Austria — The global ski season pass wars continue to heat up. Ikon has added its fair share of new partners for the 2025-26 season, including Ischgl, Le Massif, Cranmore, Jiminy Peak, and Wild Mountain. After having a relatively stagnant lineup over the past few seasons, Vail Resorts has announced four significant European additions for next winter.
Yesterday, Vail Resorts announced that it is adding Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun (Kitzsteinhorn) to the Epic Pass. This will give passholders five days of access to Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun. They join Ski Arlberg on the Epic Pass, which is the largest interconnected ski resort in Austria.
“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.”
Saalbach is one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, with more than 165 miles of trails. According to the Ski Club Great Britain, it has one of the best lift fleets on the planet. The massive ski resort features more than 60 ski huts, terrain parks, toboggan courses, and more activities. The closest airport is Salzburg, which is around a ninety-minute drive away.
“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.”
Situated in Zell am See-Kaprun, Kitzsteinhorn features varied terrain on a high-altitude glacier, which leads to a long season and quality snow conditions. In addition, the views from the “Top of Salzburg” deck can’t be beat. Like Saalbach, the closest airport is also Salzburg.
Today, Vail Resorts announced two more Austrian additions. Epic Passholders will get five total consecutive days at Hinterux Glacier and Mayhofen. Hinterux Glacier is home to skiing year-round, while Mayrhofen is home to the steepest trail in Austria: Harakiri. The closest airport to these interconnected ski resorts is Innsbruck.
“Mayrhofen and Hintertux are exciting additions to the Epic Pass, where the thrill of Austria’s steepest slope experience meets the endless powder of the Hintertux Glacier,” said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts’ Mountain Division. “With 365 days of skiing, two world-class snow parks and terrain for every skill level, it’s the perfect destination to complement the diverse portfolio of European resorts offered on the Epic Pass.”
The timing of the move is meant to incentivize buying an Epic Pass. The lowest price for an Epic Pass is currently available, with the next several days being the last chance to purchase a pass by putting only $49 down. Prices will increase after May 26th. If you’re planning a European ski trip, these additions make an Epic Pass appealing. The Epic Pass is starting to make more sense for European skiers who want to make ski trips to the US, which includes visiting skiing’s mecca: Mt. Sunapee.
Image Credits: Saalbach, Kitzsteinhorn, Mayrhofner Bergbahnen, Vail Resorts
