We all know and love our 10% military discounts at restaurants and retail stores but there is one discount that SIGNIFICANTLY outdoes the others – and that is the EPIC pass! It’s no secret that skiing is an expensive hobby. When you tally the rentals and travel and add in the ski lift passes at most US ski resorts, it would be nearly impossible for military families to afford it!
Lucky for us, the Epic Military Pass is SIGNIFICANTLY discounted and allows active duty and their families to enjoy one the best parts (in my opinion) of being stationed near the mountains!
For nonmilitary, a standard local pass costs $783 dollars for one adult and just over $1000 for an unlimited access pass.
BUT, not if you are active duty military or retired military!
For the 2025 season the Epic Military unlimited pass costs just $185 for an adult and $185 for each dependent! This includes skiing locations in the Rockies, the Northeast, the West, the Atlantic, the Midwest, Europe, and Australia! The 25/26 season are live and increase late spring (around Memorial Day) and again in the fall, so it’s cheapest now!
Even better, if you live in Colorado, Utah, or Whistler you can take advantage of the school-age pass for kids aged 5 – kindergarten, which allows them a FREE pass four days at each Epic resort (with a few blackout days) as well as one ski or snowboard introduction lesson for free! Making our family of four ski passes just under $400 for the season (compared to what would have been almost $2,000)!
Here’s everything you need to know about using the Epic Pass as an active-duty military member:
1. Eligibility for the Epic Military Pass
Active duty military members and their dependents (spouses and children under the age of 26) are eligible for the Epic Military Pass. To qualify, you need to be actively serving in the U.S. military, and you do need to provide proof of service.
The verification process does require the submission of a military ID or other documentation confirming your active status. This is to ensure that the discount is available to those who are currently serving in the military.
2. How to Purchase the Epic Military Pass
You can purchase the Epic Military Pass online, through the Vail Resorts website, or at specific ski resort locations. The online process is typically simple:
- Visit the Epic Pass website for military passes HERE.
- Select the pass type you want (Epic Military Pass (yearly) or Epic Military Day Pass.
- Provide the necessary documentation to verify your military status.
- Pay for the pass and enjoy access to the slopes!
Purchasing your pass early is a good idea in order to take advantage of the best deals. Typically this is in the spring for the following winter season. Prices do increase as the season goes on!
3. Other Benefits and Perks
Aside from discounted lift tickets, military members may also receive additional benefits and perks, such as:
- Buddy passes
- Discounts on ski equipment rentals and retail items at participating locations.
- Access to military appreciation events at ski resorts.
- Special offers on lodging at Vail Resorts properties and restaurants
- Use the Gondola in the summer to get amazing mountain views and access to hiking trails!
4. Epic Military Pass Terms and Conditions
There are a few important terms and conditions to keep in mind when purchasing the Epic Military Pass:
- Active Duty Status: You need to maintain active duty status for the duration of the ski season to qualify for the discount.
- Verification Process: As mentioned earlier, proof of military service (such as a military ID) is required to purchase the pass.
5. Tips for Making the Most of Your Epic Pass
To maximize the value of your Epic Pass, here are some tips:
- Plan Ahead: Be sure to check resort schedules and any blackout dates, especially if you’re planning on using the pass during peak times. The Military Epic pass does not have blackout dates but the Colorado School Aged pass does. If you want to ski during one of the peak weekends it’s a good idea to get the full Epic Dependent Pass for your kids instead.
- Take Advantage of MWR Rentals: Our local MWR offers seasonal, weekend, week, and daily rentals on ski and snowboard equipment for much cheaper than rentals elsewhere (especially rentals close to the resorts – those are typically the most expensive).
- Gear and winter clothing: For the best prices on snow/ski pants, goggles, and mittens, etc, Take advantage of MWR sales, resale stores in town (see below for my favorites in Colorado Springs), as well as outlet stores that offer military discounts ON TOP OF CLEARANCE ITEMS such as Columbia and Northface!
- Epic trade-in program: If you are looking to purchase ski or snowboard equipment for the kids, I recommend either buying used (see list below) or using the Epic trade-in program which allows you to purchase new or used gear and once it’s outgrown, trade it in for 50% of the original price.
Skiing has been one of the most adventurous and memorable parts of our time in Colorado but it would not have been possible without this significant military discount!
Corrie’s Recommendations:
Download the Epic Pass: Once you have your account set up, be sure to download the app! This allows you access to your passes, ski maps, lift wait times and restaurants, and it also tracks your use of the lifts and elevation gain during your ski day!
Favorite ski location for beginners: Beaver Creek! Beaver Creek has an amazing learning area with two magic carpets and a 2 person lift that has been a great learning area for the kids. Once they are ready, it also has an area at the top of the mountain full of greens with no overlapping blues or blacks which is a fun way to let the whole family enjoy the views safely! Also, they bring out chocolate chip cookies at 3pm for everyone to enjoy!
Outdoor resale stores for clothing or gear: Geronimo Sports (they also do seasonal rentals if MWR happens to run out) and Moutain Equipment Recyclers. Don’t forget Goodwill! I’ve found some great snow pants at the location in Monument, Colorado (just north of Colorado Springs).
Drop by the Epic Mountain Store in Colorado Springs in the summer to check out sales and to get your Colorado School Age Passes! You must bring birth certificates to verify that they are 5 years old – 5th grade. You can also get a photo ID pass for your kids who are 4 and under as their passes are FREE!
Use your pass in the summer! Use your epic pass in the summer to ride the gondolas in Vail and Beaver Creek (you will need to purchase a pass for your school-aged kids if you have the Colorado pass). At the top of Vail Mountain, there is a mountain roller coaster (must have tennis shoes on) and a nature center! The views in both locations are amazing! If you go to Beaver Creek in the summer or fall, I highly recommend taking the Centennial lift gondola up the mountain and hiking Royal Elk to Beaver Lake Trail (challenging) or riding up and hiking down with kids (always download AllTrails)!
Other Military Passes: There are also discounts available for Retired and Military Veterans!
Have any questions about using the Epic Pass? I’d love to help! Just leave a comment below or follow along with me at @ajoyfulmilispouse
Meet Corrie
Corrie and her husband have been married for eight years and an Army family for the past five years. They have two active boys and love finding the best hiking trails and brunch spots wherever they are! Corrie loves working out, drinking coffee, and building community – she’s passionate about sharing ways to embrace military life where ever it takes you. Whether it be the discounts, the places, or simply the shared experiences that build friendships, she believes there’s always a way to embrace this life with joy!
