Epic Pass

Off Peak Podcast Episode 2: An Epic Story and a Cool Story

We discuss Epic’s recent COVID-19 policy announcements, as well as Ikon’s addition of Mt. Bachelor and Windham to their passes. George shares a cool story with the bros. Plus, the exciting conclusion to the Kirkwood lift mystery!

Vail Resorts Announces Epic Pass Refund Policies, Pass Renewal Credits

This morning, we received an email from Vail Resorts about a number of updates for 20/21 Epic Pass products, including benefits for renewing passholders. All passes will now come with “Epic Coverage”, which will provide refunds for “any portion of the season that is lost” in the event of COVID-19 resort closures. This coverage will also provide insurance on the pass for job loss, injuries, or other personal matters.

A Lift Mystery Solved: Kirkwood’s Covered Wagon Lift Disappearance

After finding no information on the Internet, we did some digging to find out why Kirkwood’s Covered Wagon surface lift was removed.

Our Advice to Consumers and Resorts in the Age of Limited Capacity

Arapahoe Basin’s reopening today has given hundreds the opportunity to get in a few more turns before the 2019-20 season truly ends. But it also paints a stark picture of the challenges ski resorts may face in the months to come.

Why Telluride Closed Gold Hill Chutes 3, 4, and 5

A look online didn’t turn up any information on why Telluride closed three of its ten Gold Hill Chutes. We did some digging through other channels to find the answer.

Ikon Pass Prices Go up Tomorrow. Here’s What You Need to Know If You’re on the Fence.

With the deadline for Ikon’s lowest pass prices fast approaching, many are debating whether to pick up the pass for next season. Some are concerned the season may be cancelled, while others may want to know how the passes compare to similar Epic Pass products. In this piece, we’ll aim to shed light on both of these topics.

Wildcat

One of the tallest, most stunning ski resorts in New Hampshire is held back by a modest footprint size and significant wind exposure.

Attitash

This New Hampshire resort offers pleasant terrain and fast lifts, but it doesn’t especially stand out when it comes to the overall experience.

Mount Snow

This popular resort delivers a lot for southern Vermont but struggles to handle crowds in some areas.

Okemo

This family-friendly mountain boasts modern lifts and a wide variety of groomers, but expert terrain is lacking. Crowding has gotten worse in recent seasons.

Stevens Pass

Despite limited parking and a short vertical drop, this modestly-sized Washington ski area punches above its weight thanks to generous accumulation and demanding terrain. Clear skies are rare due to perennial fog.

Fernie

It’s hard not to love this remote Canadian resort on a good day, but a combination of variable weather, wide-ranging logistical shortcomings, and outdated infrastructure put it at a major disadvantage compared to its cutthroat Rockies competition.

Breckenridge

This high-elevation resort offers diverse terrain, including conveniently accessible alpine bowls. However, the altitude and navigation logistics will be overwhelming for some.

Stowe

Despite a few logistical flaws, this classic Vermont resort holds its own against the best on the East Coast.

Northstar

This family-friendly resort offers excellent grooming and a top-tier terrain park, but expert and above-treeline terrain is lacking.

Kirkwood

This relatively undeveloped mountain isn’t for everyone, but its striking aesthetic, local feel, and extreme terrain are tough to match.

Heavenly

This Lake Tahoe area offers some of the most beautiful slopes we’ve seen anywhere. A few logistical problems diminish the resort’s size advantage.

Crested Butte

This striking Colorado resort is an expert’s paradise. Reasonable ticket prices counterbalance limited terrain offerings for other demographics.

Park City

This uniquely expansive resort offers diverse terrain and a world-class freestyle setup. Despite recent improvements, navigation logistics are still a major sore point.

Kicking Horse

It may not be as tough or striking as the best in the Canadian Rockies, but this British Columbia resort still has a lot to offer.

Keystone

This Colorado resort offers unique, enjoyable slopes and finally boasts lift-serviced high-alpine bowls, but it still falls somewhat short in its lift-served footprint size and expert terrain.

Telluride

Despite its modest size and reputation for extreme terrain, this beautiful, remote resort delivers an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Beaver Creek

Despite its family-centric reputation and lack of above-treeline terrain, Beaver Creek delivers an experience that visitors of all ability levels will enjoy. Just don’t expect anything to be cheap.

Vail

With expansive, diverse terrain and modern lifts, this top-of-the-line resort competes well with the best in the country.

Whistler Blackcomb

Despite somewhat variable snow conditions, this massive resort delivers one of the most well-rounded experiences we’ve seen anywhere.