Stowe skiers: Nov. 19 deadline for Vail Resorts Epic Pass

Ski and snowboard fans of the landmark Stowe Mountain Resort, now part of Vail Resorts, have an extraordinary opportunity to experience its new affiliates, among the top areas in North America and Europe.

At almost half the price of previous season passes at Stowe, the new Epic Pass is a steal.

A season pass to Stowe in 20162017 cost US$1,600 for adults. The top-echelon, all-access Epic Pass costs US$899, with unlimited access to 45 superior mountains in North America, Europe and even Australia. Nearly half-price discounts are offered for juniors, five to 12. The deadline to purchase is Nov. 19.

The Vail Resort portfolio also includes Vail and Beaver Creek, Colo.; Park City, Utah; Heavenly in Lake Tahoe, Calif., and Whistler-Blackcomb in B.C. Overseas, the Epic Pass covers Arlberg in Austria; Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski and Tignes-Val d’Isère in France; Skirama Dolomiti in Italy; and 4 Vallées in Switzerland.

An Epic Local Pass costs US$679 for adults (valid in North America, with restrictions on dates at some of the resorts. There also are four-day (US$459) and seven-day (US$679) passes. A day ticket to Stowe in 2017-2018 costs US$99 for adults, with 48-hour advance, online purchase.

“It’s fitting that Stowe is the first eastern destination of Vail Resorts,” said Bobby Murphy, Stowe’s new general manager. “We are the quintessential Vermont area, and we have modernized to add a sophisticated playground of aprèsski fun.

“Stowe has a distinguished history, plus tough steeps on Mount Mansfield and mellow terrain on Spruce Peak.”

Stowe Mountain Resort, a twoand-a-half-hour drive south of Montreal, wrapped up a $500-million development in 2016. The latest off-mountain leisure elements include: Stowe Rocks (an indoor climbing facility); a pedestrian plaza with family friendly eateries like Canteen; new shops selling upscale skiwear like Bogner; a skating rink and the Children’s Adventure Center; and the Ski and Ride School. Details: EpicPass.com, 970-7540008. Stowe Mountain Resort: 800-253-4754, stowe.com, sprucepeak.com.