Do I Need a Reservation to Ski? What Epic & Ikon Pass-Holders Need to Know

Planning on skiing or riding anywhere this winter? Looking for info on reservations? We’ve got it all right here.

We all saw this coming — the 2020-21 winter season is going to be very different this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many ski resorts were forced to shut down early this spring. Now, resorts are modifying operations (to follow health mandates) so we can all still get out there to enjoy some sweet pow.

But new protocols mean confusing changes, including parking restrictions, face covering requirements, and, of course, reservation systems — yes, even if you have a pass.

Click below to get the 4-1-1 on reservations for Epic and Ikon pass-holders and more:

Epic Pass Reservations Ikon Pass Reservations Mountain Collective Pass Reservations

Bought your pass back in May or still considering which to buy? Read on for all the big changes and updates to Epic Passes, Ikon Passes, and resort passes at dozens of mountains in North America. Please note that these guidelines are subject to change as conditions merit. We will update this story to reflect policy changes, but check with the specific resort to confirm current guidelines.

Epic Pass Reservations and Info

Epic Pass will require advance reservations at all its properties. Pass-holders will receive priority access for reservations and up to 7 days of “priority reservation” for the core season (to reserve in advance) or week-of ski and ride reservations. In addition, all guests must wear face coverings (including in outdoor spaces like lift lines and on chairlifts). Resorts have also implemented physical distancing protocols on the mountain.

Reservations open November 6. Face coverings are required for visitors ages 3 and older. Find specific reservation info at your favorite resort below.

Breckenridge Resort, Colorado

Opening date: 11/13
Reservations required: Yes

Crested Butte Resort, Colorado

Opening date: 11/25
Reservations required: Yes

Heavenly Resort, California

Opening date: 11/20
Reservations required: Yes

Kirkwood Resort, California

Opening date: 12/4
Reservations required: Yes

Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, Michigan

Opening date: 12/5
Reservations required: Yes

Northstar Resort, California

Opening date: 11/20
Reservations required: Yes

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Opening date: 11/20
Reservations required: Yes

Stowe Resort, Vermont

Opening date: 11/20
Reservations required: Yes

Vail Resort, Colorado

Opening date: 11/20
Reservations required: Yes

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

Opening date: 11/26
Reservations required: Yes

View all Epic Pass reservation information here.

Ikon Pass Reservations and Info

Unlike Epic, Ikon has not mandated reservations across all of its resorts. For those ski areas that will open, reservations begin on November 9. Some resorts will also implement parking reservations to maintain capacity.

All resorts will require face coverings and have implemented physical distancing protocols on the mountain. Pass-holders can make reservations throughout the winter season. Friends and family tickets will not require reservations.

Find specific reservation info at your favorite resort below.