Pass Go: Making the Most of the Epic Pass

Epic Pass bills itself as A Pass for Everyone. What many don’t consider is how much really great skiing — and playing — you can do with an Epic Pass in Utah alone.

Written By Paula Colman

Park City Mountain Resort | Kevin Winzeler

Epic Pass bills itself as A Pass for Everyone. With so many resorts, options and prices, it is often the entry point for many multi-pass purchasers. What many don’t consider is how much really great skiing — and playing — you can do with an Epic Pass in Utah alone.

Park City Mountain Resort is on of the largest ski areas in the United States, spanning 7,300 acres.

Photo: Kevin Winzeler

The resort is accessible from the Canyons Village as well as Main Street Park City, with plenty of lodging and après options at both locations.

Photo: Kevin Winzeler

Epic Pass in Utah

Offered by one of the largest ski operators, Vail Resorts Management Company, Epic Pass can be used at more than 35 North American resorts, including Utah's Park City Mountain. There are several different passes to choose from depending on your age, where you plan to ski and how often, but whether you’re skiing for a week or long weekend, you can save a bundle. With some advanced vacation planning, you can save even more with early bird discounts.

Visiting Park City

Epic Pass, for years, has included and been synonymous with Park City Mountain, one of the largest and most famous ski resorts in one of the best towns in North America. Comprised of Mountain Village and Canyons Village and more than 330 ski trails, it’s where tykes learn to “pizza,” and Olympians train to win. Here, skiers and snowboarders of any level can find just about any terrain or terrain park. It’s also where visitors start to look at real estate listings and school reviews (both are impressive). Its picturesque Main Street is filled with boutiques, restaurants, galleries, a few flicks, and more. To be honest, it’s where locals send guests who ask, “What’s there to do in Utah?” After that, they send them to the really cool places, and the Epic Pass becomes the ticket to a truly Utah adventure.

So, let’s dig out of the powder and explore Park City! It’s more than a ski resort, it’s a lifestyle destination where people live, work, and play. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing and dog sledding, locals and visitors are discovering that when the snow is less than optimal, then fat tire biking is a great alternative and, because almost everyone knows how to ride a bicycle, it’s an incredibly fun option for the non-skiers in your family or group. Round Valley, the large greenspace in the heart of Park City, is filled with miles of groomed and tamped-down trails. Rent a fatty and ride.

Pro Tip: Avoid traffic and save a bundle by taking advantage of Park City’s free electric bus service. It snakes through the city limits, shuttling residents and guests to the ski resorts and other attractions.

"Park City is more than a ski resort, it’s a lifestyle destination where people live, work, and play."

A snowy historic Main Street, downtown Park City.

Photo: Jay Dash

If you’re more a dinner-and-a-movie type, then you’ve hit the proverbial jackpot in Park City, home to the Sundance Film Festival, where Oscar® winners are born. During the Fest held in late January, movies are shown at multiple venues throughout town from breakfast until midnight. Although some movies are sold out weeks in advance, locals know that last-minute tickets to “gems” are often available at the Park City box office or hours before showtime on the e-waitlist. In fact, restaurant reservations are typically harder to come by during the Fest, and people often forget to eat while dashing between theaters. So, grab boxed meals and snacks at Riverhorse Provisions or Wasatch Bagel & Grill to stay fueled.

Locals' Tip: The best part of Sundance is the Q&A session after many films where cast and/or crew explain the process and, often, pose for selfies.

About the Author – Paula Colman

Paula Colman is not a professional skier, mountain biker, sommelier or chef, but spends her time pursuing these and whatever else pops up along the way with an inordinate amount of enthusiasm and humor. As a recovering attorney and practicing parent, who has lived in seven states across all four time zones, she landed in Utah over a decade ago and decided that she could study for the bar or learn to ski…hmmm. She now shares her stories about outdoor adventures and entertainments throughout Utah as a regular contributor for Visit Utah, Ski Utah, ApresSkiUtah.com and others and on Instagram at @harpo_utah.