You’ve procrastinated long enough. The Epic Pass for the 2025/26 skiing and riding season has been on sale since spring, with periodic price increases every few months.
Don’t wait any longer. Pass sales end on December 4th, including for the most affordable 1-7 day passes.
You’ll also lose out on new this year Epic Friend Tickets, offering 50% off lift tickets for friends and other discounts, and what they pay can be applied as credit towards a 2026/27 Epic Pass.
What’s New With Epic Pass This Season –
Epic Friend Tickets: Season Pass Holders will receive 6-10 Epic Friend Tickets, depending on when you purchase the Pass. Epic Friend Tickets provide 50% off lift tickets at the company’s 37 North American resorts for the 2025/26 winter season.
In addition, friends can apply 100% of the cost of one redeemed Epic Friend Ticket toward an eligible 2026/27 Pass. Just like the Epic Pass, Epic Friend Tickets can be purchased online and activated in the My Epic app for direct-to-lift access, cutting out the need to stand in line at the ticket window.
Connected Ski & Ride School Experience: Starting this December, learn new skills together and spark a little friendly competition with the new connected Ski and Ride School across Vail Mountain, Keystone, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge. With innovative new features, parents and students can check in for lessons, receive real-time updates and photos, track progress, and celebrate milestones and skills with digital badges, all from the convenience of their phone.
What’s New and What’s Happening at Top Epic Pass Resorts –
Keystone, Colorado
Already open for the 2025/26 season, Keystone is a winter wonderland with more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across three peaks and five bowls. Within the past two years, the addition of the high-speed 6-passenger Bergman Express chairlift improved access to the high alpine slopes of Bergman Bowl and Erickson Bowl. In total, 16 intermediate and advanced trails were added to the skiable terrain.
In addition to night skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides, fine dining, and more, Keystone will continue to offer its Kids Ski Free program, which allows kids 12 years and younger to ski and ride for free every day, all season long, with just two or more nights of lodging booked through the resort.
NEW Kindred Resort Coming to River Run Village in 2026 – Kindred will feature ski-in, ski-out residences, a RockResorts-branded hotel steps from the River Run Gondola, with upscale rooms and amenities including valet ski and bike storage, and a high-end full-service spa. It will also become the new home base for Keystone Ski & Ride School, as well as resort retail and rental shops. Upon opening, Kindred will reaffirm Keystone as one of North America’s great mountain resort destinations.
NEW Snow Fort After Dark: Keystone’s NEW event series starts this season with a cosmic twist on the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort. Keep the on-mountain party going after dark with night skiing, music, and stars over the slopes on Dec. 27, Jan. 31, March 14, and March 28.
NEW BOEC Day of Inclusion (Dec. 19-20): The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) celebrates 50 years of adaptive snowsports this year! Keystone Resort hosts a Day of Inclusion with the community, special First Tracks, a parade on snow, and a party at the Mountain House base area.
NEW Keystone Military Winter Games (Feb. 7-8): The Keystone Military Winter Games brings military members and veterans from different branches together in friendly rivalry to compete in a variety of challenges to win bragging rights and snow sports glory.
Women in Powder (Feb. 21-22): This weekend is about empowering women, embracing the joy of winter sports, and creating a supportive, fun-filled environment where you can challenge yourself and celebrate the mountain lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, try something new, or simply enjoy time on the slopes, you’ll leave feeling confident and connected.
National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS) Summit (Feb 28 – March 8): NBS returns for the 53rd annual, and second consecutive year at Keystone for more competitions, themed parties, great food, and even better company.
Vail, Colorado
Already open for the season, the world’s premier mountain destination transforms into the world’s premier high alpine stage with more than 40 music events across the mountain and throughout the villages.,
Pop-Up Mountain Music: More than 50 live music events will span the mountain and the villages, featuring headline performances by GRAMMY-nominated duo Sofi Tukker (Dec. 13 at Ford Park) and EDM icon Dillon Francis (Jan. 9 at Chasing Rabbits). This season kicks off with Stoke Sessions (Nov. 14–Dec. 5), featuring Blu DeTiger, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, The Runaway Groms, and American Authors in Vail Village, and Après at the Amp (April 10–11) rounds out a season of sound, snow, and celebration.
Après at Express Lift: Starting on opening day, Express Lift at the base of Gondola One doubles last year’s Après Days, featuring live DJs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. These events are in collaboration with Vail Mountain’s partners Pepsi and Lalo.
