Where to Ski And Snowboard - One pass for Verbier, Arlberg and Vail

One pass for Verbier, Arlberg and Vail

7th May 2013, by Abi Butcher

Ski the Arlberg resorts of Lech, Zürs, St Anton, St-Christoph and Stuben on the Epic Pass

Five days skiing in the Arlberg, Austria, Verbier in Switzerland and a season pass in top US resorts for just US$689 (£445)? Amazing value if you ask us.

The Epic Pass, relaunched by Vail Resorts in 2011, is a season pass for seven of the biggest US ski resorts — Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood.

At the start of last season, Vail Resorts launched a collaboration with Verbier, offering Epic Pass holders three days’ skiing for free in the Swiss resort, but we were sceptical. How many UK skiers would need a season pass in the US, and how many US skiers would come all the way to Europe for three days in Verbier?

But in March this year, Vail Resorts announced an extra two days in Verbier — giving five free days altogether. Today, Alberg in Austria has joined the pass, giving five free days in the ski area that includes St Anton , Lech, Zürs, St Christoph and Stuben.

Vail Resorts are hailing the Epic Pass as the best-value lift pass in the industry, and they’re probably right. Five days in Arlberg next season costs €205 (£173 on today’s exchange rate of €1.18 to £1), and five days in Verbier this season cost CHF315 (£216 with today’s exchange rate of CHF1.45 to £1). So if you then plan to ski a week in the US, it will cost you just over £50.

Beware of one catch though — Verbier means Verbier only, not five days in the 4 Vallées, which gives you access to the likes of Bruson and Veysonnaz.

The £445 Epic Pass price is only guaranteed until 27 May, so if you want to book, visit snow.com/epic-pass.aspx or ask your tour operator.