Reservations about Mountain Reservations: Changes to the 2020-21 EPIC Pass Experience
Here are some details of the changes to the 2020-2021 ski/board season and what we should plan for. The advent of Coronavirus has forced a few changes to the experience on Vail Mountain. This includes how many and who can be seated on the chairlift/gondola. This also includes the advent of the mountain reservation system for all pass holders. I hope the following helps to clarify some of the main questions that us locals – here at American Ski Exchange – have had. According to the EPIC Pass website, more details will be released when the reservation system in released in November. We will keep you updated! Nevertheless, here is a heads up for when you are planning your ski vacation to play on the slopes with us this winter!
When do our Colorado Ski Resorts Open for the Season?
Keystone: November 6th
Breckenridge: November 13th
Vail: November 20th
Beaver Creek: November 25th
Crested Butte: November 25th
Resort Opening Dates: https://www.epicpass.com/info/winter-experience.aspx
What are the overall changes to the 2020-2021 Epic Pass Ski/Board Experience? A) Required Pass Holder Reservations
B) Face Coverings
– Required in lift lines while loading and unloading, and while riding on chairlifts and gondolas.
C) Physical Distancing
There are now protocols for seating on chairlifts and gondolas:
i) Related parties (guests skiing and riding together) seated together
ii) Unrelated Parties:
– Two singles seated on opposite sides of a 4 person lift
– Two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a 6 person lift
– Two singles on opposite ends in gondola cabins
What You Need to Know: https://www.epicpass.com/info/winter-experience.aspx
Reservations for Passholders
Why are Epic Pass holders required to make a reservation this year? In order to manage the number of people on the mountain on a given day. It is a safety measure to ensure physically distancing skiers and snowboarders during the outbreak of Coronavirus.
What resorts are using the reservation system this year?
All 34 owned and operated North American Resorts that are part of EPIC Pass.
When is the reservation system officially open?
November 6th, 2020
How do I make and view a reservation?
Log Into your “My Account” page on either:
A) EpicPass.com
B) On the resort website
How do I cancel a reservation?
Log Into your “My Account” page on either:
A) EpicPass.com
B) On the resort website
* Cancellations must be made by 12:00am of the planned ski/ride date. That way, another skier/ rider can use this spot on the mountain.
When can I book another reservation after I have canceled one?
You can make another reservation immediately (subject to number of days remaining on your pass and availability at the resort)
Can I make a reservation for a half day?
No, reservations are made for a full day of skiing/riding only.
Do I need to bring confirmation of my reservation to the mountain?
No, booking a reservation automatically activates your pass for the day. No need to bring any documentation other than your pass that day.
How many days do I get to reserve total if I am a pass holder?
A) Up to 7 Priority Reservation Days
B) As many week-of reservations as your pass/availability allows
– These reservation slots will be released on a weekly basis
Are there any perks to buying an Epic Pass during the 2020 season? A) Exclusive early access to the mountain – through December 7th.
– Daily lift tickets are not being sold until December 8th.
B) Early opportunity to reserve up to 7 Priority Reservation Days during the core season (December 8 – April 4th).
– Early access reservation window: November 6th – December 7th.
What if I am unable to reserve the 7 Priority Days that I wanted during the early access reservation window period (November 6th – December 7th)? You can received a refund for your pass via Epic Coverage!
But only if:
A) You have not yet used your pass
B) Reservations must be unavailable on the dates and
at the resort you planned to use your pass
C) Your refund request is submitted by December 7th
If I use a Priority Reservation Day, do I get to book another one?
Yes! You are allowed to reserve up to 7 Priority Reservation Days
at a time (according to the number of priority days specified by the type of pass you purchased)
Reservations in Specific Situations:
Do I have to make a reservation if I am a pass holder and booked a Ski & Ride School lesson?
No, a reservation is included in the purchase of this lesson.
Do I have to make a reservation if I am a pass holder and book lodging? YES. Pass holders should book their mountain reservations according to their booked lodging reservations. Lodging reservations DO NOT guarantee a mountain reservation for those same days.
Do I have to make a reservation if I am a Vail Resorts employee?
No, Vail Resorts employees do not have to utilize the reservation system.
Daily Lift Ticket Considerations:
Can I buy a daily lift ticket?
Not until December 8th. The way around this is to buy an Epic Day Pass.
Where do I buy a daily lift ticket?
To buy a daily ticket you must either access:
A) EpicPass.com
B) A Call Center (970-754-0005)
***New to the 2020-2021 season: No lift tickets will be sold at the ticket window. You may only pickup your pre-purchased lift ticket at the ticket window.
Do I have to make a reservation if I bought a daily lift ticket during my vacation? No, you do not. Purchasing a lift ticket for a specific resort and specific date already counts as your reservation for that day at that resort.
Epic Pass: https://www.epicpass.com/passes/epic-pass.aspx