NEW Expanded EGE Flight Options: Eagle County Regional Airport provides non-stop flights from 20 major markets, which makes getting to Vail easy no matter when visiting. This season includes direct flights from Seattle and Southern California.
- NEW this winter there will be direct flights from Washington/Dulles, New York (JFK), Charlotte and more.
Adaptive Programs – Vail Mountain Ski and Snowboard school offers lessons to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities for skiing, snow biking and snowboarding, focusing on cognitive, visual and physical impairment. The school is renowned for being one of the few adaptive programs, where the instructors are largely full-time professionals in the field of adaptive snowsports instruction. The resort also offers specialized rental equipment for guests who are looking to enjoy Vail Mountain, but may not have the ability to justify the cost of owning this equipment.
- Vail Mountain also supports a variety of nonprofit partners through the adaptive snowsports program, including Vail Veterans, Foresight Skiing Guides, Small Champions, and Access Unbound.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Already open for the season, affectionately known as ‘Breck’ to locals and visitors alike, serves up big mountain views and high alpine terrain paired with vintage cool ski town charm. An abundance of slopeside lodging accommodations, ski-to-town trails and the BreckConnect Gondola means the whole town is practically ski-in ski-out. And with three new chairlifts over the last three years, skiers and riders will be skiing and riding across Breck’s Five Peaks in no time. Where else in the world can you ski from the top of North America’s highest chairlift and directly into town for après
NEW Rockstar Energy Open (Dec. 19–21): Breckenridge Ski Resort and Rockstar Energy™ are launching the first-ever Rockstar Energy Open, a free three-day festival with world-class snowboarding, live music, and more. The Rockstar Energy Open will coincide with Breck’s Ullr Fest, a more than 60-years-old, one-of-a-kind ski town celebration that marks the return of winter. Ullr Fest features the world’s longest shotski, a town parade and a giant community bonfire!
NEW BOEC Day of Inclusion (Jan. 24): The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) celebrates 50 years of adaptive snowsports this year. Breck and the BOEC will be celebrating its longstanding partnership, community, and fun with exclusive first tracks, a parade on snow, and more!
Toyota Big IFSA Mountain Challenge (Mar. 7-8): High above town, the cliffs and chutes of Breck’s Peak 6 high alpine terrain turns into an arena where IFSA freeriders take on Breck at its boldest, hucking off rocks and navigating no-fall steeps in front of a fired-up crowd.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
From its Signature Parks Collection (home to the most dedicated learning terrain in Colorado) and adrenaline-inducing steeps on the Birds of Prey World Cup racecourse, to its long-standing Signature Events and refined culinary experiences, Beaver Creek balances tradition with fresh and modern experiences for a sophisticated, family destination.
Opening Date: November 26, 2025
Opening Week (Nov. 26-29): Start the season with the Beaver Creek Cookie Competition. on opening day, followed by Later that week, the holidays begin with the Tree Lighting and Ice Spectacular on November 28th, followed by a Holiday Market on the 28th and 29th.
Experience the Olympics at the 2025 Birds of Prey (Dec. 4-7): Ranked as the top destination by athletes and coaches, the Beaver Creek Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup is back with an exciting weekend of men’s racing. This year’s event will feature live music, beer tastings, ski films, parties, and much more, all taking place in the vibrant Beaver Creek Village along the lively “Birds of Prey Way.”
The Alpine Table (Jan. 16-17): Beaver Creek Resort’s signature culinary event, The Alpine Table, returns this winter with an elevated and expanded experience. This season’s event introduces new experiential elements at Allie’s Cabin, January 16-17. Guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind, multi-course tasting menu created in partnership between a MICHELIN-recognized Colorado restaurant and Beaver Creek’s acclaimed fine dining cabin culinary team.
New Years Eve (Dec. 31): The resort’s annual New Years’ Eve Ski Down features more than 200 skiers to light up the early evening slopes at 6:00pm, followed by a unique Winter Circus filled with aerialists, contortionists, jugglers, break dancers, fire dancers and more and a spectacular fireworks display at 10pm.
Talone’s Challenge Presented by Helly Hansen (Feb. 21-22): Athletes conquer more than 26,000’ of vertical down 14 of the toughest black and double black diamond runs on the mountain. Participants who rip down all fourteen runs will earn the coveted patch for completing the challenge, killer swag, and all kinds of bragging rights.
