Image courtesy of Hotel Jerome
Ski season is just around the corner. And the earlier you book, the better. We asked a few of our expert Fora Advisors to break down the differences between the Epic and Ikon Passes, the best North American ski mountains and where to stay in each.
Below, discover five top ski mountains, and the best hotels near each, covered on both Epic and Ikon. We’ll take you to Canada, Utah, Colorado, Lake Tahoe and Vermont on the Epic, and again to Canada, Utah and Colorado on the Ikon, plus Montana and Wyoming.
Regardless of the pass and resort you choose, it’s always best to book your ski vacation with a Fora Advisor. (And if you’re not feeling a hotel or resort, your advisor can also book you an amazing condo or home.) There are so many logistics to keep in mind; an advisor will take out the stress of planning so you can focus on hitting the slopes (or getting your après on).
Should you buy a ski pass?
Most of the advisors we spoke to said that a ski pass is more economical than buying à la carte tickets the day of. Fora Advisor Alli Widman, who’s also the founder of Avant Ski, said that, if you plan on skiing more than four days, a pass is worth it.
When deciding which pass—Epic or Ikon are the main ones. The first thing to consider is where you want to ski. Alli mentioned that the actual resort you want matters more than the geographic region, since both passes cover a lot of mountains all over North America (and the world, but this guide pertains solely to North American skiing).
Finally, consider when you want to ski, and the flexibility of your preferred dates, Alexandra said. Each pass and mountain has blackout dates, so you don’t want to purchase a pass for, say, a Christmas Eve trip, only to find out that the 24th is not covered. And if you don’t want to commit to a full season pass, local passes and limited-day passes are great options. They have a few more restrictions, but they’re also less expensive.
You can use Avant Ski’s pass recommender to determine which pass is best for you and your travel companions, or you can ask your Fora Advisor for help deciding. Again, the earlier you buy your pass, the better (and cheaper). Alli recommends locking in your pass by April. The final deadline falls in November.
Epic Pass
“Asking my favorite mountain is like asking my favorite child,” Alli said. “There are a lot of good ones out there.”
The Epic Pass indeed covers a lot of ground, but a few mountains stand out, and were common favorites among the advisors we interviewed.
British Columbia: Whistler Blackcomb
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Whistler
Alli, Alexandra and Fora Advisor Lee Elkins recommended this Canadian ski mountain, which is actually two resorts connected by an “amazing Olympic Village,” Alli said. She touted the mountain’s huge terrain variety and outstanding ski school. Plus, it’s only about two hours from Vancouver, and is relatively easy to get to from the US’ west coast.
Where to stay:
Four Seasons Resort Whistler: At the base of Blackcomb, the Four Seasons makes alpine living feel effortless. Think fireplaces and mountain views in your room, steak and seafood at SIDECUT, and a spa and heated pool ready to revive you après-ski (or après-hike).
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.
Fairmont Château Whistler: Whistler’s grande dame sits right on Blackcomb, mixing ski-in/out ease with castle-style drama. Days roll from the slopes or golf course to the pool, spa, and a lively après scene that keeps the energy going year-round.
Fora's Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Utah: Park City
Image courtesy of Pendry Park City
Another stand-out on the Epic Pass is Park City, the US’ largest ski area. Even better, Park City terrain is unlimited on the Epic Local Pass (except for a few holiday blackout dates).
Alli is a New Yorker, but admitted that, “If there was one town I could be in and live my life and work, Park City is it.”
There are two bases: Park City and Canyons. Park City is charming and authentic, with amazing shopping and restaurants. Alli added that Canyons is especially great for its ski school.
“The kids love taking the orange bubble chair up to where the ski school is,” she said.
Where to stay:
The Pendry Park City: A slope-side base in Canyons Village, Pendry Park City brings a modern, design-forward look to the mountains. With ski-in/out access, multiple dining spots, a rooftop pool, and a spa, it’s built for both adventure and downtime.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Waldorf Astoria Park City: Set right on the mountain with its own gondola, Waldorf Astoria Park City pairs alpine ease with polished comfort. An on-site rental partner and ski valet keep gear dried, stored, and ready each morning, while a celebrated spa and heated pool cover the après side.
Fora's Hilton for Luxury partner perks inclue a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Colorado: Vail & Telluride
Image courtesy of Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
If you want to go to Vail, the Epic Pass is best. Alli admitted that the famed ski town is a bit crowded and expensive for the quality of the skiing, but, “There's terrain for everyone,” she said. “It's not the steepest and the deepest like Telluride, but [they have a] really excellent ski school, and a huge, really nice pedestrian village.” Pro tip: Make restaurant reservations well in advance, she stressed.
Speaking of Telluride, one of Alli’s absolute favorite ski mountains, the European-style resort is a seven-day partner on the Epic Pass.
