Dreaming of skiing multiple world-class European resorts in one season without buying a new lift pass each time? Then an Epic Pass or Ikon Pass could be a worthwhile investment! 

Multi-resort ski passes, such as the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass, give skiers and snowboarders the freedom to explore a variety of resorts across France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and beyond throughout the season – all with a single, convenient lift pass.

In this blog, we compare the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass, two top multi-resort ski passes that offer access to several European ski resorts, to see which offers the best access to the Alps and the best value for your next alpine adventure.

What is a Multi-Resort Ski Pass?

A multi-resort ski pass is a type of lift pass that gives you access to multiple ski resorts, often across different regions, countries and even continents, using a single pass for a fixed price. 

Unlike traditional ski passes that are valid for just one resort or a connected ski area, multi-resort passes allow you to ski at a wide variety of destinations over a single season.

Multi-resort ski passes are ideal for seasoned skiers looking for variety, those who are planning a multi-resort trip, or who ski frequently throughout the season and want to get the best value for their money.

Key Features of a Multi-Resort Ski Pass:

• Access to many resorts (often internationally)
• Season-long validity or multi-day options
• Flexibility to travel and ski in different locations
• Sometimes includes extra perks, like discounted lodging, ski school deals or summer access

What are the Best Multi-Resort Ski Passes that Can be Used in Europe?

Ikon Pass

Owned by Alterra Mountain Company, the Ikon Pass is a multi-resort season pass with access to various ski resorts around the world. You can ski in more than 60 international destinations, including resorts across the United States, Canada, Asia, Oceania and Europe. The Ikon pass has options for unlimited access at some resorts and a limited number of days at others, depending on which pass you choose: Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass.

How Much Does an Ikon Pass Cost?

Ikon Pass:

• Unlimited access at 18 destinations
• Up to 7 days each at 42 destinations
• No blackout dates
• 15% discount on food, beverage and retail at select destinations
• 12 friends & family discounts to share

25/26 season cost = $1,429 USD (cheaper prices available for children and young adults)

Ikon Base Pass:

• Unlimited access at 14 destinations
• 5 days each at 40 destinations
• Limited blackout dates
• 10% discount on food, beverage and retail at select destinations
• 8 friends and family discounts to share

25/26 season cost = $1,009 USD (cheaper prices available for children and young adults)

For more information and to purchase your pass, visit www.ikonpass.com. 

Where Can You Ski in Europe With an Ikon Pass?

Zermatt Matterhorn, Switzerland

7 days access to Zermatt Matterhorn with the Ikon Pass, 5 days access with the Ikon Base Pass. Access available between November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026. No access to Cervinia-Valtournenche in Italy for 25/26.

St Moritz, Switzerland

7 days access to St Moritz with the Ikon Pass, 5 days access with the Ikon Base Pass. 

Kitzbühel, Austria

7 days access with the Ikon Pass, 5 days access with the Ikon Base Pass. Days shared between: Kitzbühel, Kirchberg and Mittersill.

Ischgl, Austria

7 days access to Ischgl with the Ikon Pass, 5 days access with the Ikon Base Pass. Access available starting November 27, 2025.

Grandvalira Resorts, Andorra

7 days access with the Ikon Pass, 5 days access with the Ikon Base Pass. Days shared between: Ordino Arcalís, Pal Arinsal and Grandvalira.

Dolomiti Superski, Italy

7 days access to Dolimiti Superski with the Ikon Pass, 5 days access with the Ikon Base Pass. Access available between November 15 2025 – April 15 2026. Days shared between: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Kronplatz/Plan de Corones, Alta Badia, Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, Val di Fassa/Carezza, Arabba/Marmolada, 3 Peaks Dolomites, Val di Fiemme/Obereggen, San Martino di Castrozza/Rolle Pass, Rio Pusteria – Bressanone, Alpe Lusia – San Pellegrino, Civetta. 

Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, France

7 days access to the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley with the Ikon Pass, 5 days access with the Ikon Base Pass. Days shared between: Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent.

Epic Pass 

Owned by Vail Resorts, the Epic Pass is a multi-resort, multi-day pass which offers a range of options from just one or two days skiing up to unlimited, full-season access. Depending on the pass you choose, you can get unlimited access across more than 40 world-class ski resorts and limited access to partner resorts in Canada, Japan and Europe.   

How Much Does an Epic Pass Cost?

Epic Pass:

• Unlimited access to Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb and more.
• Limited access to our partner resorts in North America, Europe and Japan.
• Includes Epic Mountain Rewards – 20% off food, lodging, group lessons, rentals and more.
• Refunds for job loss, injury, illness and more with Epic Coverage.
• Plus, discounted tickets for you, friends and family.

25/26 season cost = $1,075 USD (cheaper prices available for children and young adults)

Epic Local Pass:

• Ski and ride Vail, Breckenridge, Park City and more.
• Limited access to resorts in Japan and Switzerland.
• 10 combined days of access to Vail, Beaver Creek and Whistler Blackcomb, excluding restricted peak dates.
• Includes Epic Mountain Rewards – 20% off food, lodging, group lessons, rentals and more.
• Refunds for job loss, injury, illness and more with Epic Coverage.
• Plus, discounted tickets for you, friends and family.

