It’s time to hit the slopes with your family. But which multi-resort ski pass offers the best value for military families? We’re breaking down the Epic Pass vs Ikon Pass debate with what matters most to service members.

The Bottom Line

Both Epic and Ikon passes offer military discounts, but the pricing structure and eligibility differ significantly based on your military status. Here’s what you need to know before you commit.

Military Pricing: Different Tiers for Different Status

Epic Pass Military Pricing (2025-26 Season):

Epic Pass doesn’t do percentage discounts—they have separate military pass products with different pricing tiers. Here’s where the prices start and they increase closer to the start of the season:

• Active Duty Military Pass: $190 (adult and dependent)
• Retired Military Pass: $190 (adult and dependent)
• Veteran Military Pass: $614 (adult and dependent)
• Liberty Pass (Keystone only): Discounted flat rate varies by status

The active duty and retired military passes provide access to all 42 Vail-owned resorts at $190, while veterans pay significantly more at $614. All military passes provide unlimited access to Vail Resorts but do NOT include partner resort access (no Telluride, no international partners).

Additionally, Epic Military Pass holders receive 6 Epic Friend Tickets offering 50% off daily window price lift tickets at any of the 37 North American owned and operated resorts.

Ikon Pass Military Pricing:

Ikon offers discounts through base access programs:

• Military Base Pricing: Full Ikon Pass $799 / Ikon Base Pass $519
• Standard Military Discount: Varies, must verify through SheerID
• Available to active duty, Reserve/Guard, retirees, veterans, and dependents

Winner: Epic Pass at $190 for active duty and retired military is incredible value. Veterans get better value with Ikon’s base pricing at $799 vs Epic’s $614 veteran pass (more resort access for similar price).

Resort Access: Where Can Your Family Ski?

Epic Military Pass Coverage:

• 42 Vail Resorts with unlimited access
• Colorado: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte
• Utah: Park City Mountain
• West Coast: Whistler Blackcomb, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood
• East Coast: Mount Snow, Stowe, Okemo, Hunter Mountain, Attitash, Wildcat
• International: Properties in Europe, Japan, and Australia

Ikon Pass Coverage:

• 50+ destinations worldwide (varies by pass type)
• Colorado: Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper Mountain
• Utah: Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley, Solitude, Brighton
• California: Mammoth Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, June Mountain
• East Coast: Killington, Sugarbush, Sunday River, Loon Mountain
• Some resorts have 5-7 day limits depending on pass type

Note: Park City Mountain (Epic Pass) and Deer Valley (Ikon Pass) are separate resorts. While both are located in Park City, Utah, they’re independently owned – Park City Mountain is on the Epic Pass and Deer Valley is on the Ikon Pass. They’re close enough that you can see each other’s chairlifts, but they’re distinct resorts with different terrain and vibes.

Family-Friendly Features

Epic Pass:

• Kids 4 and under ski free (Call the hotline for getting their pass)
• Military discount applies to spouse and dependent children
• 6 Epic Friend Tickets per military pass at 50% off window rates
• Easy family management through the My Epic app

Ikon Pass:

• Kids 5 and under ski free at most resorts
• Kids passes (ages 7-12) available at reduced rates
• 12 Friend & Family Tickets at 25% off window rates
• Military discount available for dependents through verification

Flexibility for Unpredictable Schedules

Deployments happen. PCS orders drop. Here’s how each pass handles the unexpected:

Epic Pass:

• Epic Coverage included free with all military passes
• Covers illness, injury, job loss, deployments, and PCS moves
• Must request refund before season starts for most situations
• No refund after season starts unless covered by Epic Coverage terms

Ikon Pass:

• “Confidence to Buy” program automatically included
• Can defer unused pass for credit toward next season for ANY reason
• Must request by early December of the current season
• Great insurance against unpredictable schedules

Which Pass Should Military Families Choose?

Choose Epic Pass if:

• You’re active duty or retired (that $190 price is incredible)
• You’re stationed near Colorado’s Front Range or Park City
• You want unlimited access without day limits
• You ski/ride 5+ days per season minimum

Choose Ikon Pass if:

• You’re a veteran (better value at $799 than Epic’s $614 veteran pass)
• You prioritize legendary resorts over corporate properties
• You’re near Utah (for all five major resorts) or Northern California
• You need maximum flexibility with their deferral program
• You want access to iconic independent mountains

For Reserve/Guard:

• You qualify for Epic’s Active Military Pass at $190—that’s likely your best bet

Tips for Military Families

1. Buy early: Both passes increase in price as season approaches—Epic’s active/retired pricing at $190 ends September 1
2. Check your status: Epic has different passes for active, retired, and veteran—know which category you fall into
3. Calculate break-even: At $190, Epic pays for itself in 1-2 days at most resorts
4. Factor in lodging: Headed to Park City UT? Check out this military resort.
5. Don’t forget parking: Some Ikon resorts require reservations—factor that into planning

Bottom line: Know your military status category, calculate which resorts you’ll realistically visit, and factor in your family’s situation. Both passes offer incredible value compared to daily lift tickets, but the Epic Pass’s active/retired pricing is tough to beat.

---

Questions about military ski discounts or other benefits? That’s what we’re here for—maximizing every perk you’ve earned through your service.