The Epic pass is the most popular skiing pass, but the Ikon is not far behind. But which is better? As of the 2023-2024 season skiing and snowboarding are the most popular mountain activities in Colorado. Getting a ski pass can save you tons of money with covering chairlifts, skiing and snowboarding rentals and occasionally discounts on food. Which will give you better discounts, and more fun in the winter?

The Ikon pass will give you access to the following mountains: Arapahoe Basin (1,428 acres), Copper mountain (2,465 acres), Aspen Snowmass (675 acres), Steamboat (2,965 acres), Winter Park (3,081 acres), and Eldora (680 acres). As Aspen Snowmass and Eldora are on the small sides of the scale they are amazing places to learn how to ski or snowboard. 

Outside of Colorado the Ikon pass includes 50+ locations around the world, and 16 locations in the US. However, the locations outside of the US require a reservation. 

The Ikon pass prices differ based on age and amount of mountains the pass includes. As of August, 2023 these are the prices.  For ages 0-4 the prices of an unlimited pass to the US locations is around $150.00. For a child aged 5-12 years old the pass is around 420.00. For a young adult aged 13-22 the price is around $940.00. And if you are 23+ then the price is around $1,260.00. In addition to this the Ikon pass includes a 25% off discount for friends and families lift passes. 15% off of food and beverage at the Ikon locations. And the Ikon pass partners with The North Face and will give you up to a 20% discount of an order above $200.00.  

On the other hand, the Epic pass includes Vail(5,317 acres) , Beaver Creek(1,815 acres), Breckenridge(2,908 acres), Keystone (3,148 acres) and Crested Butte(1,547 acres).  Not only is Vail the largest ski resort in Colorado but it is the 4th largest ski resort in North America. 

The Epic pass also depends on ages and mountain included. For children aged 5-12 the price is $360.00. For a teen aged 13-18 the price is $558.00. And for ages 19+ the price is $689.00. However the epic pass offers a pack called SchoolKids. In this pack kids in kindergarten-5th grade get 4 days at each of the five Colorado resorts for completely free. This pack is one of the best to try skiing as a kid. Not only this but the epic pass offers buddy passes. This can get your friends and family up to a 45% discount on a lift pass. And even more the epic pass can get you up to 20% off food, lodging, lessons, rentals and more. 

Additionally the Epic pass includes over 50 locations around the world.

Both the Ikon pass and the Epic pass will give you an amazing experience exploring the mountains of Colorado and tons of fun. They will give a great gateway if you are trying to get into skiing or snowboarding or if you are a seasoned pro. So the decision of which you choose is completely up to you.