Sölden in Austria is Now Epic; Buy an Epic Pass by May 26 to Ski and Ride at the Lowest Price

Rhea-AI Summary

Vail Resorts announced that Sölden, a premier Austrian ski resort, will join the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 season. Located in Tyrol's Ötztal Valley, Sölden features 31 lifts, 89 miles of slopes, and reliable snow conditions thanks to its high-altitude terrain and two glaciers. The Epic Pass, priced at $1,051 for adults, will include five days of access to Sölden. The announcement comes as part of a broader expansion in Austria, following partnerships with Saalbach, Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Hintertux, and Silvretta Montafon. Pass holders must purchase by May 26 to secure the lowest price, receive two Buddy Tickets, six Ski With a Friend Tickets, and the option to pay just $49 down. The Epic Pass now provides access to 34 resorts across ten European ski areas and 37 North American mountain resorts.

Positive

• Addition of premium Austrian resort Sölden expands Epic Pass's European presence
• Sölden offers reliable snow conditions with two glaciers and high-altitude terrain
• Resort features extensive amenities including 31 lifts, 89 miles of slopes, and 33 ski huts
• Significant infrastructure investments planned for 2025/26 including two new high-capacity lifts
• Flexible payment option available with $49 down payment

Negative

• Epic Pass price of $1,051 represents a significant investment for consumers
• Access to Sölden is limited to only five days

Insights

Ski Industry Analyst

Vail adds premium Austrian resort Sölden to Epic Pass portfolio, strengthening European presence before crucial May 26 sales deadline.

Vail Resorts continues its strategic European expansion with the addition of Sölden to its 2025/26 Epic Pass lineup, capping a week of Austrian partnership announcements. This high-profile acquisition gives Epic Pass holders access to a premium glacier destination known for reliable snow conditions and luxury experiences, including the 007 ELEMENTS James Bond installation and the renowned Aqua Dome spa facility.

The timing is particularly strategic, coming just one day before the May 26 deadline when Epic Pass prices increase from the current $1,051 adult rate. This creates urgency for consumers while showcasing Vail's expanded value proposition. Epic Pass holders will receive five days of access to Sölden, consistent with Vail's approach to international partnerships.

This addition follows Vail's other Austrian announcements this week including Saalbach, Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen, Hintertux, and Silvretta Montafon - collectively representing a significant European market consolidation strategy. The Epic Pass now encompasses 34 resorts across ten European ski areas plus 37 North American resorts with unlimited access.

For Vail Resorts, these European partnerships require minimal capital investment while enhancing the global appeal of their pass products to both American travelers seeking European skiing and European consumers looking for multi-resort access. The partnership model allows Vail to expand its footprint and customer base without the financial and operational burdens of direct acquisitions. Sölden's reputation for reliable glacier skiing extends the seasonal opportunities for pass holders while its entertainment elements align with Vail's focus on creating comprehensive mountain experiences beyond traditional skiing.

• Ski and ride Sölden in Austria with Epic Pass
• Sölden caps off a week of Austrian partnership announcements from Epic Pass
• Epic Passes are on sale now at the lowest price of the year ($1,051) through May 26

BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With only one day ahead of the May 26 deadline to buy an Epic Pass for the lowest price of the year, Vail Resorts announced that Austrian skiing and snowboarding will be even more Epic with Sölden joining the 2025/26 Epic Pass lineup. Located in the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol and just 52 miles from Innsbruck Airport, Sölden is famous for its premium skiing on a seamlessly connected glacier and mountain ski area. Offering reliable snow from autumn through spring, thanks to its high-altitude terrain, two glaciers and state-of-the-art snowmaking, the resort delivers a world-class experience that blends alpine sport, entertainment and wellness.

"Sölden stands out as a premier alpine destination with remarkable snow reliability and panoramic views from its mountain tops and glacier ski area," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "Sölden is a bucket-list resort that we are thrilled to add to the Epic Pass. In addition to the amazing skiing and riding, it also contains experiences that don't exist anywhere else like the 007 ELEMENTS James Bond experience and the Aqua Dome." 

Sölden offers high-alpine adventure with modern flair. Highlights include the cinematic 007 ELEMENTS James Bond experience at over 9,800 feet, the ice Q gourmet restaurant made famous in "Spectre" and the BIG3 Rally across Sölden's three highest peaks. With 31 lifts and 89 miles of slopes, 33 cozy ski huts, an unmatched lineup of on-mountain entertainment and signature events, the resort is known for experiences that go far beyond skiing.

Sölden is host to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening each October, and exciting events like the Electric Mountain Festival that brings international DJs to the slopes, and the Hannibal glacier performance, a large-scale live production on snow and ice. For winter 2025/26, Sölden is once again making a bold statement in innovation and infrastructure with significant investments, including two new high-capacity lifts that further enhance glacier access and guest comfort. For ultimate relaxation, Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme is one of Europe's most iconic thermal spas and a must-visit for wellness lovers.

"We're proud to join the Epic Pass and open Sölden to a new global audience," said Jakob Falkner, CEO of Bergbahnen Sölden. "This partnership brings together innovation, alpine heritage, and our passion for unforgettable mountain experiences– while showcasing Sölden's unique mix of sport and entertainment worldwide."

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 Sölden. 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.

Sölden is the latest partner resort in Austria to be added to the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 winter season capping of a week of exciting announcements from Vail Resorts. Earlier this week, Austrian ski areas Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Hintertux, and Silvretta Montafon joined the 2025/26 Epic Pass roster. These new partners are in addition to existing Pass Holder access to Ski Arlberg, the largest connected ski resort in Austria and one of the six largest ski resorts in the world.

The Epic Pass now offers access to 34 resorts across ten ski areas in Europe, plus unlimited, unrestricted access 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

FAQ

What is the price of the Epic Pass for 2025/26 season and when is the deadline to buy?

The Epic Pass costs $1,051 for adults and $537 for children. The deadline to buy at the lowest price is May 26, 2025.

How many days of access does the Epic Pass provide at Sölden?

The Epic Pass includes five days of access to Sölden resort in Austria.

What are the special benefits of buying an Epic Pass before May 26?

Buyers get the lowest price of the year, two Buddy Tickets (up to 45% savings), six Ski With a Friend Tickets, and the option to pay just $49 down with the remainder due in September.

How many resorts does the Epic Pass (MTN) now include in Europe and North America?

The Epic Pass provides access to 34 resorts across ten ski areas in Europe and unlimited access to 37 North American mountain resorts.

What features make Sölden a notable addition to the Epic Pass?

Sölden features 31 lifts, 89 miles of slopes, two glaciers, high-altitude terrain, reliable snow conditions, and attractions like the 007 ELEMENTS James Bond experience and Aqua Dome thermal spa.