Winter’s almost here, and if you're like me, you’re probably already knee-deep in planning for ski season. From managing the gear to organizing ski lessons, there’s a lot to juggle. One of the biggest decisions is picking the right season pass, especially when you’ve got little ones in tow. The Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and Mountain Collective Pass each offer something different, so let’s break down what each one has to offer for families with young children, including a look at pricing, to help you make the best choice for your crew.
Resort Access and Variety
- Gives you access to over 60 resorts worldwide, including fantastic family-friendly spots like Vail, Park City, and Whistler Blackcomb.
- Plenty of options in the U.S. and Canada with terrains that are perfect for kids and beginners.
- Covers more than 50 destinations, with popular family resorts such as Aspen Snowmass, Mammoth Mountain, and Jackson Hole.
- Also includes some international resorts if you’re dreaming of a snowy adventure abroad.
- Includes 24 top-tier resorts, including Aspen, Big Sky, and Sun Valley.
- Focuses on premier destinations but has a more limited number of resorts compared to the other passes.
Both the Epic and Ikon Passes offer a broader selection of resorts, but the Mountain Collective Pass still provides access to some fantastic family-friendly spots. If variety is what you’re after, the Epic and Ikon Passes might be your best bet.
Child Passes and Discounts
- Kids 5 and under ski for free, which is a huge win if you’ve got little ones who are just starting out.
- The Epic SchoolKids program offers free lift tickets for kids in select regions, which can save you a lot of money.
- Offers discounted rates for children but doesn’t provide free skiing for the youngest skiers.
- Kids aged 6-12 get a discount, but it’s not as generous as the Epic Pass for very young kids.
- Doesn’t offer specific free lift ticket options for young children.
- Provides general family discounts, but it’s not as kid-friendly as the Epic Pass.
For families with very young children, the Epic Pass is definitely the most cost-effective choice. The Mountain Collective Pass doesn’t have specific benefits for young kids, so if you’re looking to save on lift tickets for little ones, the Epic Pass is the way to go.
Blackout Dates and Flexibility
- Generally has fewer blackout dates, which means you have more flexibility for your family’s ski plans.
- There are some restrictions during peak holiday periods, but you’ll usually find plenty of days to hit the slopes.
- Includes some blackout dates at certain resorts. If you go with the Ikon Base Pass, it has fewer days and more blackout dates, which could be a consideration if you’re trying to save money.
- Gives you 2 days at each participating resort with no blackout dates.
- After the initial 2 days, you can buy additional days at a discounted rate, which is great if you’re planning shorter trips.
The Mountain Collective Pass is great for shorter trips with no blackout dates, but if you’re planning more frequent or longer trips, the Epic Pass’s flexibility might be more useful.
Perks and Benefits for Families
- Includes Epic Coverage, which offers ski pass insurance and discounts on rentals, lessons, and food at partner resorts.
- The EpicMix app is handy for tracking your family’s skiing progress and managing lift tickets.
- Provides discounts on lodging, food, and retail at participating resorts.
- The app is useful for planning, but it might not have as many features as the EpicMix app.
- Offers discounted lift tickets for extra days and some lodging discounts.
- Lacks the extensive insurance and app benefits of the Epic Pass.
The Epic Pass offers the most comprehensive set of perks, including insurance and a great app. The Mountain Collective Pass is simpler but still offers good value for top resorts.
Pricing
- Adult: Around $949 for unlimited access.
- Child (Ages 5-12): Typically about $299.
- Family Options: Offers various packages that might be more affordable for families with multiple children.
- Adult: About $1,099 for unlimited access.
- Child (Ages 5-12): Generally around $379.
- Family Options: Discounts available, but it’s usually more expensive than the Epic Pass.
- Adult: Approximately $599 for 2 days at each resort, with additional days at a discounted rate.
- Child: Not specifically discounted; general family discounts apply.
The Epic Pass is often the most budget-friendly for families, especially considering its benefits for young children and available family packages. The Ikon Pass is pricier but offers extensive access and perks. The Mountain Collective Pass is great for top resorts but doesn’t have specific discounts for young kids.
Keep in mind that the prices for ski passes increase in mid-October.
For families with young children, the Epic Pass usually offers the most value, thanks to free lift tickets for kids and the Epic SchoolKids program. The Ikon Pass is also a strong option if you’re looking for a wider range of resorts and are okay with a higher price. The Mountain Collective Pass is ideal for shorter trips to top resorts but lacks specific benefits for very young skiers.
Think about how often you plan to ski, where you want to go, and your budget to pick the pass that’s right for your family. No matter which one you choose, here’s to a winter full of snowy fun and precious family memories! Happy skiing!