak periods.
Number of Days: You can purchase 1-7 days. The more days you buy, the lower the per-day cost.
Resort Access Options:
- All Resorts (from $125 for 1 day to $723 for 7 days) – Access to all Vail-owned resorts including the major destinations like Vail, Park City, Whistler, and international resorts
- 32 Resorts (from $96 for 1 day to$555 for 7 days) – Excludes some of the premium destinations but still includes major resorts
- 22 Resorts (from $60 for 1 day to$341 for 7 days) – Best value option with access to popular Midwest, Northeast and Midatlantic Resorts, great for regional skiers
Peak Date Access: Add $64 (for 3-day passes) if you plan to ski during restricted peak dates like Christmas week, New Year’s, MLK weekend, or Presidents Day weekend.
Kids Save Big: Children ages 5-12 pay roughly half of adult prices. For example, a 7-day, 22-resort pass costs just $175 for kids compared to $341 for adults.
Breaking Down the Savings
Let’s look at real numbers. A single-day lift ticket at Vail during January costs over $300 at the window. If you buy a 7-day Epic Day Pass with all-resort access for $723, you’re paying just $103 per day—a savings of over $200 per day, or over $1,300 total for the week.
Even if you only ski 3-4 days, you’re still saving hundreds compared to buying tickets at the window. And if you have kids, the savings multiply even more dramatically.
Which Resort Access Option Should You Choose?
Choose All Resorts if: You’re planning a destination ski trip to places like Whistler, European resorts, or want maximum flexibility across all Vail properties.
Choose 32 Resorts if: You want access to major destinations but can skip a few of the premium resorts to save money.
Choose 22 Resorts if: You’re skiing regionally (like multiple Colorado or Utah resorts) or sticking to the more accessible Vail properties. This is the best value for most families.
Do You Need Peak Date Access?
Peak restricted dates include:
- Thanksgiving weekend (November 28-29, 2025)
- Christmas through New Year’s (December 26-31, 2025)
- MLK weekend (January 17, 2026)
- Presidents Day weekend (February 14-15, 2026)
If you’re skiing during any of these times, you must add peak date access for an additional $64 (for 7-day passes). If you can avoid these dates, skip the add-on and save the money—you’ll also avoid the worst crowds.
Epic Day Pass Perks You Didn’t Know About
Beyond the lift ticket savings, Epic Day Pass holders get additional benefits:
Epic Mountain Rewards: 20% off food, lodging, lessons, and rentals at Vail Resorts. This adds up fast, especially for families.
Bonus Days at Select Resorts: If you purchase the All Resorts access option, you get matching bonus days at Afton Alps (MN), Mt. Brighton (MI), and Wilmot (WI). So a 4-day pass gives you 4 bonus days at these resorts.
Discounted Additional Days: Once you use all your days, you can purchase additional lift tickets at the advanced purchase rate (not the expensive window rate) by showing your pass at the ticket window.
FlexPay Options: Spread payments over several months with 0% APR and no money down.
Who is the Epic Day Pass Perfect For?
Families taking a ski vacation – If you’re planning 3-7 days of skiing at any Vail resort, this is your best option by far.
Local skiers who don’t ski enough for a season pass – If you only ski 5-10 days a year, the Epic Day Pass gives you flexibility without the full season pass commitment.
Anyone skiing multiple Vail resorts – Visiting Park City and Breckenridge on the same trip? Use your days across different resorts with no restrictions.
Budget-conscious skiers – The per-day cost is unbeatable compared to window rates.
How to Buy and Use Your Epic Day Pass
Purchase your Epic Day Pass online during the sales period (typically spring through fall). Once you buy, you’ll receive a physical pass card or digital pass on the My Epic app.
When you arrive at the resort, simply scan your pass at the lift—one of your days will be deducted automatically. No need to plan ahead or make reservations. Just show up and ski.
Your days don’t expire and can be used anytime throughout the 2025/26 season (starting fall 2025). Use them all at one resort or spread them across multiple mountains.
Important Things to Know
Buy Early: Epic Day Passes are only available for a limited time during the pre-season sales period. Once the season starts, this option disappears and you’re stuck paying full window prices.
Partner Resorts: Only 4-day and above passes with All Resort Access include partner resorts like Telluride and Canadian Rockies resorts.
Physical Pass Required: For partner resorts and international locations, you need your physical Epic Pass card—the mobile app won’t work.
No Friend Tickets: Unlike full Epic Passes, the Epic Day Pass doesn’t include discounted tickets for friends and family.
The Bottom Line
If you’re skiing at any Vail resort for even just a few days, the Epic Day Pass is hands-down the cheapest way to do it. You’ll save hundreds, potentially THOUSANDS for a family, compared to buying lift tickets at the window, plus you get additional discounts on food, lodging, and rentals.
The key is buying early during the sales period and choosing the resort access level that matches your plans. For most midwestern or east coast families, the 22-resort option offers the best value, and skipping peak dates saves you money while avoiding the worst crowds.
Don’t wait until you’re standing at the ticket window staring at $300 lift tickets. Lock in your Epic Day Pass now and actually enjoy your ski vacation without the sticker shock.