Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun in Austria are Now Epic; Buy an Epic Pass by May 26 to Ski and Ride at the Lowest Price

Rhea-AI Summary

Vail Resorts (MTN) announced the addition of Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun ski resorts in Austria to its 2025/26 Epic Pass lineup. The Epic Pass, priced at $1,051 for adults and $537 for children, will include five days of access to these Austrian destinations. Saalbach features over 165 miles of slopes and recently hosted the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, while Kitzsteinhorn is known for its high-altitude glacier.

Pass holders must purchase by May 26 to lock in the lowest price of the year and receive additional benefits, including two Buddy Tickets and six Ski With a Friend Tickets. The pass can be secured with a $49 down payment, with the remainder due in mid-September. This expansion marks Vail's second Austrian destination, joining Ski Arlberg, and adds to their portfolio of 37 North American mountain resorts.

Positive

• Expansion into new international markets with the addition of premium Austrian ski resorts
• Strategic timing with Saalbach's recent hosting of 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships
• Flexible payment option with only $49 down payment required
• Additional value through Buddy Tickets and Ski With a Friend Tickets

Negative

• None.

Insights

Resort Industry Analyst

Vail's expansion into Austrian resorts strengthens Epic Pass value proposition, potentially boosting pass sales and European market presence.

Vail Resorts' addition of Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun to its Epic Pass portfolio represents a strategic expansion of its European footprint. These Austrian destinations join Ski Arlberg in Vail's European lineup, creating a more compelling value proposition for international travelers. Saalbach isn't just any resort - it recently hosted the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, indicating its world-class status and infrastructure quality.

The timing of this announcement is particularly strategic, coming just before the May 26 deadline for lowest-price Epic Pass purchases ($1,051 for adults). This creates urgency for consumers while potentially accelerating early-season cash flow for Vail - crucial for a business with highly seasonal operations. The company's innovative payment plan ($49 down) further reduces barriers to purchase.

The addition of high-altitude, glacier access at Kitzsteinhorn provides Vail with a more snow-reliable European destination - an increasingly valuable asset as climate change affects snow patterns. With 165+ miles of slopes at Saalbach alone, this expansion significantly increases Vail's total skiable terrain portfolio without capital-intensive infrastructure development, leveraging their asset-light access model that has proven successful with other international destinations. This continues Vail's strategy of creating a global, diversified portfolio that can better withstand regional weather or economic challenges.

• Ski and ride resorts in Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun with Epic Pass
• Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year ($1,051) through May 26

BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than a week ahead of the May 26 deadline to lock in an Epic Pass for the lowest price of the year, Vail Resorts announced Austrian skiing will be even more Epic with Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun joining the 2025/26 Epic Pass lineup. Salzburg and Munich airports serve as the closest gateways to the resorts, which are nestled in one of the most scenic corners of the Alps spanning the Salzburger Land and Tyrol regions. Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun call to winter sports enthusiasts around the globe with varied terrain and stunning views. More news from Epic Pass will be announced this week.

"Expanding access in Austria invites our Pass Holders to discover new destinations, different snow conditions, thrilling terrain and unique alpine villages," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "We are passionate about delivering the Experience of a Lifetime, and ensuring our guests have more opportunities and flexibility to explore a broad range of world-class destinations."

In Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun, Epic Pass Holders will now have access to Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn and Kitzsteinhorn mountain resorts. Saalbach is one of the largest ski areas in Austria, with more than 165 miles of slopes catering to all skill levels. Saalbach was recently host to the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, welcoming fans and athletes for a celebration of world-class skiing. With more than 60 cozy ski huts, numerous snow parks, a freeride park, toboggan runs and more, the resort is one of the most diverse and best ski areas in the Alps. Kitzsteinhorn is known for its high-altitude glacier that ensures reliable snow and excellent conditions. It is also home to the "Top of Salzburg" which provides year-round vistas at 9,900 feet.

"The Epic Pass opens the door to a global ski community – filling us with pride and excitement," said Isabella Dschulnigg-Geissler, CEO of Saalbach Cablecar Company. "It is a strong signal of our ski areas' international appeal and a major milestone for all of us. Together with Zell am See-Kaprun, we are thrilled to take this forward-thinking step."

The Epic Pass ($1,051 for adults; $537 for children) and Epic Adaptive Pass ($527 for adults; $270 for children) will include five days of access to Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun. Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year through May 26. May 26 is also the last chance to receive two Buddy Tickets (for up to 45% savings on a lift ticket) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets to help Pass Holders share days at their favorite resorts with family and friends. Further, May 26 is the last chance to purchase an Epic Pass with just $49 down. Pay $49 at the time of purchase, with the remainder of the purchase due mid-September.

Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun marks the second set of ski resorts in Austria available to Pass Holders, joining Ski Arlberg – the largest connected ski resort in Austria. The Epic Pass offers unmatched access in Europe, in addition to 37 iconic North American mountain resorts, like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Stowe and many more. With Epic Pass, skiers and riders have the flexibility to buy their Pass now and decide later where and when to ski or ride. Visit epicpass.com to compare Pass options and buy a Pass before prices increase May 26.

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company's industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.

 

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SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc.

FAQ

What is the price of the 2025/26 Epic Pass from Vail Resorts (MTN)?

The 2025/26 Epic Pass is priced at $1,051 for adults and $537 for children, with an Epic Adaptive Pass available at $527 for adults and $270 for children.

When is the deadline to purchase the Epic Pass at the lowest price for the 2025/26 season?

The deadline to purchase the Epic Pass at the lowest price is May 26, 2025. This is also the last day to receive Buddy Tickets and Ski With a Friend Tickets benefits.

Which new Austrian resorts are being added to Vail Resorts' Epic Pass for 2025/26?

Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun resorts in Austria are being added to the Epic Pass, offering access to Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn and Kitzsteinhorn mountain resorts.

How many days of access do Epic Pass holders get at the new Austrian resorts?

Epic Pass holders will receive five days of access to Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun resorts.

What additional benefits come with purchasing the Epic Pass before May 26, 2025?

Purchasing before May 26 includes two Buddy Tickets (up to 45% savings), six Ski With a Friend Tickets, and the option to buy with just $49 down payment.