What You Need to Know About 2026/2027 Epic and Ikon Pass Pricing

What Will Happen to Ikon and Epic Pass Pricing This Upcoming Season? 

We all know it was a rough year for snow, and for skiers and snowboarders, much of the west and parts of the east saw less than ideal conditions. 

Both Vail Resorts (Epic Pass) and Alterra Mountain Company (Ikon Pass) saw a significant drop in visitors and of purchases for day passes. Vail Resorts reported a 12-20% drop at their combined locations. Alterra does not report those statistics but it is believed to be about the same.

How much that has to do with new pricing changes we don’t know. However both companies have rolled out new pricing tiers for the 2026/2027 season, as follows:

EPIC PASS

- Passes for most skiers increase in 2026/2027 about 7%

- New pricing for 13-30 year olds offers a 20% discount off full-price Epic and Epic Local Passes

- Season-long Pass Holders who buy early will get 10 Epic Friend tickets for half-off lift tickets

- Skiers and Snowboarders who visited on a lift ticket this season can save up to $175 on a 2026/27 Epic Pass

Epic passes are good for 80-90 resorts worldwide. Vail Resorts is framing these changes as “A major step to shape the future of skiing and snowboarding.”

“The future of the sport depends on the next generation of skiers and riders, and it is our responsibility to create a more accessible pathway for them well into young adulthood,” said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts. “We know that young travelers, especially Gen Z, are prioritizing experiences when deciding how to spend heir time and money - and we hope to make skiing and snowboarding an easy decision for them.”

IKON PASS

- Season passes for the 2026/2027 ski season increase about 5%

- For the first time, Ikon is offering refundable passes. Pass holders who have not scanned their pass by January 15, 2027 can choose to get a 100% refund. A single scan on the pass by January 15 is eligible for a 50% refund. Purchasing insurance for $184.80 allows skiers to ask for a refund if conditions are poor or life gets in the way and they can’t use the pass.

- For those renewing a pass, Ikon is offering new Renewal Rewards. You can choose one of the various options for your Reward:

1. Monthly Mountain Credits of up to $25 per month to be used on food and beverages, rentals, and retail outlets

2. Another renewal choice is up to $100 in credit to be used at backcountry.com to purchase whatever you need

3. A One Free Night Award is an option at Marriott Bonvoy with the 26/27 Ikon pass for those 18 and older

4. Lastly, Ski Butlers has an option for Ikon Pass Holders to receive two free ski rental days, and one day for Ikon Base Pass Holders

Ikon Passes are good at 76 resorts worldwide.

Now all we need is for Mother Nature to give us a great snow season this coming winter!