Epic vs. Ikon 2026: The North American Edit
Image courtesy of The Little Nell
Ski season has a way of sneaking up on people. One minute it’s still warm enough to pretend you’ll plan later, and the next, you’re staring at sold-out hotels and lift tickets that cost more than your boots. Booking early matters, especially if you want the right mountain and a hotel that actually makes ski days feel easy.
If you’re looking to branch out from North America this year, don't miss our guide to Epic vs. Ikon: European Ski Resorts 2026, best ski resorts for families guide or check out our 10 reasons to ski in Europe.
Do you actually need a ski pass?
If you’re skiing more than four days, yes. A season pass is almost always more economical than buying day tickets. The bigger decision is which pass fits your travel style. While you're deciding, it's worth reviewing our 2026 Luxury Travel Trends to see how seasonal planning is shifting for the year ahead.
Secure Your Ski Passes
The "Early Bird" window. Purchase your Epic or Ikon passes at their lowest guaranteed price points before the spring price hikes.
Sebastian Luxe Tip: This is the best time to snag the most "Buddy Tickets" for visiting friends.Luxury Lodging & Private Villas
The most coveted ski-in/ski-out suites in Aspen, Vail, and Deer Valley sell out 6-9 months in advance. Lock in your residence early.
Sebastian Luxe Tip: Ask us about refundable rates so we can re-price your stay if better offers drop later.Flights & Logistics
Secure direct mountain flights (EGE, ASE, JAC) and premium cabin classes. International routes to the Alps should be finalized now.
Sebastian Luxe Tip: We coordinate with private car services to meet you at the gate for a seamless transfer.Guides, Lessons & Dining
The top-tier private instructors and most exclusive mountain restaurants (like Cloud Nine) begin their booking windows.
Sebastian Luxe Tip: The best guides at Deer Valley are often fully booked by mid-October.The Best Luxury Resorts on the Epic Pass
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Image courtesy of Fairmont Château Whistler
Two mountains and one of the best ski schools anywhere. This is a top-tier choice for multi-generational luxury travel because the village offers so much beyond the slopes.
Where to Stay in Whistler:
Four Seasons Resort Whistler: Sits at the base of Blackcomb and does alpine comfort extremely well. Think fireplaces, mountain views, a strong spa, and a heated pool that earns its keep at the end of the day.
Fairmont Château Whistler: The classic option. Ski-in, ski-out access with a little old-world drama and a lively après scene that keeps things fun without feeling chaotic.
Park City, Utah
The largest ski area in the U.S. and one of the easiest to plan. Terrain is unlimited on the Epic Local Pass (outside of a few holiday dates). There are two bases: Park City proper is charming and walkable; Canyons is excellent for ski school and slope-side convenience.
Where to Stay in Park City:
Pendry Park City: Delivers modern design, ski-in/ski-out access, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options that work for families and groups.
Waldorf Astoria Park City: Has its own gondola, a strong ski valet setup, and a very good spa. It’s polished without being stuffy.
Vail and Telluride, Colorado
Image courtesy of Sonnenalp
If Vail is on your list, Epic is the better pass. The terrain is varied and the village is lively, though it can feel busy during peak weeks. Telluride is included as a limited partner and is worth the effort if you want something more scenic and European in feel.
Where to Stay in Vail:
Sonnenalp: Family-run, cozy, and right in the center of town. It feels like a Bavarian lodge in the Rockies.
Four Seasons Vail: A short walk from the village and excels at comfort. Big rooms, fireplaces, a great spa, and a dependable après scene.
The Sebastian: More playful and social, with a slope-side ski valet and a buzzy bar.
The Arrabelle: Sits right at Vail Square and leans into classic alpine style with ski valet service and rooftop hot tubs.
Where to Stay in Telluride:
Madeline Hotel and Residences: Offers ski-in, ski-out access with Auberge’s signature polish. Stylish, well-located, and easy to love.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Heavenly has the views. Northstar is excellent for families and ski school. Kirkwood is quieter, more old-school, and part of the appeal. One of Epic’s advantages here is being able to move between mountains without changing bases.
Where to Stay in Tahoe:
Edgewood Tahoe Resort: Sits right on the lake and manages to feel both cozy and glamorous.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe: Mid-mountain at Northstar with true ski-in, ski-out access, fire pits, and a very good spa.
Stowe, Vermont
Shorter runs, a relaxed pace, and a real town feel. It’s a good choice if you want strong skiing without the scale of the West.
Where to Stay in Stowe:
The Lodge at Spruce Peak: Offers slope-side access, ski valet, a spa, and residences that make longer stays easy.
The Best Luxury Resorts on the Ikon Pass
Banff and Lake Louise, Canada
SkiBig3 covers Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay inside Banff National Park. The terrain is vast and the scenery is almost distracting. Tremblant, on the eastern side of Canada, has a European feel and works well for all levels.