Where to stay:
Sonnenalp Hotel: In the heart of Vail, Sonnenalp has been family-run for decades and feels like a Bavarian lodge in the Rockies. Expect wood beams, cozy fireplaces, and après along the creek.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail: Steps from Vail Village, this Four Seasons pairs oversized rooms and fireplaces with après staples like Remedy Bar, a year-round heated pool, and one of the valley’s best spas.
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.
The Sebastian: The Sebastian is Vail’s playful side: art-filled spaces, a buzzy bar, and a slope-side ski valet that makes runs a breeze. The spa and hot tubs seal the deal for après.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort: With its grand alpine style and slope-side perch, The Arrabelle feels like stepping into a European mountain village. Ski valet service, rooftop hot tubs, and après by the fire make it a Vail favorite.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection: Telluride’s crown jewel, the Madeline delivers ski-in/out access with Auberge’s signature flair. Expect chic mountain style, a buzzing ice rink out front, and après spots locals love.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel resort credit, a $45 daily breakfast credit per person, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lake Tahoe: Heavenly, Kirkwood & Northstar
Image courtesy of Edgewood Tahoe Resort
When it comes to views, Heavenly delivers.
“You can ski from top to bottom with lake views the whole way,” Alli said of the South Lake ski resort. “And it was pretty, pretty outstanding.”
Northstar, on the North Shore, is great for families, glade skiing and a top-tier ski school. Kirkwood is “steeper and deeper,” Alli said. It’s a bit more isolated and old-school, and that’s part of its charm. A big plus about the Epic Pass is that you can try out several resorts around Lake Tahoe. No need to stay on just one mountain.
Where to stay:
Edgewood Tahoe Resort: On Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, Edgewood mixes mountain lodge coziness with waterfront glamour. Golf in summer, ski in winter, and après cocktails always come with a view.
"Edgewood is a great option on the South Shore, a mere five-minute shuttle to Heavenly. Edgewood has an outstanding ski valet, Alli said: “They literally bring your skis to you.”
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, a $60 daily breakfast credit, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe: Set mid-mountain at Northstar, this Ritz-Carlton is ski-in/out luxury done right. Warm up with s’mores at the fire pits, or swap après for a spa session overlooking the slopes.
Fora's Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Vermont: Stowe
Image courtesy of The Lodge at Spruce Creek
“Stowe is the top of the top for the East Coast,” Alli said, adding that Epic’s East Coast offerings are perfect for weekend getaways for those living out east. Alexandra also loves Stowe. She learned to ski out east, and believes she’s a better technical skier for it. The runs are shorter, the skiing a bit easier and relaxed. Alli added that Stowe is great for those who want a West Coast feel, with a real ski town and higher-end offerings.
“If you get the snow right, they do actually have some pretty good steep terrain,” she said. “And they have a gondola so you can stay warm, because it can get very cold up there.”
Where to stay:
The Lodge at Spruce Peak: Stowe’s slope-side base camp comes with a dash of polish: ski valet, spa, and a lively après scene right on the plaza. Rooms and residences make it easy to linger all season.
Fora's Hyatt Privé partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Europe and Japan
Not only can the Epic Pass take you all over North America, but if you're up for more far-flung adventure, you'll get benefits abroad as well. In Europe, tackle the slopes at legendary mountains like Crans-Montana and Verbier, or head to Japan for runs at Rusutsu or Hakuba Valley.
Ikon Pass
Ikon, too, covers an impressive amount of terrain. There are fewer resorts overall on the Ikon, but it covers many world-class mountains (Aspen, Jackson Hole), plus under-the-radar gems worth exploring. “The fact that there are this many amazing resorts on one pass is pretty amazing,” Alli said. Here are the top places to go.
Canada: SkiBig3 & Tremblant
Image courtesy of Fairmont Château Lake Louise
SkiBig3 sits within Banff National Park, and encompasses Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. Banff is a lovely town to explore, always with something going on, and Lake Louise is gorgeous. The terrain itself is vast and varied. Tremblant, a favorite spot of Lee’s, is on the eastern side of Canada. It’s got a European flair and is perfect for all levels.
Where to stay:
Fairmont Château Lake Louise: Canada’s most iconic lakefront hotel feels straight from a postcard. From skating on the frozen lake to sipping wine by castle windows, it’s peak Rockies romance.
Fora's Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Post Hotel & Spa: In Lake Louise village, the Post is the cozy counterpoint to its château neighbor. Known for its wine cellar, fireside dining, and intimate alpine vibe, it’s a classic for good reason.
Fairmont Tremblant: Set right at the base of Mont-Tremblant, this Fairmont combines slope-side access with a resort-style spa and pools. Quebecois flair comes through in both the design and the dining.
Fora's Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Utah: Deer Valley
Image courtesy of The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection
“The Ikon Pass really dominates in Utah,” Alli said. “Some of my favorite resorts anywhere are there.”
