Epic vs. Ikon 2026: The European Edit
Part 2: Using Your Pass in Europe
Europe is where ski passes stop being purely about efficiency and start being about atmosphere. Lunch matters. Hotels matter. Views matter. You ski, yes, but you also sit, linger, eat well, and somehow feel less rushed than you do on vacation at home.
Epic and Ikon both offer European access, but in very different ways. The key is choosing the destination that matches how you want the trip to feel, then staying somewhere that supports that rhythm.
The Best Luxury Resorts on the Epic Pass (Europe)
Les Trois Vallées, France
Image Courtesy of Cheval Blanc Courchevel
This is the largest connected ski area in the world, linking Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. The scale is impressive, but the real draw is variety. Courchevel is elegant and refined, Méribel is traditional and charming, and Val Thorens is higher altitude and energetic.
Where to Stay in Les Trois Vallées:
Les Airelles Courchevel: Full alpine fantasy in the best way. Think ski butlers, fireplaces, serious service, and a sense that everything has already been thought through.
Cheval Blanc Courchevel: Polished and calm, with ski-in access, a beautiful spa, and a quietly confident atmosphere that never feels showy.
Verbier, Switzerland
Image courtesy of The W Hotel Verbier
Verbier is social, confident, and best suited to strong skiers. The terrain is challenging, the après scene is lively, and the crowd is international and stylish. It’s not subtle, but it is fun.
Where to Stay in Verbier:
W Verbier: Slope-side, modern, and energetic without being chaotic. Great if you want skiing and social life to carry equal weight.
Hotel Montpelier Verbier: More classic and relaxed, right in the village, with an old-school alpine feel that’s easy to settle into.
Andermatt-Sedrun, Switzerland
Image Courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt
Andermatt is Epic’s sleeper hit. Serious terrain, modern lifts, and a quieter, more grounded village. It feels very Swiss and refreshingly unpretentious.
Where to Stay in Andermatt:
The Chedi Andermatt: Serene, architectural, and deeply restorative. The spa alone is reason to stay here, even if skiing is only part of the plan.
Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen: A more approachable option with excellent access and comfort, especially for families or longer stays.
The Best Luxury Resorts on the Ikon Pass (Europe)
Zermatt, Switzerland
Image courtesy of The Omnia Zermatt
Car-free, iconic, and dramatic in the best way. The Matterhorn dominates the skyline, and you can ski into Italy for lunch. It’s excellent for intermediate skiers, families, and non-skiers alike.
Where to Stay in Zermatt:
Mont Cervin Palace: Classic, central, and deeply comfortable, with a strong spa and a very Swiss sense of hospitality.
The Omnia Zermatt: More modern and design-forward, perched above the village with views that feel cinematic without trying too hard.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Image Courtesy of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
Sunny, glamorous, and unapologetically old-world. The skiing is scenic and wide, and the hotels are part of the appeal.
Where to Stay in St. Moritz:
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel: Legendary for a reason. Lake views, history, and a sense that winter has always been done well here.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz: Balances tradition with modern comfort and has one of the area’s best spas.
Chamonix, France
Image courtesy of Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix
Dramatic terrain under Mont Blanc, a real town feel, and excellent dining. Best for confident skiers or groups where not everyone skis every day.
Where to Stay in Chamonix:
Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix: Sits right in town with a spa and terrace that make long afternoons feel earned.
Alpina Eclectic Hotel: More contemporary, with great views and an energetic, local vibe.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Image Courtesy of Tennerhof Hotel
Storybook-pretty with a lively après scene and terrain that works especially well for intermediates. The town itself is genuinely charming.
Where to Stay in Kitzbühel:
Tennerhof Gourmet & Spa de Charme Hotel: Romantic, quiet, and beautifully run, with excellent food and a strong spa focus.
A-ROSA Kitzbühel: Offers larger rooms, a central location, and an easygoing resort feel.
Dolomiti Superski, Italy
Image Courtesy of Aman Rosa Alpina
Wide groomers, extraordinary scenery, and mountain huts serving real food. This is skiing for people who like beauty and lunch almost as much as downhill runs.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites:
Aman Rosa Alpina: Note: Reopening July 2025. The legendary Rosa Alpina is reopening as a fully branded Aman property just in time for the 2026 ski season. It will be understated, elegant, and the most sought-after booking in the region.
Hotel La Perla: Intimate, family-run, and warm in the way Italian hospitality does best.
A few things that actually matter
European access on Epic and Ikon is usually limited to a set number of days, not unlimited skiing. Some resorts require reservations, and blackout rules vary. This is not the place to wing it.
Europe also skis differently. Lunch is long. Après starts early. Ski school is excellent. Hotels are part of the experience, not just a place to sleep near a lift.
If you want to use your pass in Europe and have it feel seamless and special instead of confusing and rushed, the destination, timing, and hotel choice need to work together. That’s the difference between a good ski trip and one you quietly talk about for years.
Europe skis differently, and your pass is only part of the equation. Whether you're navigating the restricted dates at Verbier or looking to secure a rare opening at the Aman Rosa Alpina, we handle the logistics and unlock exclusive Virtuoso perks for your 2026 winter escape. Start planning your custom European ski itinerary today.
