The intriguing prospect of a US ski resort season pass offering cheaper skiing in the Alps than if you buy your ticket in Europe has come a step closer (although we're not quite there yet) with the news that the 'Epic Pass' which covers 9 Californian and Colorado ski areas as well as including five days skiing in Verbier in Switzerland, will be extended to also offer five days skiing in the Austrian Arlberg for the coming winter 2013-14.
That 10 days of skiing in the Alps has a combined value or around £360, while the Epic Pass costs the equivalent of around £445 so it's not quite there yet, but if you do want to ski in the Alps before the Colorado Rockies or at Lake Tahoe in California, Vail Resorts, which issue the Epic Pass, will send it to you in the post from the US.
Most Brits who do buy an Epic Pass do so not for the skiing in the Alps – although that's a very nice bonus if you can make multiple trips – but because, unless you have a lift pass included in your package price, the cost of a Colorado lift pass can be among the world's most expensive at peak times and this season ticket can cost less than buying a 6 or 7 day pass in resort on arrival. If you are planning to ski for more than a week and visit multiple resorts it's even better value.
The pass is valid at Breckenridge, Beaver creek, Keystone and Vail in Colorado as well as two areas not owned by Vail Resorts – Arapahoe Basin and Eldora. In California it's valid at Kirkwood, Northstar and Heavenly.
Cheaper versions off the pass, with restrictions on use, may suit some skiers and can pay for themselves in 4 days compared to a ticket bought in resort – they are the Epic Local and Epic 7 Day.
For the lowest prices the passes need to be purchased by May 27th via http://www.epicpass.com or a tour operator to a Vail resort.