Compare by region: Epic vs Ikon
Each regional guide covers every Epic and Ikon mountain with stats, editorial notes, and a full comparison table. Indy Pass coverage is strong across all regions for independent mountains not listed in these guides.
Epic vs Ikon: Northeast
VT, NH, ME, NY, PA, MA and more. Ikon wins Vermont; Epic wins New Hampshire. The Indy Pass covers many of the region's best independent mountains including Jay Peak and Cannon.
Find your best Epic or Ikon mountain in the Northeast →Epic vs Ikon: Rockies
CO, UT, WY, MT and NM. Ikon dominates on mountain count. Epic holds Vail and Park City. Indy covers Sun Valley, Loveland, Purgatory, and several New Mexico resorts.
Find your best Epic or Ikon mountain in the Rockies →Epic vs Ikon: California
Tahoe, Mammoth, and Southern California. Epic covers four Tahoe resorts. Ikon has Palisades and Mammoth. Indy covers Mountain High, China Peak, Dodge Ridge, and other independents.
Find your best Epic or Ikon mountain in California →Epic vs Ikon: Pacific Northwest
WA, OR and ID. Ikon wins with Crystal, Mt. Hood Meadows, and Schweitzer. Indy covers Mt. Bachelor, Timberline Lodge, Mt. Baker, White Pass, and Bogus Basin.
Find your best Epic or Ikon mountain in the Pacific Northwest →Epic vs Ikon: Midwest
MI, MN, WI and OH. Epic wins Michigan with Boyne. Indy covers Crystal Mountain MI, Nubs Nob, Granite Peak WI, Lutsen, and several other independents.
Find your best Epic or Ikon mountain in the Midwest →Head-to-head: Epic vs Ikon vs Indy
| Category | Epic Pass | Ikon Pass | Indy Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operator | Vail Resorts | Alterra Mountain Company | Indy Pass / Powder Alliance |
| Approx. price | $700–$1,000 | $700–$1,000 | ~$349 |
| Total resorts | 40+ | 50+ | 100+ |
| Best in Colorado | Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Telluride | Steamboat, Aspen (4 mtns), Copper, A-Basin, Eldora | Loveland, Purgatory, Sunlight |
| Best in Utah | Park City Mountain (7,300 acres) | Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley, Solitude, Snowbasin | Brighton |
| Best in Vermont | Stowe, Okemo, Mount Snow | Killington, Stratton, Sugarbush, Pico | Jay Peak, Bolton Valley, Magic Mountain, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Saskadena Six |
| Best in NH | Attitash, Wildcat, Crotched, Sunapee | Loon Mountain | Cannon, Waterville Valley, Pats Peak, Ragged Mountain, Tenney, Whaleback |
| Best in Maine | None | Sunday River, Sugarloaf | Saddleback, Camden Snow Bowl, Black Mountain of Maine |
| Pacific Northwest | Stevens Pass (WA) | Crystal Mountain, Mt. Hood Meadows, Schweitzer | Mt. Bachelor, Timberline Lodge, Mt. Baker, White Pass, 49 Degrees North |
| Montana and Wyoming | None | Jackson Hole, Big Sky | Whitefish, Bridger Bowl, Red Lodge, Grand Targhee, Snow King |
| Best in California | Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood | Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth, 3 SoCal resorts | Mountain High, China Peak, Dodge Ridge, Homewood |
| Idaho | None | Schweitzer, Tamarack | Sun Valley, Bogus Basin, Brundage Mountain, Silver Mountain |
| International | Whistler Blackcomb, European resorts | Banff area, select international | Select Canadian and international partners |
| Restricted version | Epic Local Pass | Ikon Base Pass | Indy+ (add-on days) |
| Combine with other passes? | No | No | Yes, pairs with Epic or Ikon |
Pass affiliations and prices are subject to change. Verify with the official Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and Indy Pass websites before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and Indy Pass?
The Epic Pass is operated by Vail Resorts and covers major destination resorts including Vail, Breckenridge, Stowe, and Park City. The Ikon Pass is operated by Alterra Mountain Company and covers resorts including Mammoth, Jackson Hole, Alta, Snowbird, and Killington. The Indy Pass covers 100+ smaller, independently owned ski areas not affiliated with either the Epic or Ikon networks. Epic and Ikon are priced between $700 and $1,000 per adult; the Indy Pass is significantly cheaper at roughly $349.
What ski resorts are on the Indy Pass?
The Indy Pass covers over 100 independently owned ski areas across the US. In the Northeast, notable resorts include Jay Peak, Cannon Mountain, Waterville Valley, Bolton Valley, Magic Mountain, Saddleback, and Camden Snow Bowl. Nationally, the Indy Pass includes Sun Valley, Grand Targhee, Mt. Bachelor, Timberline Lodge, Whitefish Mountain, Bridger Bowl, Arizona Snowbowl, and Alyeska in Alaska. The full list is published on the official Indy Pass website and updates each season.
Can I combine the Indy Pass with an Epic or Ikon Pass?
Yes. Many skiers buy both an Epic or Ikon Pass and an Indy Pass in the same season. The major passes cover large destination resorts while the Indy Pass covers smaller independent mountains not on either network. This combination is particularly useful for Northeast skiers who want access to major Vermont and New Hampshire resorts plus the region's best independent mountains, all on a single ski season budget.
Which is cheaper, the Epic Pass or the Ikon Pass?
Both passes are priced similarly, typically between $700 and $1,000 per adult for the full unrestricted version with early purchase pricing. Both offer lower-cost restricted versions: the Epic Local Pass and the Ikon Base Pass limit access to certain resorts or add blackout dates during peak periods. The Indy Pass is significantly cheaper than both at roughly $349. For current pricing, check the official Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and Indy Pass websites directly before purchasing.
How do I decide between the Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and Indy Pass?
Start by listing the specific resorts you plan to ski next season. If your priority mountains are on Epic, choose Epic. If they are on Ikon, choose Ikon. If you primarily ski smaller independent mountains, the Indy Pass is likely the best value. Consider whether you travel to major western destination resorts in addition to local skiing. If you ski locally at an Indy Pass mountain and also travel once or twice to bigger resorts, combining the Indy Pass with a budget for a few day tickets may beat the cost of a full major pass.
When should I buy a ski pass to get the best price?
All three passes offer the lowest prices during spring early bird sales, typically running from late March through early June before the following ski season. Prices increase in stages as the season approaches. Buying in the spring window can save between $100 and $300 per adult on Epic and Ikon passes. The Indy Pass also offers discounted early pricing. All three passes offer some form of cancellation or refund protection for an additional fee.
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