Skiing + Snowboarding

How to Use Your Epic Pass to Score Free Skiing in the Alps

Your Vail Resorts Epic Pass does more than offer access to our local mountains—it’s a ticket to ride some of the best ski areas in Europe.

Photography by Tom Winter October 17, 2016

Epic in Austria - Sebastian Fischer enjoying afternoon powder in the Arlberg

RESORTS: Arlberg including Lech, Zurs, Stuben, St. Christoph and St. Anton • BENEFITS: Three days of free skiing when staying at qualified in-resort lodging (details and participating hotels can be found at www.epicpass.com) • THE DEAL: Epic Pass holders must book their lodging directly with the property and the property will deliver the passes to the guest upon confirmation of their Epic Pass.

Epic in France - The French Alps catch the sunset high above Val Thorens.

RESORTS: Les 3 Vallees, Paradiski and Tignes-Val d’Isere including Courchevel, La Tania, Meribel, Brides les Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Bellevelle, Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, La Plagne and Tignes-Val d’Isere • BENEFITS: Six days of free skiing with two days of skiing at each resort area • THE DEAL: Epic pass holders are required to fill out a special form (found at epicpass.com) at least two weeks before their trip, and present their valid Epic Pass hard card and a valid photo ID to the lift cashier in each resort to redeem their lift access.

Epic in Italy - To ski or eat, that is the question.

RESORTS: Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta, including Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Folgarida-Marilleva, Peio, Ponte di Legno – Tonale, Andalo – Fai della Paganella, Monte Bondone and Folgarida – Lavarone • BENEFITS: Three days of free skiing • THE DEAL: Epic Pass holders must email [email protected] at least one week prior to arrival and specify the Dolomiti ski area where they will pick up their pass and show a valid Epic Pass.

Epic in Switzerland - Forrest Coots samples the terrain of the 4 Vallees

RESORTS: 4 Vallees including Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon • BENEFITS: Five consecutive days of free skiing when staying at qualified in-resort lodging (details and participating hotels can be found at www.epicpass.com) • THE DEAL: To redeem lift access, Epic Pass holders are required to present their valid Epic Pass hard card, as well as a valid photo ID, to the resort’s ticket office.

You probably already know that the Epic Pass, that beautiful small plastic card with your photo on it that gets you access to our local ski areas in Eagle and Summit Counties, does the same at other resorts in North America. It's definitely worth using your pass to check out Kirkwood or avail yourself of bonus powder days at Park City if you don't mind road tripping to California or Utah.

But the best kept secret of your Epic Pass? It’s also good for skiing in Europe. And while Europe seems far away and exotic, it’s actually easier to go skiing there than you imagine. Flights from Denver to cities like Munich and Frankfurt are getting cheaper and easier due to competition (Lufthansa just added additional departures from DIA to Munich and British Air flies into London, where you can catch inexpensive flights over to the continent) and once you’re in the Alps, you’ll end up being pleasantly surprised to discover that with current exchange rates, things are a lot cheaper, from food to accommodations, than in Colorado’s ski country.

Sure, we understand that if you're employed by the same company that issues Epic Passes, it can be hard to break away from work and other obligations during the winter months, but this season do yourself a favor and make some time to try the Alps. From massive 7,000 vertical foot descents to quaint huts with fondue, to outrageous backcountry touring and off-piste skiing, the Alps are truly amazing. Add in the benefits of using your Epic Pass, and there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t go. Click through the above slideshow images for our pictorial guide to making the most of your trip, and using your Epic Pass to save money and ski for free.

Snowboarding, Skiing, Outdoors