First Tracks Presented by Helly Hansen: Guided by expert hosts before lifts open to the public, guests receive personalized terrain recommendations, followed by a gourmet breakfast at one of Beaver Creek’s luxurious on-mountain dining cabins. Limited dates available.
Thursday Night Lights: Every Thursday throughout the season from December 18 to March 26. Skiers and snowboarders that are level 4 or above are encouraged to register in the afternoon and be a part of this spectacular show. As part of this weekly event, there’s a fireworks display from the top of the mountain, following the ski down.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
Already open for the season, Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort offering year-round adventure for all ages and skill levels. Powder hounds, glade lovers and groomer aficionados won’t want to miss big mountain skiing and riding as winter brings an unmatched variety of terrain. With more than 8,000 skiable acres, 200+ runs, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers, all serviced by 35 lifts – including the one-of-a-kind PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, there’s something for everyone. With over-the-top dining and an exciting après scene complementing the legendary slopes, Whistler is a true bucket list destination.
The Year of Celebrations: 60th Anniversary of Whistler Mountain. It’s a celebration of the bold spirit, iconic terrain, and deep Canadian roots of North America’s largest mountain resort. Join us as we honour the athletes, Olympians, pioneers, and visionaries who shaped Whistler Blackcomb, through stories that highlight the people, places, and moments that define it.
It’s all part of a year of notable milestones, including:
- Blackcomb Mountain’s 45th Anniversary.
- 40th Anniversary of the Peak to Valley Race: One of Whistler’s most iconic alpine races and the longest GS race of its kind on the planet.
- The 45th anniversary of Whistler Heli-Skiing.
- The 30th anniversary of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival.
NEW Wonder Routes: Explore a curated network of trails, waypoints, and stops designed to help uncover hidden gems. The seven Wonder Routes provides something for everyone. And just in time for an Olympic year, explore the Gold Medal Route — an intermediate-to-advanced trail tracing the legacy of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Each route follows a color-coded path with turn-by-turn directions, guiding you through stunning viewpoints and landmarks for a seamless, accessible experience tailored to any type of skier/snowboarder.
Winemaker Lunch Series: Raise a glass atop Whistler Mountain with this elevated mid-day experience. Enjoy world-class wines paired with locally sourced bites, surrounded by sweeping alpine views for a true taste of the mountain’s finest flavors.
Welcome Winter at Whistler Winterlight: A festive evening of lights, music and hands-on fun at Whistler Olympic Plaza from Nov. 27-29. Ring in the New Year with the season’s first Fire & Ice, where Whistler Blackcomb’s top skiers and riders soar through a blazing ring of fire every Sunday night.
Park City, Utah
Park City Mountain offers the most lift-accessed ski and snowboard terrain in the United States with more than 7,300 acres of terrain, 330 trails, 42 lifts and 6 terrain parks. Dedicated learning areas like High Meadow Park are perfect for beginners, while adventure seekers can challenge themselves on high-alpine terrain like Jupiter Peak, Ninety-Nine 90 or Pinecone Ridge. It is the only resort in Utah where you can ski or ride directly to town and enjoy historic Main Street in charming Old Town Park City, and it will be a venue for the 2034 Olympic Winter Games Salt Lake City..
NEW Sunrise Gondola at Canyons Village: This state-of-the-art, 10-person gondola will nearly double the uphill capacity out of the Canyons Village base area, meaning less time in line and more time carving turns. Engineered for reliability, the Sunrise Gondola is less susceptible to wind holds, providing improved access during Utah’s famous winter storms.
NEW Enhanced Ski and Ride School Zone at Red Pine: This area offers a more dynamic and inviting space for learning, with terrain designed to spark confidence and ignite a lifelong passion for skiing and riding. There’s also a new kid-friendly dining area.
NEW Magic Carpet at the Red Pine Learning Zone: The new magic carpet at the Red Pine Learning Zone is a joyful step in that journey, helping ignite a lifelong love of skiing and riding.
Winter Pride (Feb. 28): A fun day celebrating Park City’s welcoming spirit and inclusivity both on the slopes and off.
Women’s Weekend (March 7-8): Returning for the third year in a row, Park City’s Women’s Weekend offers ski and ride clinics and base-area après for skiers and riders of all abilities.
Peaks & Beats Music Festival (March 28-29): Peaks & Beats Music Festival is returning to Park City for a weekend you don’t want to miss. These free Canyons Village concerts are the hottest spring après party in town.
See you on the slopes.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is an award-winning journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is President Emeritus of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
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