Skiing abroad has always been appealing, but it hasn’t always felt easy. Lift tickets can be expensive, resort systems unfamiliar, and the logistics are enough to give even seasoned travelers pause. In recent years, though, multi-resort pass networks have simplified the equation, making overseas ski trips far easier to fold into a single winter rather than treating them as standalone splurges.
Epic and Ikon—season passes operated by Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, respectively—grant skiers and riders access to dozens of resorts over the course of a season. What began as a way to streamline skiing in North America has expanded well beyond it. Today, both passes include a growing roster of international destinations across Europe, Japan, and the Southern Hemisphere. Epic has leaned into marquee European resorts and interconnected ski domains. At the same time, Ikon has focused on destinations known for snow reliability, distinctive local culture, and terrain that complements its North American lineup.
That access, however, comes with nuance. Not every international partner offers the same experience, and a resort being “on the pass” doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for a long-haul trip. The strongest Epic and Ikon resorts abroad are those where the skiing, aprés-ski offerings, and hotel choices justify a trip abroad. Here are six Epic or Ikon pass resorts overseas to plan a trip around.
Whistler Blackcomb
Country: Canada
Pass: Epic Pass
With more than 8,000 acres spread across two mountains, Whistler Blackcomb offers variety that few resorts in the world can match. Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb ski differently enough to let skiers tailor each day to conditions—Blackcomb’s steeper terrain, glaciers, and wind-protected trees tend to excel during storms, while Whistler’s expansive alpine bowls and long groomers come into their own when the weather clears. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola makes moving between the two seamless, linking the mountains at high elevation so skiers can switch terrain without dropping back to the village. All of that terrain feeds directly into Whistler Village, so it’s easy to ski hard, drop your gear, and be at dinner or après within minutes. With a deep roster of hotels, restaurants, and bars packed into a pedestrian core, the village handles big crowds without feeling chaotic.
Where to stay near Whistler Blackcomb:
Les 3 Vallées
Country: France
Pass: Epic
