Is Epic or Ikon cheaper for 2026-27?

The documented adult snapshots are Epic Local $829, Ikon Base $1,019, Epic $1,119, and Ikon $1,449, checked August 20, 2026. The lower sticker price is not a complete answer: access lists, partner-day caps, peak dates, reservations, eligibility, and checkout prices can change. Price the mountains and days you plan to ski, then recheck the operator before buying.

What is the difference between Epic and Epic Local?

Epic Local costs $290 less in these adult snapshots, but its published access record has peak-date restrictions at named mountains and a shared 10-day allocation at Vail, Beaver Creek, and Whistler Blackcomb. The full Epic Pass has a different core access record. Check the official access list for every destination you expect to use.

What is the difference between Ikon and Ikon Base?

Ikon Base costs $430 less in these adult snapshots, but it has product-specific exclusions, destination-group access rules, and some five-day limits. Its published access details include both blackout-free and blackout-restricted groups, so a single holiday label is not enough to decide coverage.

Do Epic Local and Ikon Base have the same blackout dates?

No. Epic Local’s published calendar applies at named peak-date mountains, while Ikon Base publishes both blackout-restricted and blackout-free destination groups. Compare the two calendars for the exact mountain and dates before booking or buying; an unlisted date is not a universal access guarantee.

Ski pass comparisons / Epic vs Ikon

A pass decision, with the fine print still visible

Epic vs. Ikon: price the access you will actually use

2026-27 official adult snapshots checked August 20, 2026

The honest short answer: neither pass wins by sticker price alone. The documented adult snapshots are Epic Local $829, Ikon Base $1,019, Epic $1,119, and Ikon $1,449. First confirm the mountains, dates, access groups, and partner-day limits in your plan. Then compare tickets, one pass, or a two-pass combination before you recheck the official seller.

Price my mountain plan →

Source snapshots are planning evidence, not a checkout guarantee. Every tier below links to its official product page for a final recheck.

Four dated product records

See the price, then keep the access caveat beside it.

These are adult price snapshots from the official product pages, not a promise of eligibility, availability, taxes, financing, reservations, parking, operations, or checkout price. The adult age band is operator-defined and shown in each source stamp.

Full Epic tier

Epic Pass

$1,119

Official Epic Pass store, checked August 20, 2026 (adult ages 31+)

Published access summary: Unlimited access at Vail Resorts core mountains with no peak-date exclusions. Partner-resort terms can differ; check the official access list before travel.

Use this only after your planned mountains fit the full Epic access list.

Recheck official Epic Pass details →

Lower-price Epic tier

Epic Local

$829

Official Epic Pass store, checked August 20, 2026 (adult ages 31+)

Published access summary: 10 total days, excluding Peak Dates, at Vail, Beaver Creek, and Whistler Blackcomb; unlimited excluding Peak Dates at Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, and Stowe; unrestricted at the remaining listed core resorts. Partner terms can differ.

The lower price comes with named peak-date and shared-day limits at selected mountains.

Recheck official Epic Local details →

Full Ikon tier

Ikon Pass

$1,449

Official Ikon Pass store, checked August 20, 2026 (adult ages 23+)

Published access summary: Unlimited at 18 destinations and 7 days at many other destinations. No blackout dates on the full pass; destination access and reservation rules vary.

Start with the exact destination access group; many marquee partners use a published day cap.

Recheck official Ikon Pass details →

Lower-price Ikon tier

Ikon Base

$1,019

Official Ikon Pass store, checked August 20, 2026 (adult ages 23+)

Published access summary: Unlimited at 15 published destinations and 5 days at other access groups. Peak-date restrictions do not apply everywhere: the official 2026-27 access table has both northern-restricted and blackout-free groups. Excludes Jackson Hole, Alta, Snowbasin, and Deer Valley.

This tier has destination-specific exclusions, day caps, and a mix of blackout-free and restricted groups.

Recheck official Ikon Base details →

1. Start with mountains and day countsA pass needs to cover the plan, not just look good on a comparison card

Add your home mountain and destination days to the cost calculator. It assigns each day once, honors documented caps and shared pools, and can compare tickets, one pass, or a two-pass plan.

Price my mountain plan before buying →

2. Test holiday access before choosing a lower tierA calendar row is useful only when it matches your destination

Epic Local has named peak-date restrictions. Ikon Base has both restricted and blackout-free destination groups, plus separate exclusions. Check the published product calendars for the mountain and dates in your plan instead of assuming an ordinary week.

Compare Epic Local and Ikon Base blackout dates →

Published 2026-27 access calendars

The lower tiers do not use one shared holiday rule.

Epic Local's published calendar names peak-date windows and affected mountains. Ikon Base's published record separates restricted and blackout-free access groups. A date outside these records is still not a coverage, reservation, or operating guarantee.

Epic Local calendar, checked August 20, 2026 → (opens in a new tab)

Ikon Base access details, checked August 20, 2026 → (opens in a new tab)

Read the side-by-side blackout guide →

Staying inside one pass family? Compare Epic Pass and Epic Local → or compare Ikon Pass and Ikon Base before you price the lower tier →

Household check

Buying for more than one skier?

Age bands and stated child conditions differ by product. Price every skier before comparing a household total.

Compare family ski pass prices →

Timing check

Waiting for a price move?

Use reported dates only when an operator has published one; historical timing is not an announced deadline.

See reported price dates →

Final math

Thinking about two passes?

Use tickets, one pass, or a stack only after each ski day has a clear destination and access basis.

Run tickets versus one or two passes →

Epic vs. Ikon: straight answers

Is Epic or Ikon cheaper for 2026-27?: The documented adult snapshots are Epic Local $829, Ikon Base $1,019, Epic $1,119, and Ikon $1,449, checked August 20, 2026. The lower sticker price is not a complete answer: access lists, partner-day caps, peak dates, reservations, eligibility, and checkout prices can change. Price the mountains and days you plan to ski, then recheck the operator before buying.
What is the difference between Epic and Epic Local?: Epic Local costs $290 less in these adult snapshots, but its published access record has peak-date restrictions at named mountains and a shared 10-day allocation at Vail, Beaver Creek, and Whistler Blackcomb. The full Epic Pass has a different core access record. Check the official access list for every destination you expect to use.
What is the difference between Ikon and Ikon Base?: Ikon Base costs $430 less in these adult snapshots, but it has product-specific exclusions, destination-group access rules, and some five-day limits. Its published access details include both blackout-free and blackout-restricted groups, so a single holiday label is not enough to decide coverage.
Do Epic Local and Ikon Base have the same blackout dates?: No. Epic Local’s published calendar applies at named peak-date mountains, while Ikon Base publishes both blackout-restricted and blackout-free destination groups. Compare the two calendars for the exact mountain and dates before booking or buying; an unlisted date is not a universal access guarantee.

Ski Pass Planner is independent and does not sell passes or take pass-sale commissions. The official operator controls final price, availability, eligibility, destination access, reservations, parking, and operating details.