Gearing up for the 2025-26 ski season? You may be considering plunking down $49 as a deposit on the Epic pass or auto-renewing, which guarantees the best price on a pass that averages around $1,000, depending on blackout dates.
But be wary: It was a lousy deal for us. Vail’s onerous contract didn’t allow us to get out of paying the full pass amount. Injury or a move are listed as possible exceptions to contract enforcement, but Vail has gone to dizzying levels not to allow ours.
Between paying the deposit and full amount, my husband Danny’s bulging spinal disks worsened. Vail ignored his MRI report and insisted that he receive physical therapy. I’m sorry, but he has a doctor and it’s not Vail.
Bizarrely, the person who made this demand on Vail’s behalf is a claims administrator for worker’s compensation. Employers hire them to get employees back to work in a very hands-on manner. These invasive tactics do not translate well to a customer base.
In addition, we moved from Park City to Salt Lake. But that did not matter. We were within 150 miles of any Vail Resort. This requirement was buried deep in the contract.
I had my own reasons for not wanting to return to Vail. Many times, I’d almost been run over by boarders and beginners as Vail funneled people into alleys while they struggled with resources to open more lifts. When in your 60s, injuries are life-altering.
Our requests for contract exceptions were denied.
Recently, Danny checked his Epic pass on the app. Under profile, passes, and pass options he is enrolled in auto-renewal for 2025-26 even though he requested they cancel his account. He called Vail’s customer service, and they told him to pound salt. He is bound for the 2025-26 season.
Danny will have his knee replaced in two weeks. We doubt this will get him out of the contract.
This may seem like a ridiculous problem of the 1%. Yeah, get that. Just be aware that Vail goes to extremes to enforce their contract. You decide if the potential lower cost of early commitment is worth it.
Our 2024-25 passes remain in their envelopes.
Suzanne Whitlock
Holladay