September 2012

Vail Resorts announced yesterday that their Epic season pass has been extended to include the Swiss resort of Verbier. It’s the first time I can remember a North American lift pass product also including the ability to ski in a European resort. After my initial surprise on hearing the news, I have to say I’m now rather taken with the idea. The Epic pass allows unlimited skiing all season at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood by Lake Tahoe in California. The new partnership allows an extra 3 days free skiing in Verbier on a 4 Vallées ticket with no date restrictions. All eight resorts together give you  access to a grand total of 23,610 acres of terrain.

And it works in reverse too; season pass holders of a Verbier 4 Vallées ticket can cross the pond and get three free days skiing at any of the seven resorts included on the Epic pass.

I’m not sure how often a Verbier season pass holder will use the free ski days in North America but there’s a strong possibility that British skiers may take their main ski holiday in one of the resorts covered by the Epic pass and then take a short break in Verbier. This allows them to claim their three free ski days which by my calculation means they’d save around £150 per person. It’s got me wondering if this is a one off or part of a strategy by Vail Resorts to partner with more European resorts and create long-standing alliances that can only be of benefit for skiers from the UK. You can find out more details or purchase your Epic pass from Ski Independence online by clicking here. If you fancy a break in Verbier, we've just introduced a stunning new four star hotel to our range of accommodation. Hotel la Cordée des Alpes is a beautiful boutique property located only a short walk to the centre of Verbier, offering extensive spa facilities as well as a stylish bar and restaurant.

Hotel La Cordée des Alpes, Verbier

To find out more about the destinations we offer, speak to one of our knowledgeable reservations team on 0131 243 8097 or request a quote by email and we will get back to you asap.

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