Epic Pass Announces Steps To Make Good On The COVID-19 Season
There has been so much talk about lawsuits and what the mega passes are going to do to make good on the shortened season and what those same passes are going to do surrounding the uncertainty of the coming 2020/2021 ski season. Today there has been an announcement from the Epic Pass on how they are going to handle things for their current pass holders and those who are considering becoming pass holders.
“Our pass holders are our most loyal guests and we have spent weeks reading their emails and comments on social media to fully understand their concerns so we could respond thoughtfully and carefully,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer at Vail Resorts. “What became clear is that to address last season, a one-sized-fits-all approach would not work. That is why we are providing our season pass holders credits based on the number of days they were able to use their pass. Additionally, while we are confident we will have a great upcoming ski and ride season, we understand some people may be nervous about committing to a pass now in this current uncertainty. With that in mind, we are redefining pass protection with our new ‘Epic Coverage,’ free for all pass holders, and extending our spring deadlines to Labor Day to give them the time they need. We truly hope this plan honors our pass holders’ loyalty and provides them peace of mind for the future.”
To help address this past season, credit is being offered to pass holders based on the product that they purchased and how much they were able to use that product.
- A minimum credit of 20% for season pass holders, based on the resort closures in mid-March impacting about 20% of the core season
- Higher credits for season pass holders who used their pass less than five days
- A maximum credit of 80% if you did not use your season pass at all, because we recognize that some of you were waiting until spring to use your pass
For guests that had remaining days on their 2019/2020 Epic Day Pass, Whistler Blackcomb Edge Card, or one of the other multi-pack pass products, credit for each day not used, up to 80% of the price paid for the pass product, will be given towards a pass of equal or greater value for the 2020/2021 season. That credit will be valid through Labor Day, September 7th, 2020.
As for those who do pick up an Epic Pass for the coming season, steps are also being taken to help provide some peace of mind when making your pass purchase.
Starting for the 2020/2021 season is the Epic Coverage plan, designed to take some of the risks out of buying an Epic Pass, particularly during these very uncertain times. This new plan is free for all pass holders and replaces the need to buy pass insurance. Epic Coverage provides for a full refund if you have an eligible injury, job loss, or other personal issues that may keep you from using your pass. There is also coverage for certain resort closures, similar to the COVID-19 shutdown, for example, that will also allow for a complete refund. For a more detailed look at what Epic Coverage will provide, please head to the Epic Pass website.
All of this comes with an extended deadline to make your purchase. Currently, the deadline is set at Labor Day, September 7th, 2020, though that may be reassessed if the need arises. There is also the chance to make a deposit on next season's pass for $49, an offer that is also being extended along with the purchase deadline.
As a way to make good on the shortened 2019/2020 season due to the COIVD-19 outbreak, this will hopefully be able to satisfy the many needs of Epic Pass holders and new customers. This will also serve, in part, as a way to make good on the lawsuit that has been brought against Vail Resorts, Inc. and should fairly effectively make that lawsuit go away. It will be interesting to watch as the spring continues and to see how the public accepts this plan.
Photo Credit: Vail Resorts, Inc./FB
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