There are numerous Utah mountains on the Ikon Pass—Alta, Snowbird—but Deer Valley, right next to Park City, stands out. It’s a great family mountain, with lots of groomers, manicured bumps and mellower terrain. Plus, the ski school and private instruction here are excellent. (Both of Alli’s kids learned to ski at Deer Valley.)
Where to stay:
The St. Regis Deer Valley: Perched on the slopes with its own funicular, The St. Regis is one of Deer Valley’s top stays, known for ski-in/out access, sweeping views, and signature St. Regis polish. Après here means Champagne sabering, a heated outdoor pool, and a spa that keeps things as luxe as the slopes.
Fora's Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Montage Deer Valley: Montage Deer Valley brings big-resort energy with a family-friendly edge. Between its two-bedroom residences, kids’ programming, and a prime ski-in/out perch, it’s as good for groups as it is for a mountainside escape.
“You take a little cable car to get up to it, which is pretty fun,” Alli said. “And they've got s'mores outside and a really fun après scene.”
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection: A boutique take on Deer Valley luxury, Goldener Hirsch blends Austrian chalet style with Auberge flair. Expect oversized rooms, locally sourced dining, ski-in/out ease, and plenty of alpine personality.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, $70 daily breakfast credit, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Colorado: Aspen Snowmass
Image courtesy of The Little Nell
Aspen Snowmass is another seven-day partner on the Ikon Pass (although Copper Mountain, near Vail, and Winter Park, closer to Denver, are additional great options on the pass). Aspen’s après scene is strong, and an impressive collection of hotels and activities make it an ideal location for groups and families with travelers who may not want to ski all day, every day.
Where to stay:
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection: Aspen’s landmark hotel mixes Old West history with modern style. Its lobby bar is a longtime social hub, while spacious rooms and a spa make it a comfortable base.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, a $60 daily breakfast credit, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
MOLLIE Aspen: A boutique stay in downtown Aspen that blends clean-lined design with mountain warmth, from a rooftop bar and soaking pool to minimalist rooms with cozy touches. Ski shuttles, gear storage, and a location steps from Aspen’s dining and nightlife make it as practical as it is stylish.
Alli says go to the MOLLIE for the best chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate, plus a killer egg sandwich they feed you in the morning before taking you to the slopes.
Fora's Preferred Platinum partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Little Nell: Aspen’s only ski-in/out hotel is also its most luxurious. Expect refined rooms, an acclaimed wine program, and après that’s as much a scene as the slopes.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, a $45 daily breakfast credit per person, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Wyoming: Jackson Hole
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole has seven days on the Ikon Pass, which is perfect, considering that you can ski the mountain all week without getting bored.
“There are not many mountains where I can be like, I could just ski this one mountain all week,” Alli said.
You can take the tram up, and even ski the more rugged backcountry. There really is something for everyone, beginners and pros alike. Plus, the village is lively and fun, with great food and shopping.
Where to stay:
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole: Set at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this Four Seasons pairs ski-in/out ease with oversized rooms that frame the Tetons. Expect fireplaces, a heated outdoor pool, and a standout après scene at the Handle Bar, plus one of the area’s top alpine spas
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.
Hotel Terra: Modern and eco-minded, Hotel Terra is set in Teton Village with sleek rooms and rooftop hot tubs. It’s a good fit for those wanting contemporary design at the base.
Fora's Noble House VIP Select partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Montana: Big Sky
Image courtesy of Montage Big Sky
Alli, Alexandra and Lee all recommended Big Sky, which sits on the opposite side of Yellowstone National Park as Jackson Hole. Big Sky recently got a major upgrade, with lots of new infrastructure added, plus a slew of renovations. Alli said the resort now has some of the fastest lifts in the country—complete with heated seats, no less.
“It's amazing how many people they can get up to the mountain in a fairly short amount of time,” she said.
Where to stay:
Montage Big Sky: Ski-in/out luxury meets mountain adventure at Montage Big Sky, where Compass Sports outfits guests for the slopes and a private “ski beach” keeps the après vibe easy with gear tunes, snacks, and drinks. Add in a spa, multiple dining venues, and Montana views, and it’s a full alpine playground.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Wilson: Right in town, The Wilson is Big Sky’s more approachable option, with modern rooms and a walk-to-everything location near shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s a convenient, comfortable base that keeps you close to the mountain buzz.
Bonus: Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a unique place to ski, with lots of terrain and significant recent investments. Alli called it off-the-beaten-path, something different and fresh. Plus, there’s great Southwestern food.
Where to stay:
The Blake at Taos Ski Valley: Taos’s slope-side gem mixes pueblo architecture with ski lodge warmth. Rooms are colorful and cozy, while the spa and hot tubs keep the après vibe strong.
Ikon in Europe and Japan
As with the Epic Pass, Ikon holders can expand their skiing horizons. St. Moritz, Zermatt Matterhorn, and Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley are some of the heavy hitters in Europe, while Niseko United is a standout option in Japan.