Where to Stay in Banff & Lake Louise:
Fairmont Château Lake Louise: Iconic for a reason. Lake views, castle energy, and peak winter romance.
Post Hotel and Spa: Smaller, cozier, and known for its wine program and fireside dining.
Fairmont Tremblant: Sits right at the base with easy access and a resort-style spa.
Deer Valley, Utah
Image Courtesy of the St. Regis Deer Valley
Known for immaculate grooming and a "skiers only" policy that keeps the mountain calm. If you’re a Marriott loyalist, this is one of the best luxury Marriott Bonvoy redemptions for your points.
Where to Stay in Deer Valley:
St. Regis Deer Valley: Offers ski-in, ski-out access, sweeping views, and classic après rituals.
Montage Deer Valley: Ideal for families and groups, with residences and strong kids' programming.
Goldener Hirsch: Blends Austrian chalet style with boutique charm and ski-in, ski-out ease.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Image courtesy of The Little Nell
Seven days on Ikon, plus plenty to do off the slopes. Aspen works well for groups with mixed interests and strong après energy.
Where to Stay in Aspen:
The Little Nell: Aspen’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel and still sets the standard.
The St. Regis Aspen: A grand "mountain manor" just steps from the gondola. It’s home to the award-winning Remède Spa (widely considered the best in town) and features a daily champagne sabering ritual that is a staple of the Aspen après scene.
Hotel Jerome: Mixes history with modern style and remains Aspen’s social anchor.
MOLLIE Aspen: Clean-lined, modern, and right in town with thoughtful amenities.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Seven days is just right here. Big terrain, serious skiing, and a lively village that balances rugged and refined.
Where to Stay in Jackson Hole:
Four Seasons Jackson Hole: Sits at the base with oversized rooms, fireplaces, a heated pool, and one of the best après scenes in the village.
Hotel Terra: A more contemporary option with rooftop hot tubs and a strong location.
Big Sky, Montana
Image Courtesy of Montage Big Sky
Recently upgraded with fast lifts and major infrastructure improvements. It feels expansive, uncrowded, and quietly impressive.
Where to Stay in Big Sky:
Montage Big Sky: Offers ski-in, ski-out access, a full spa, and an easygoing après setup that works beautifully for longer stays.
The Wilson: Right in town and more approachable, with modern rooms and walkable access to shops and restaurants.
Bonus: Taos, New Mexico
Distinctive terrain, fewer crowds, and excellent Southwestern food. It’s a refreshing alternative if you want something different.
Where to Stay in Taos:
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley: Slope-side, colorful, and cozy, with a spa and hot tubs that earn their place.
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The absolute best time to buy is early spring (March/April 2026). This is when Epic and Ikon release their "launch prices," which are the lowest of the year. Historically, prices increase significantly after Memorial Day, again in late summer, and reach their peak in November.
Sebastian Luxe Tip: Buying in the spring often includes "bonus" perks like extra buddy tickets or even access to the remaining weeks of the current 2026 spring ski season at select resorts.
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If you prioritize exclusive, "skiers-only" environments like Deer Valley or the social prestige of Aspen Snowmass, the Ikon Pass is the gold standard. If you prefer the vast, interconnected terrain and world-class villages of Vail, Beaver Creek, or Whistler Blackcomb, the Epic Pass is your best bet.
Sebastian Luxe Tip: Don't choose based on price; choose based on where you want to stay. We can match your pass to a hotel that offers a private ski valet to save you the morning "gear schlep."
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Answer: Yes, for specific high-demand resorts. On the Ikon Pass, reservations are mandatory for Deer Valley, Jackson Hole, Aspen Snowmass, and several others. Epic Pass resorts generally do not require reservations for pass holders, but they do limit daily "lift ticket" sales to manage crowds.
Sebastian Luxe Tip: We recommend booking your mountain reservations the moment you lock in your hotel. Peak dates for February 2026 are already filling up!
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The Epic Pass has a massive footprint in Europe for 2026, including 5-day access to Verbier 4 Vallées (Switzerland) and Les 3 Vallées (France). Ikon is excellent for the Dolomites (Italy) and Zermatt (Switzerland).
Sebastian Luxe Tip: If you’re heading to Switzerland, we love pairing the Epic Pass with a stay at The Omnia Zermatt for the ultimate "Alps meets modern design" experience.
If you’re planning a ski trip this season, the biggest favor you can do for yourself is start early. The right mountain paired with the right hotel changes everything.
Start planning and unlock exclusive perks like resort credits and room upgrades. We book these properties all the time and can match you with the spot that actually fits how you travel. If you prefer to double check our credentials, you can peek at my Fora advisor page or Virtuoso profile and read our Testimonials. Either way, we’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the fun.
