Whistler Blackcomb launched an Unlimited Season Pass for 2017/2018 today as an alternative to the Epic Pass they are already on for 2017/2018 and then promptly confused the ski world.
The world knows that Vail Resorts bought Whistler Blackcomb before this season and that the Epic Pass for 2016/2017 included 5 days skiing at Whistler. We also knew that next season, Whistler Blackcomb would become Epic.
Then this happened. The launch of the Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited Pass for CA$1299 versus the Epic Pass they are already on for next year for CA$1117.
So what’s the difference?
With the Epic Pass you have unlimited, unrestricted access to Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Wilmot, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton, Perisher (2018 ski season) and Arapahoe Basin plus limited access to 30 European Resorts. Plus 6 Buddy Tickets (flat rate discounted tickets) and 2017 Summer Sightseeing Access at participating resorts (including Whistler Blackcomb) and various discounts per resort for lodging, retail and meals.
With the Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited Pass you have the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Pass for use in summer 2017, unlimited access to Whistler Blackcomb, 50% off at Sun Peaks Resort, 50% off at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Wilmot, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton, Perisher (2018 ski season) and Arapahoe Basin plus 20% Off food & hot drinks, up to 20% off shopping, $50 off select lessons, $100 off heli-skiing, exclusive lodging deals. Some restrictions apply. Plus 2 Bring-a-Friend Lift Ticket Vouchers at 50% Off (Adult & Senior Passholders Only).
So we’re guessing that if you don’t plan to ski the other Vail Resorts then the Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited pass may work out slightly more in your favour, especially if you ski over two weeks in the year at Whistler and if you want to use the Peak 2 Peak in summer.
Surprised it wasn’t called the Epic Whistler Pass instead of Whistler Unlimited Season Pass, in keeping with the Epic Australia Pass (AU$799) to try to reduce inevitable confusion and keep within the Vail Epic messaging.
But either way the message is the same. If you live in Whistler or plan to live in Whistler then you no longer have to spend over $2000 for a Whistler season pass and that is a huge win win, whichever way you look at it.
You pay CA$49 up front before April 9 and the balance by September 4 and either pass is yours.
The Whistler locals are definitely the winners here with either pass.
the elephant in the room, is the lift line situation. Lift lines at many Vail resorts are already horrendous, especially at Whistler Village base at 9am.
Will they introduce A, B, C & D class season passes in the near future, so, just like airline classes, the A class will get priority & the D class will simply wait or told they can’t get on lift til 11am.
Until they announce this am going to stay well away from any Vail resort, as have seen too many punch ups, from figjammers who think, they should get in front of you in the line, even though they were there after you.