Discounted Skiing and Snowboarding at Select High-Quality Ski Resorts in the United States
In a move aimed at making skiing more accessible, Vail Resorts, the nation's largest ski resort operator, has announced a major policy shift for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Under the leadership of Rob Katz, who recently returned to his position as CEO after a period of the company's stock price trending downwards, all Epic Pass holders will receive 6 to 10 "Epic Friend Tickets"15. These tickets offer their companions 50% off lift tickets at Vail Resorts' 37 North American resorts2.
The new Epic Friend Tickets replace the previous Buddy Tickets, providing better and more consistent savings. Pass holders who purchased before April 15, 2025, will receive 10 friend tickets, while those who purchased after that date will receive 6 tickets. These tickets can be used at any time and at any of the company's 37 North American resorts2.
Companions who redeem a friend ticket but do not have a pass can apply the full cost of that ticket toward buying certain Epic Passes for the 2026-27 season15. This means a companion's ticket price is effectively halved compared to standard lift ticket prices. For example, if a lift ticket normally costs $330 at a resort like Vail, companions using an Epic Friend Ticket would pay $1652.
This represents a significant discount and better value compared to the former system, which had lower savings that varied by resort1. Furthermore, friends who use Epic Friend Tickets can apply 100% of their savings towards their own Epic Pass for the following season1.
The Epic Pass, the number one selling multi-resort pass, provides unlimited, unrestricted access to 42 Vail Resorts owned mountains in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia3. It is currently at its season guaranteed lowest price and will be until September 1, 20234. For those who prefer a more flexible option, Epic 1-7 Day Passes offer bigger discounts, up to 65%, but require a commitment and are purchased in advance4.
Vail Resorts operates some of the biggest, best, and most desirable ski destinations worldwide6. The Epic Pass is the best choice for most skiers or snowboarders, especially those living near a "home base" ski resort7. Active military, veterans, and their dependents can get the best deal in all of skiing, the Epic Military Pass, with unlimited access to all 42 Vail resorts properties for just $1908.
Rob Katz was responsible for creating the Epic Pass and acquiring several new ski resorts during his tenure as CEO9. The introduction of the multi-resort pass concept by Vail Resorts has made skiing cheaper for frequent participants10. The Epic Pass covers major resorts in the U.S., North America, Australia, Europe, and Japan6. Vail Resorts is publicly traded under NYSE: MTN11.
This announcement by Vail Resorts under Katz's leadership represents a major policy shift and hearkens back to Katz's early strategy of focusing on growing the sport by bringing in new skiers and riders12. The Epic Friend Tickets offer a more consistent and significant discount compared to the previous Buddy Tickets, making skiing more accessible and affordable for everyone.
- Sports enthusiasts who own an Epic Pass will receive discounted lift tickets for their companions at Vail Resorts' 37 North American resorts, allowing a wider range of people to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
- With the new Epic Friend Tickets, those who want to join skiers and snowboarders for a day at popular destinations like Whistler, or other European resorts, will find it less expensive to do so thanks to better and more consistent savings offered by Vail Resorts.
