More Austrian Ski Areas Join Epic Pass
23rd May 2025
Last modified on May 27th, 2025
Six new resorts have been added to the Epic Pass for next season: Soelden, Silvretta Montafon, Saalbach, Zell am See, Mayrhofen & Hintertux. UPDATED
The multi resort pass is run by the US company, Vail Resorts.
It is buying resorts in Europe and adding passes to its portfolio.
“Expanding access in Austria invites our Pass Holders to discover new destinations, different snow conditions, thrilling terrain and unique alpine villages,” said the President of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division, Bill Rock.
“We are passionate about delivering the Experience of a Lifetime, and ensuring our guests have more opportunities and flexibility to explore a broad range of world-class destinations.”
It is mainly aimed at US skiers to encourage them to come to Europe, but given the large number of European resorts now on the pass it has its attractions for European skiers.
The Epic Pass offers skiing at 37 North American mountain resorts including Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Stowe and many more.
It also has several ski areas on the pass in Europe including Verbier in Switzerland, Les3Vallees in France, the Arlberg in Austria and Dolomiti Superski in Italy.
“Here in Verbier we have seen increasing numbers of skiers from North America who have a Epic Pass and want to use it in Europe,” said Julian Griffiths from the Verbier ski school, European Snowsport, to PlanetSKI.
Image c/o Vail Resorts/Epic Pass.
Also on the Epic Pass is the Arlberg area in Austria :
- St. Anton
- Rendl
- Stuben
- Zurs
- Lech
- Warth
The rival pass US pass, IKON, has Ischgl and Kitzbuhel on its pass.
The latest Austrian resort to join the Epic Pass is Soelden.
“Soelden stands out as a premier alpine destination with remarkable snow reliability and panoramic views from its mountain tops and glacier ski area,” said the President of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division, Bill Rock.
“Soelden is a bucket-list resort that we are thrilled to add to the Epic Pass.”
With 31 lifts and 89 miles of slopes, 33 ski huts.
The resort hosts the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening each October.
It also has the Electric Mountain Festival that brings international DJs to the slopes, and the Hannibal glacier performance, a large-scale live production on snow and ice
Image c/o Vail Resorts
Prioer to Soelden joining the Epic Pass it was announced last week that Silvretta Montafon in the state of Vorarlberg had joined the group.
“Expanding Epic Pass access to include Silvretta Montafon further opens the door to exhilarating mountain experiences in Austria,” said the President of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division, Bill Rock.
“Silvretta Montafon isn’t just home to world-class slopes— it’s a destination rich in alpine tradition, stunning landscapes and hospitality that’s world class.”
The ski areas has more than 85 miles of slopes, terrain parks, and extensive freeride areas.
Highlights include the ‘Black scorpions’ steep black runs, sunrise skiing and lively après, plus a dedicated freestyle terrain park.
In 2027, Silvretta Montafon will host the FIS Freestyle World Championship.
“The partnership with Vail Resorts marks a milestone for Silvretta Montafon,” said the CEO of Silvretta Montafon, Peter Marko.
“The Epic Pass brings new guests to our mountains – people who seek athletic challenges, authenticity, and high-alpine experiences.
“We are truly excited to become part of this strong international family.”
Image c/o Vail Resorts
Silvretta Montafon joins Saalbach-Hinterglemm with its connected resorts of Leogang & Fieberbrunn.
Saalbach has more than 165 miles of slopes catering to all ski levels.
It was host to the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.
Zell-am See has the nearby resort of Kaprun with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area on it lift pass.
It is home to the ‘Top of Salzburg’ which provides year-round vistas at more than 3,000m.
PlanetSKI visited in 2024:
Zell am See/Kaprun. Image © PlanetSKI
Vail Resorts is expanding its ownership operations in Europe and last season PlanetSKI visited Crans-Montana in Switzerland where it has taken over the lift company:
Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI editor James Cove spoke to the new General Manger of the resort, Pete Petrovski from Vail Resorts who confirmed the company is looking to take over more ski areas in Europe:
Related Articles:
- Vail Resorts sees drop in visitors to its North America resorts
- Vail Resorts cuts workforce
- Vail Resorts completes purchase of Crans-Montana lift company
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