The EPIC Ski Pass is now a Reality- Only $579

The newspaper came across my desk almost three weeks ago, and the front-page article indicates that Vail has offered the Epic Pass for the 08-09 season.  I almost do not believe it, just as I don't believe there is a snowstorm howling outside the SnowHome Properties Office dropping inches on snow on what should be a calm April day.  The Epic Pass gives anyone who signs up for it unlimited and unrestricted access to all 5 Colorado mountain resorts- Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin and Keystone - and also Heavenly.  You have until November 15th to get yours.

This move by Vail, offering a pass that is cheaper than the Vail season pass but comes with all it's benefits, stirred a conversation with a local graphic artist.  From my understanding, before the Epic pass, merchants had to join a business association in order to get their employees a discounted Vail season pass.  Vail Valley Partnership is an example, but each major town in Eagle County has one.  The business owner used to pay to join and a season pass dropped from $1,849 to $869 for the 07-08 season.  The fees to join are steep, but as a bonus, you are required to help fund an advertisement magazine to show your product and promote local business.  Unfortunately, Vail decided to have an out of state  graphic artist and printer take on this project, which doesn't help or promote local business.  Now with the discounted Epic pass, employers will no longer need to retain membership in the business associations to get the discount on the pass.  If they don't want to pay Vail's fees for advertising and printing, they can spend those advertising dollars with local printers and graphic designers.  The Epic pass is a pleasant switch from Vail after steady increases in season pass prices over the past few seasons.

Vail will still offer the Summit Pass, formerly the Buddy Pass, which gives the rider unlimited Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin for $399 and the Colorado Pass- KAB and 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek with black out dates for the busy weeks for $439.

Pray for great snow next year.