Vail Resorts is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Epic Pass in style, releasing three pass improvements for next season. Jet-setting Epic Pass holders can earn extra stamps on their passport during the 2018/2019 season thanks to Vail Resorts' new alliance with nine ski areas in Hakuba Valley, Japan, as well as another long-term alliance with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR).
In other news, qualifying active and retired military personnel can soon purchase an Epic Pass for as low as $99 for the 2018/2019 season.
Hakuba Valley, Japan, Goes Epic
Japan is now Epic. The Epic Pass will include Hakuba Valley, located in the Nagano Prefecture at the base of Japan’s Northern Alps, beginning in the 2018/2019 season. In total, skiers and riders will have access to 130 trails serviced by 102 lifts and can expect an average snowfall of 32 feet per season.
The Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass will offer five consecutive complimentary days with no blackout dates at the nine ski resorts that comprise Hakuba Valley: Jiigatake Snow Resort, Kashimayari Ski Resort, Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort, Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park, Hakuba Happo-one Snow Resort, Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field, Tsugaike Kogen Snow Resort, Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort and Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort.
"We’re excited to announce a long-term alliance between Vail Resorts and Hakuba Valley, creating an unparalleled connection between the best resorts in Japan, Australia and North America for Epic Pass, Epic Australia Pass and Epic Local Pass holders,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “Our adventure-seeking season pass holders in all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries around the world thrive on the variety of world-class ski and snowboard experiences and unmatched value that the Epic Pass products offer and now they have access to the endless powder and incredible guest experience at Hakuba Valley.”
Traveling skiers and riders have access to non-stop flights between Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita International airport and major cities in the U.S. and Canada, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, New York and Vancouver, as well as from Australia.
6 Additional Canadian Rockies Resorts to Join the Epic Pass
Vail Resorts brings on another long-term alliance, joining forces with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) to add Powder Highway ski resorts, Fernie Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain, along with Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia; Nakiska in Alberta; and Mont Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec to the Epic, Epic 7-Day and Epic 4-Day Passes starting for the 18/19 ski season. This new partnership includes seven days with no blackout dates (four days for the 4-Day Pass) at these six Canadian ski resorts, boosting the total pass count to 61 mountain resorts across eight countries.
Once the seven days or four days have been used, pass holders can get 50 percent off additional lift tickets at RCR.
