If you’re planning a Vermont ski trip for the 2026-2027 season, the first decision isn’t which mountain to hit. It’s which pass to buy. The three major multi-resort passes all include Vermont mountains, but they cover very different terrain, and the price gap between them is real.
Here’s how the Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and Indy Pass stack up for Vermont skiing this season, with pricing, resort access, and honest takes on which one makes sense for different types of skiers.
The Three Passes at a Glance
Each pass takes a different approach. Epic and Ikon are the big two, covering corporate-owned resort networks across the country. The Indy Pass is the independent alternative, bundling smaller mountains at a fraction of the cost. All three include Vermont mountains, but the overlap is minimal.
Epic Pass: Vermont Mountains and Pricing (2026-2027)
The Epic Pass is Vail Resorts’ flagship product. In Vermont, it covers Stowe, Okemo, and Mount Snow. The full Epic Pass was $1,145 as of September 2026 ($909 for ages 13 to 30). The Epic Local Pass was $849 ($675 for ages 13 to 30), though local passes include blackout dates at peak resorts.
Stowe is the crown jewel of Epic’s Vermont lineup. It’s the state’s most iconic resort with 126 trails and serious vertical. Okemo is the family-friendly pick with well-groomed cruisers. Mount Snow draws the southern Vermont and Connecticut crowd with a solid terrain park scene.
The catch: none of these mountains are on the Ikon Pass, and vice versa. If you want Stratton or Killington, Epic won’t get you there.
Ikon Pass: Vermont Mountains and Pricing (2026-2027)
The Ikon Pass covers Stratton and Sugarbush in Vermont, plus Killington and Pico with 7 days combined. The full Ikon Pass was $1,449 as of early October 2026 and gives you unlimited days at Stratton and Sugarbush. The Ikon Base Pass ($1,019 as of early October 2026) includes unlimited Stratton and Sugarbush days with blackout dates, plus 5 days at Killington and Pico.
Stratton is the standout here. It’s where snowboarding was born, with 99 trails spread across four peaks and a consistent snowmaking operation. For families driving from NYC or Boston, Stratton hits the sweet spot: about 4 hours from midtown Manhattan, with a walkable village at the base. Sugarbush offers more of a local Vermont feel with challenging terrain across two peaks connected by a shuttle.
Killington, the largest ski resort in eastern North America, shows up on the Ikon Pass with 7 days combined with Pico. That’s enough for most weekend warriors, but if you’re a Killington regular, you’ll want their direct season pass instead.
Indy Pass: The Independent Alternative
The Indy Pass is built for skiers who prefer independent mountains over corporate resorts. At $399 at spring renewal and about $449 in the fall 2026 sale for the Indy+ Pass (2 days per resort, no blackouts), it’s a fraction of Epic or Ikon pricing. Vermont mountains on the Indy Pass include Jay Peak, Bolton Valley, Magic Mountain, and Saskadena Six.
Jay Peak is the headliner. It gets more natural snow than any resort in the eastern U.S. and has terrain that rivals anything on Epic or Ikon. Bolton Valley and Magic Mountain are smaller, steeper, and decidedly old-school. If you value character over convenience, the Indy Pass is hard to beat on value.
The trade-off: Indy mountains are smaller, further north, and have less infrastructure. Jay Peak is about a 6-hour drive from NYC. You won’t find slopeside villages or high-speed six-packs at most Indy resorts.
Which Pass Should You Buy?
Buy the Ikon Pass if you want to ski Stratton, Sugarbush, or Killington. Stratton’s proximity to NYC and family-friendly village make it the go-to for groups driving from the tri-state area. If you’ll ski 5+ days, the full Ikon pays for itself quickly.
Buy the Epic Pass if Stowe is your mountain. The Epic Pass is also the better deal if you ski out west frequently, since it covers Vail, Whistler, and Park City. Okemo and Mount Snow round out a solid Vermont portfolio for families.
Buy the Indy Pass if you’re a low-key skier who hits 5-10 days a season across different mountains. The Indy+ price point makes it a no-brainer add-on, even if you already own an Epic or Ikon Pass. Use it to explore Jay Peak, Magic Mountain, and Bolton Valley on off-weekends.
Pass Pricing Comparison (2026-2027)
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
Epic Pass: $1,145 (full) / $849 (local) / $909 ages 13 to 30 full / $675 ages 13 to 30 local (September 2026)
Ikon Pass: $1,449 (full) / $1,019 (base) (early October 2026)
Indy+ Pass: $399 spring, about $449 fall 2026 (2 days per resort, 300+ resorts)
All three passes go on sale in the spring for the following season. Early-bird pricing typically saves $50-$100, and Ikon has a new refund policy for 2026-2027, while Epic passes are non-refundable except through Epic Coverage.
Where to Stay for a Stratton Ski Trip
If you go with the Ikon Pass and Stratton is your home mountain, lodging matters as much as the pass itself. Slopeside condos fill up fast and run $300-500 per night during peak weekends.
A smarter move for groups: rent a private cabin off-mountain. Stratton Ski Haus is a Nordic A-frame cabin 10 minutes from the Stratton access road. It sleeps 10 across 4 bedrooms, with a Finnish barrel sauna, hot tub, and a full chef’s kitchen. Split among a group, the per-person cost undercuts slopeside condos while giving you significantly more space and privacy. Book direct and save on third-party service fees.
The Bottom Line
There’s no single “best” ski pass for Vermont. It depends on which mountains you want to ski, how many days you’ll use it, and whether you value convenience or value pricing. For Stratton skiers, the Ikon Pass is the clear pick. For Stowe loyalists, Epic. And for everyone else, the Indy Pass is the best deal in skiing right now.
Planning a Killington day or traveling with a bigger group? Killington Ski Haus sleeps 16 and sits 5 minutes from the K-1 Base Lodge. Browse all our Vermont guides.
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