My daughter is in RAAF so might qualify for the USD99 deal. Trouble is on the rare occasions she gets to the snow locally Thredbo is her preference and in Nth America the only place she is interested in is Sun Peaks. That way she avoids the possibiliy of her old Dad turning up where she is and embarrassing her.

 

Epic pass now lets us ski Crested Butte.

http://unofficialnetworks.com/2018/03/14/crested-butte-2-new-england-ski-areas-join-the-epic-pass/

 

Jeepers this battle is getting intense! Getting Crested Butte and Telluride is massive for the Epic Pass. Two of the classic ski towns in the USA with some very serious skiing too.

 

Next year it’s the EVERYWHERE pass

 

Zrankings had to update their Ikon vs Epic article on March 14 after the announcement by Vail that Crested Butte, Okemo, and Sunapee would be perks like Telluride. The article breaks down the comparison by region. Doesn't include any mention of the Mountain Collective, which is still a viable option for some people.

https://www.zrankings.com/articles/ikon-pass-vs-epic-pass

 

Why do Defence personnel get a discount pass ?

 

Have you spent any time in the USA? They have loads of stuff for defence personal. Lots of people give up their business class seats when soldiers in uniform board planes. Its a bit of a cultural thing.

 

Founders of Vail served in WW2 with 10th Mountain Division. From what I understand this is a one off thing as the 10th anniversary of the Epic Pass. But yeah what Sculle said, big discounts for armed forces are common in the US (60 to 80% is not unusual). For instance Disneyland offer a 3 day pass for $160, normal price for two days is over $200. Regardless how one feels about it, considering the ADF is pretty well paid, I'll be taking advantage of it (what be insane not to)

 

Certainly has become part of the American culture in the last 20 years. Probably started after WWII.

Southwest Airlines doesn't have reserved seating but instead loads by number. Military folks can board with families with young children after the A numbers.

Even small mountains give military discounts. My tiny hill has an annual Heroes On The Hill day during late season with free lift tickets for military families, active duty or veterans. There are families who drive 3+ hours for a day of fun sliding around on manmade snow.

 

Airport lounges for military personnel travelling on deployment are a recognition too, and announcements / invitations concerning them over the PA systems are common.

 

Vail Adds Backyard Setup In Idaho To Epic Pass



In the ever expanding race between the Epic and brand new Alterra pass, Vail has added a backyard setup in Elk City Idaho. Epic pass holders will get 7 days per winter season, and 30 days access in the summer. The setup was built and run by Jake Williams for the past 3 years. Most of the press has been positive, but some of the locals just aren't feeling it.



Concerns of overcrowding the drop in deck and long lines are just some of the fears. At the moment Vail is simply a partner, but many locals think it may only be a matter of time before Vail buys the setup outright for unlimited access on the pass. Jake's next door neighbor Shawn had this to say "What's next? Are they just going to come in and change everything? Replace the old carpeting and PVC rails that have been there since the beginning? That's the soul of this place. You just can't do that!" Some fear they might now get charged money to jump on the partially rusted out 15' trampoline. Limited access to 10 minute sessions, and adding yellow jackets to strictly enforce a "no invert" policy. "What the hell are you even supposed to do on a trampoline then? Like they were made to do backflips and corks, and misties. Now all we can do is grabs and lame ass on axis spins?"



In spite of the opposition, most of the feedback seems to be positive. Many people that have been thinking of buying the pass for years, now finally have the perfect reason. The year round access to park skiing as well as well as the laid back vibes is expected to raise sales of the Epic Pass for the 2018-19 season by as much as 20%. The setup will not be added to the pass for this winter, but you can use it throughout summer 2018 buy purchasing next seasons winter 18/19 Epic Pass.

The dates are listed as unrestricted but Jake's Mom Wendy made sure to let us know that "Even though the pass says unrestricted, I have no problem kicking everyone out if it's a school night and Jake's homework isn't finished!" We admire Mrs. Williams will to keep her son's mind at least slightly sharper than his 4 year old skis.

The setup offers a 16' fatty flat tube rail, 20' long triple barrel a-frame rail, and a 10' shotgun flat. The setup generally changes throughout each day. Jake likes the setup how it is, but said that he is open to building new features, possibly even adding metal rails with his new budget options. "I know some people are against it, saying I'm selling out, but I hope the improvements over the next few years change their minds. I started building this setup to have fun with my friends and that's one thing I don't plan on ever changing!"



In summer, the hours are a little more lenient in addition to epic perks like camping in the backyard, or even the treehouse(If you get there early enough). Mrs. Smith also mentioned that she sometimes makes lemonade or cookies to bring out when it's hot and the sesh is on. Beaver creek has already been offering free cookies for a while, but Mrs. Smith insists hers are the best out there.

