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The 9 Best Ski Resorts on the Epic Pass

Originally posted on Powder | By Matt Lorelli | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 11:32 AM ET

The Epic Pass is ever-popular and the list of destination resorts seems to grow with each season.

We'll always be partial to the little mom and pop ski areas still making it work, but if you're gonna go big for a ski vacation, you might as well go BIG, ya know?

Check out our personal favorites on the Epic Pass, and start planning those trips!

9. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is known for being one of the most popular ski resorts in the world, and for good reason.

For one, the resort is massive. With five peaks, more than 3,000 feet of vertical and over 350 inches of average snowfall, Breck is the quintessential Colorado ski town/resort experience.

If exploration is your game, Breckenridge has plenty of terrain at your disposal. The resort has nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, 187 named trails and 35 lifts spread across five peaks. With terrain ranging from alpine bowls to wide groomers descending towards town, every skier's ability is catered to at Breck.

8. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR) is the king of mega-resorts in the American West.

If you're a fan of superlatives, you'll love Park City. For starters, no other ski resort in the United States has more lift-served skiable terrain or named trails. Attempting to ski every trail at PCMR could easily take days, if not weeks!

If you're looking for the best mega-resort experience in the United States, look no further than Park City. You'll be able to check every box at this destination resort.

7. Crested Butte, Colorado

If you're looking to test your mettle on some of the most challenging terrain in Colorado, look no further than Crested Butte.

CB is known for its steeps. 'Rambo' is perhaps the resort's most famous trail due to its infamous claim of being 'North America's steepest cut trail'. That claim has been disputed on occasion, but make no mistake, Rambo is steep enough to make any skiers clench their hindquarters, if you know what we mean.

6. Kicking Horse, British Columbia

Kicking Horse is the first resort on this list that is not owned and operated by Vail Resorts, but thanks to partnership with the Epic Pass, pass holders can explore its unruly and challenging slopes.

Kicking Horse's lift infrastructure is small compared to other resorts, but the terrain accessible from the Golden Eagle Express alone will make your mouth water. Once described to me as "a European resort on steroids and with more powder," exploration and adventure lead the way.

Kicking Horse is home to the lone North American stop on the Freeride World Tour. Full Epic Pass holders can spend 7 total days between Kicking Horse and The Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (Fernie, Kimberley, Nakiska, Mont-Sainte-Anne, and Stoneham.

5. Stowe, Vermont

When most folks think of skiing in Vermont, they think of Stowe Mountain Resort.

Located conveniently on Vermont's highest peak, Stowe is known for attracting deep snow storms that lead to long seasons. The runs are long at Stowe, and skiers who are willing to explore will be rewarded by some of the best glade skiing around.

For skiers living on the East Coast, Stowe is a no-brainer on the Epic Pass, but don't discount this gem if you live west of the Mississippi. Skiing out west is great, but experiencing a little Vermont magic from time to time is good for the soul.

4. Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California

With over a dozen ski areas and resorts in the Lake Tahoe area, skiers and riders have their hands full when it comes to options. Hopefully, for Epic Pass holders at least, I can make that decision a bit easier for you.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort has everything a skier could want. Challenging terrain? Check. Easy groomers for the kiddos? Check. Robust lift system with fairly minimal lift lines? Check.

Take a drive and get away from the crowds on the Lake. Kirkwood is worth it.

3. Telluride, Colorado

Perhaps no ski resort in Colorado has more mystique than Telluride.

Maybe it's the towering peaks of the San Juans that stretch like skyscrapers above town. Maybe it's the fact that it's not easy to get to Telluride compared to Colorado's front range resorts. Or, maybe, it's because Telluride serves up one of the best big mountain experiences in the country.

Epic Pass holders get seven days of access at Telluride. Make them count!

2. Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Look at you, Mr./Miss International. Finally ready to take a trip across the pond and see how the Euros enjoy their piste, cheese, and wine? Crans-Montana, one of the largest ski resorts in Europe, has you covered.

Epic Pass holders get unlimited access at Crans-Montana, so feel free to turn that one week getaway into two. Sample the local culture, ski pistes for miles and miles, and thank your lucky stripes you bought that Epic Pass back in August.

1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb. A reputation for this mega-resort of mega-resorts proceeds itself.

With two mountains that each provide over 5,000 feet of vertical, and a combined acreage that rivals European resorts, Whistler Blackcomb is the ultimate destination getaway on the Epic Pass.

You may encounter some crowds at Whistler due its international acclaim, but fear not, this is Adult Disneyland and there's fun to be had no matter how many people are standing next to you on the Summit lift line.

Making the pilgrimage to Whistler is a must for every skier and rider. Use that Epic Pass for what it's meant for!

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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