Epic Pass is $841 and Local Pass is $626. That's a 7% increase over last year, but 16% cheaper than the 20/21 season. It's $200 cheaper than the 22/23 Ikon Pass.
Epic Passes go on sale today. A lot of us have been curious about what Vail would do to prices. This year has been a PR disaster for Vail Resorts, to say the least. After slashing prices 20%, Vail sold a record 2.1 million Epic Passes. Resorts were overcrowded and understaffed, and Vail seemed to be tone-deaf to the problems. Combine that with local controversies at Park City and Stevens Pass, Vail had some major questions to address before next season.
The first change was their announcement last week about major investments to improve the guest experience, which includes a starting wage increase to $20/hr, $4 million investment in Human Resource improvements, employee housing projects, lift infrastructure improvements, and more.
Today, they announced the incoming season Epic Pass prices. Although prices increased over last year, the percent increase is consistent with inflation. It appears that Vail is sticking to its guns, and continuing its strategy of undercutting the competition.
Will Vail sell another 2+ million Epic Passes this year? Are they repairing their brand image? What are your thoughts on the recent decisions by the biggest resort conglomerate in skiing?