Battle between Epic and Ikon Pass: Distinctions, Overlaps, and Choosing Wisely
The Ikon Pass, a popular multi-resort season pass, is set to grow its network for the 2025/26 season, adding five new ski resorts across the Italian Alps. This expansion complements the existing resorts in Europe, including Grandvalira Resorts, Andorra, Mt. Buller and Thredbo in Australia, Ischgl and Kitzbühel in Austria, Valle Nevado in Chile, Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France, and others.
The new Italian additions include Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Cervino Ski Paradise, La Thuile Espace San Bernardo, Monterosa Ski, and Pila. Full Ikon Pass holders will have 7 combined days across these resorts, with no blackout dates, while Base Pass holders will enjoy 5 combined days.
In addition to the expanded skiing opportunities, the Ikon Pass offers a variety of perks. For instance, it provides discounts on food, beverage, and retail, as well as discounts on heli skiing and heli-hiking through CMH Heli Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing.
The Full Ikon Pass comes with 12 buddy passes, offering 25% off lift ticket prices at participating Ikon destinations. The Ikon Base Pass, on the other hand, includes eight buddy passes with the same discount.
Moreover, the Full Ikon Pass grants two free bike park days for summer shredding, and the Ikon Base Pass includes one. The pass also offers discounts of 20-40% off at brands like The North Face, SIXT, Blenders, White Space, 4FRNT, DB, Gravity Haus, and Prenuvo.
Lastly, the Ikon Pass offers a full-year membership to the nonprofit Protect Our Winters (POW), demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability. The pass also provides varying levels of access to the resorts, with the Full Ikon Pass offering unlimited access to most of them, while the Ikon Base Pass provides limited access.
With these new additions, the Ikon Pass continues to be a compelling choice for skiers and snowboarders seeking a diverse and expansive skiing experience.