We reached out to Alterra for comment. While they didn't comment on Vail Resort's latest Acquisition, they did say "We are happy with our recent expansion and will continue to add to our ever growing options on the Ikon Pass"



While Alterra had nothing to say on the subject, rumor has it they are looking into buying Henry Pelsner's tech deck skatepark as a plan to expand into a more year round option. As with anything else we will let you know if that materializes and keep you updated on the latest in this all out frenzied race for season pass glory!

Original

 

You can buy a ticket for half price.

 

Yes. But give yourself some time. Maybe do it the afternoon before. We found they didn’t seem to know much about aus passes.

 

50% off the walk up one day rate is not super exciting with the prices these days

Better than paying the full rip off price though I guess

Plus the resorts are generally packed on black out dates

 

This was posted by the Abortionator on Newschoolers.
It's funny how he is the most active member on a park skiing forum tho is a snowboarder.
Great guy, too much time on his hands.

 

Possibly also because in addition to the way US armed forces personnel are respected in the US, their rate of pay is not that great compared to what ADF members are paid. Once I’ve worked out how Aus members are required to prove their service, I’ll be using hubby’s ID to get us all passes.

 

Smells a lot like blatant patriotism and foreign policy support creep from the USA given the USA war machine is such a relentless tool for unrest in the world.

Not sure how USA originating "war machine" ethos actually relates to Australia in that a ski pass discount is relevant.

Another step away from independent Australia ..... IMHO

 

I think skinavy covered it

There is a large room with posters outlining the development of Vail with much about the founders being from the 10th Mountain and while I didn't spot anything about the program being a one off it makes sense. Like wise the highest discount is only for serving military (or those who served to retirement age). It is interesting how people serving or have served in Canada and Australia are covered too but seeing as Vail Resorts exist in both countries then it follows.

 

i'm a first timer with the Epic pass.
Just four in the mail yesterday. sweet.

 

Australian foreign policy before WWII - follow the Poms
Australian foreign policy after WWII - follow the Yanks

 

well Vail is a US company, so it would make sense it's roots in American patriotism make an impact on all of their operations.

 

Does anyone know for sure the eligibility requirements and verification process for the military epic pass for ADF, particular standby reservists/ SERCAT 5?

 

I suspect if you have a current ID card you would be fine.

 

Has everyone received their EPIC passes? I have only received one of the three for my family. It has been over a week since the single pass arrived. They definitely took my money, so no problem there.

 

I received all four at once about two weeks ago.

 

If you've had a pass before, you reuses them each year. Is this first time for all the family? Have all got photos uploaded? Tried calling them?

 

Cheers. I think someone is stealing from my letterbox. I lost four tickets to the Wallabies test against Ireland last month!

 

Yeah, we've had them before. It's unusual that they would send one of the three though, especially since all of us have had season passes before.

 

Yeah that's strange. Your last year's ones should just work.

 

it's my first time with the Epic passes.
We had to supply photo's but they are not on the cards themselves. Are they just on Perisher's computer system or something so the lifties can identify you?

 

Yeah not on the card. Those iPads the ticket checkers have show your photo.

 

Umming and aahing about grabbing the Epic passes tonight as it looks like we're doing Whistler in January. What happens if we don't get them tonight, will we be paying another $50 or so per pass from tomorrow? Or does the offer completely end? Cheers guys...

 

Gone.

 

Saw this on FB

If it is true that's a bit of a head slap from the advertised 15% off at PB outlets

 

Aye. ..
Fair trading ...

 

https://www.perisher.com.au/epic-australia-pass/passes/pass-benefits#anchor_four

5% during the busy times, 15% at other times.

 

And they advertise “up to”.

 

It makes no difference to me. ..as I shun perisher food and beverage. ..

But the whole busy times... WTF. Perisher is always busy

 

Is that a change from previous years ?

It's like the "mates rates" thing which can actually be more expensive than an online purchase.

 

Yeah I think so. But like donza I never avail myself of it anyway.

 

What determines "busy"

That's a pissweak idea.

 

I use it to purchase hot lunches at Blue Cow. With the discount last year, meals were very good value, particularly the lamb curry. Yum. It would be more expensive at the bowlo for same same. Beers are very reasonable with the discount too.

 

Yeah I may occasionally get a beer at BC .. Or chips.. I'm usually at guthega, smiggs or mt p at lunchtime

 

I don’t do lunch. Once I stop I go home. We used the discount on retail, buying socks n stuff but that’s about it.

 

Yeah I'm a see yah by 2pm guy