Is A $118 Lift Ticket To Vail Mountain A Good Value?
Broomfield, Colorado — You really don’t want to be the person who pays the lift ticket window rate at a major ski destination. You look at the rates, deny it could be that high, and then likely drop your jaw when you realize you’re about to spend hundreds of dollars. But it didn’t have to be this way.
If you don’t ski enough to warrant a season pass, Vail does offer day pass deals before the heart of the ski season. You can buy them ahead of time with the intention of using them during a peak date.
Vail Resorts is promoting the Epic Day Pass deal in a press release yesterday. For three days at Vail’s marquee destinations, you can get 3 days for $378 ($126 per day), 4 days for $471 ($118), and 5 days for $549 ($110). This includes tickets to all Vail properties, including its marquee destinations: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, and Vail Resorts’ European-owned mountains (Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis and Crans-Montana). It also includes access to partner mountains like Telluride and Kicking Horse. This discount is valid through October 7th.
Lower tiers offer even better value, but don’t include the biggest ski resorts that are a part of Vail Resorts. I do wonder if Vail missed with their headline: “Ski or Ride 4 Days at Vail Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City Mountain and More for $471, Just $118/Day, with Epic Day Pass.” Skiing for $60 a day for three days at their smaller Vail properties is definitely a great deal in 2026. However, they sell a lot of products, and the Epic Day Pass model isn’t easy to explain to the general public.
As for whether the top tier is a good value, I think it depends on your goals as a skier for this upcoming winter. If you’re planning only one ski trip for this winter, and it’s to a big destination like Vail or Breck, then this is the route to go. I do feel like $118 a day is a good value, but it’s still pricey to go to Vail. If you see yourself skiing more than that, Vail offers other passes that make more sense.
2026-27 Lift Ticket Prices
If you do wait till the day you ski, you’ll pay a hefty, hefty, hefty price. According to the Storm Skiing Journal, Beaver Creek’s lift ticket will top out at $392, Vail will have its highest price be $374, and Park City will peak at $369.
However, Vail Resorts does offer the Epic Friend discount. If you go with a friend who’s an Epic Pass holder, they can get you 50% off a ticket. Vail also offers deep discounts if you purchase a month ahead of time. Ultimately, don’t wait till the day of your visit.
Image/Video Credits: Manav Parekh, Vail Resorts
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