Skiing abroad has at all times been interesting, but it surely hasn’t at all times felt simple. Lift tickets could be costly, resort programs unfamiliar, and the logistics are sufficient to offer even seasoned vacationers pause. In current years, although, multi-resort cross networks have simplified the equation, making abroad ski journeys far simpler to fold right into a single winter fairly than treating them as standalone splurges.
Epic and Ikon—season passes operated by Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, respectively—grant skiers and riders entry to dozens of resorts over the course of a season. What started as a solution to streamline snowboarding in North America has expanded properly past it. Today, each passes embrace a rising roster of worldwide locations throughout Europe, Japan, and the Southern Hemisphere. Epic has leaned into marquee European resorts and interconnected ski domains. At the similar time, Ikon has targeted on locations identified for snow reliability, distinctive native tradition, and terrain that enhances its North American lineup.
That entry, nonetheless, comes with nuance. Not each worldwide associate gives the similar expertise, and a resort being “on the pass” doesn’t routinely make it the best option for a long-haul trip. The strongest Epic and Ikon resorts overseas are these the place the snowboarding, aprés-ski choices, and resort decisions justify a visit overseas. Here are six Epic or Ikon cross resorts abroad to plan a visit round.
Whistler Blackcomb
Country: Canada
Pass: Epic Pass
With greater than 8,000 acres unfold throughout two mountains, Whistler Blackcomb gives selection that few resorts in the world can match. Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb ski in a different way sufficient to let skiers tailor every day to situations—Blackcomb’s steeper terrain, glaciers, and wind-protected timber are likely to excel throughout storms, whereas Whistler’s expansive alpine bowls and lengthy groomers come into their very own when the climate clears. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola makes shifting between the two seamless, linking the mountains at excessive elevation so skiers can change terrain with out dropping again to the village. All of that terrain feeds straight into Whistler Village, so it’s simple to ski onerous, drop your gear, and be at dinner or après inside minutes. With a deep roster of lodges, eating places, and bars packed right into a pedestrian core, the village handles massive crowds with out feeling chaotic.
Where to remain close to Whistler Blackcomb:
Les 3 Vallées
Country: France
Pass: Epic