25/26 season cost = $799 USD (cheaper prices available for children and young adults)

For more information and to purchase your pass, visit www.epicpass.com. 

Where Can You Ski in Europe With an Epic Pass?

Crans Montana, Switzerland

Epic pass holders get unlimited access and Epic Local pass holders get up to 5 days access to Crans Montana.

Andermatt-Sedrun, Switzerland

Epic pass holders get unlimited access and Epic Local pass holders get up to 5 days access to Andermatt-Sedrun.

Verbier 4 Vallées, Switzerland

New for the 2025/26 season, the Epic Pass includes 5 consecutive days of unrestricted access to Verbier 4 Vallées; Verbier, Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon. The Epic Local Pass provides 5 consecutive days access, with some restricted dates (February 16, 2026 to February 28, 2026). 

Skirama Dolomiti, Italy

Epic Pass holders receive 7 consecutive days access to Skirama Dolomiti ski resorts: Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Folgarida-Marilleva, Pontedilegno-Tonale, Pejo3000, Paganella Ski, Monte Bondone and Alpe Cimbra: Folgaria-Lavarone. No access with the Epic Local Pass. 

Les 3 Vallées, France

Epic Pass holders receive 7 consecutive days access to Les 3 Vallées ski resorts. Les 3 Vallées is the largest ski area in the world, combining 7 ski resorts across 3 valleys in the French Alps – Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle. No access with the Epic Local Pass. 

Ski Arlberg, Austria

Epic Pass holders can access Ski Arlberg, connecting the resorts of St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech Zürs and Warth-Schröcken, for up to 3 days when they book a 3-night stay at a participating lodging property in Arlberg. No access with the Epic Local Pass. 

Sölden, Austria

Starting Winter 2025/26, the Epic Pass will include 5 days of access to Sölden in Austria. No access with the Epic Local Pass. 

Mayrhofen & Hintertux, Austria

Starting in Winter 2025/26, Epic Pass holders can access 5 consecutive days between Mayrhofen and Hintertux. No access with the Epic Local Pass. 

Ski Circus Saalbach, Austria

Starting in Winter 2025/26, Epic Pass holders can access 5 days between Saalbach and Kitzsteinhorn. The Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is connected to Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun, allowing skiers to access all three areas with a single lift pass. No access with the Epic Local Pass. 

Silvretta Montafon, Austria

Starting in Winter 2025/26, the Epic Pass will include 5 consecutive days of access to Silvretta Montafon in Austria. No access with the Epic Local Pass. 

Which Multi-Resort Season Pass is Best for Skiing in Europe: Ikon or Epic? 

Multi-resort ski passes are a great investment if you are planning to ski across multiple countries/continents in one season. With several new resorts added across Europe for the 25/26 season for both the Epic and Ikon Pass, choosing your season pass depends on your holiday preferences, including where and how long you plan to ski in Europe over the winter season.

Below, we compare the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass and break down the key differences to help you decide which multi-resort pass is the best choice for you.

Summary: Ikon Vs Epic Pass 

Resort Access:

• The Epic Pass is best for access to Austrian resorts and if you want unlimited access in Europe (Crans Montana & Andermatt-Sedrun). The Epic Local Pass offers limited access to European resorts. 
• The Ikon Pass is best if you are planning a multi-country ski trip and value broader geographic reach, as it offers additional access to Andorra. The Ikon Base Pass also offers good access to European ski resorts.

Restrictions and Flexibility:

• The Ikon Pass wins on flexibility. You’re not locked into back-to-back ski days or lodging packages.
• The Epic Pass may be restrictive for short, scattered trips, but better for full-week trips due to its consecutive day rule.

Value for Money:

• The Epic Pass offers better value if you want unlimited skiing in key Swiss resorts and are okay with consecutive-day use across other European resorts. The Epic Local Pass, though considerably cheaper, offers limited access to Europe and therefore may not be worthwhile for a longer multi-resort trip to Europe. 
• The Ikon Pass is more expensive, but ideal for flexible itineraries and skiers visiting fewer resorts at different times.

Read our guide to ski pass prices in Europe to compare individual resort pass prices. 

Choose the Ikon Pass if you…

• Prefer maximum flexibility
• Want to avoid blackout dates and lodging restrictions
• Are planning non-consecutive ski trips across multiple resorts

Choose the Epic Pass if you…

• Want access to more European resorts, especially in Austria
• Plan to ski consecutively for 5-7 days at a time
• Want unlimited-access to ski at Swiss resorts like Crans Montana and Andermatt

If you’re skiing mostly in Austria and Switzerland and want unlimited time in specific resorts, the Epic Pass offers better value. If you’re mixing shorter trips across several countries, Ikon’s flexibility pays off. 

Whether you’re chasing powder across the Alps or planning a multi-resort trip in Switzerland, both passes offer access to some of the best ski resorts in Europe. Just be sure to secure your pass early before sales end (typically early December), and why not book an expert instructor to show you around when you’ve got your ski trip dates pinned down?