Sölden joins Epic Pass: Why this Austrian resort is the crown jewel of vail’s 2025/26 expansion

In a major expansion of its international footprint, Vail Resorts has officially announced that Sölden, one of Austria’s most renowned ski destinations, will join the Epic Pass lineup for the 2025/26 winter season. The move adds significant value to what is already considered one of the world’s most comprehensive multi-resort ski passes. Sölden becomes the newest alpine crown jewel accessible through the Epic Pass, just one day before the May 26 deadline to purchase the pass at its lowest annual price.

Located in the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol and just 52 miles from Innsbruck Airport, Sölden is a staple of European skiing, offering a rare combination of glacier and mountain terrain with world-class infrastructure. Known for its reliable snow conditions, thanks to high-altitude glaciers and cutting-edge snowmaking systems, Sölden provides consistent skiing from autumn through late spring. This high-profile addition rounds out a week of successive Austrian resort partnerships announced by Vail Resorts, aimed at enhancing its appeal among international skiers.

What Makes Sölden a Standout Alpine Destination?

Sölden is not just another ski resort—it is a multi-sensory mountain experience. The resort is home to 31 lifts, nearly 90 miles of slopes, and over 30 mountain huts that fuse traditional alpine hospitality with modern flair. Among its standout attractions is the 007 ELEMENTS installation—a cinematic James Bond experience located at over 9,800 feet—alongside the ice Q gourmet restaurant, which gained global attention after featuring in the Bond film Spectre.

Another signature experience is the BIG3 Rally, which spans Sölden’s three highest peaks and is considered a rite of passage for serious alpine enthusiasts. From luxury wellness escapes to high-adrenaline glacier skiing, Sölden delivers an unmatched blend of sport, entertainment, and relaxation.

The resort is also known for hosting high-profile events, including the annual FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Opening and the Electric Mountain Festival that features international DJs performing at high altitudes. The Hannibal glacier performance, a large-scale live drama enacted on snow and ice, adds to the resort’s growing legacy as an alpine venue for immersive storytelling and visual spectacle.

How Will Epic Pass Holders Benefit from Sölden Access?

Beginning winter 2025/26, Epic Pass holders will receive five days of lift access at Sölden, included with the base price of the pass. Adult Epic Passes are currently priced at $1,051, while children’s passes cost $537. Vail Resorts also offers the Epic Adaptive Pass at $527 for adults and $270 for children, both of which include Sölden access. May 26 marks the final day to secure the pass at its lowest price, alongside perks such as two Buddy Tickets—which offer up to 45% discounts on lift tickets—and six “Ski With a Friend” tickets for added value.

Buyers also have the option of locking in their purchase with just $49 down, with the remainder due by mid-September. These incentives are tailored to attract early commitment while allowing pass holders to retain flexibility in trip planning.

What’s Behind Vail Resorts’ Push into Austria?

Sölden’s inclusion caps a week of aggressive Austrian market expansion by Vail Resorts. Other resorts recently added to the Epic Pass portfolio include Saalbach, Zell am See-Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Hintertux, and Silvretta Montafon. These are in addition to existing access to Ski Arlberg, which is not only Austria’s largest connected ski resort but also one of the six largest ski destinations in the world.

This coordinated push into Austria underlines a broader strategy by Vail Resorts to deepen its European portfolio and enhance year-round value for global pass holders. With European skiing continuing to attract North American travelers, these moves are likely to have ripple effects across the industry, encouraging more multi-resort alliances.

According to Jakob Falkner, CEO of Bergbahnen Sölden, the decision to join the Epic Pass reflects a vision of global connectivity and alpine innovation. He described the partnership as a merger of heritage, high-performance infrastructure, and modern tourism, positioning Sölden to attract a new wave of international visitors.

How Big Is the Epic Pass Network in 2025?

The 2025/26 Epic Pass grants access to 34 resorts across ten ski regions in Europe and offers unlimited, unrestricted entry to 37 resorts in North America. These include marquee destinations like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain, Park City Mountain, Breckenridge, and Stowe. In addition to European resorts in Austria and Switzerland—like Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana—the Epic Pass also covers resorts in Australia, including Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek.

This expansion brings Vail Resorts’ global reach to new heights, creating what is arguably the most diversified and extensive ski pass program in the world. For skiers and snowboarders seeking flexibility, variety, and global travel potential, the Epic Pass continues to stand out as a category leader.

What Are the Latest Investments at Sölden for 2025/26?

Sölden is also undergoing a significant infrastructure upgrade to enhance the guest experience ahead of the 2025/26 season. Two new high-capacity lifts are being installed to improve glacier access and reduce wait times. These additions aim to reinforce Sölden’s commitment to innovation and year-round mountain tourism. Meanwhile, the Aqua Dome—Tirol Therme, located nearby—remains one of the most iconic wellness experiences in the region, drawing spa-goers and winter sports lovers alike.

This investment cycle aligns with Vail Resorts’ broader philosophy of continuous enhancement across its portfolio, ensuring that its most popular destinations remain at the forefront of mountain travel trends.

What’s the Bigger Picture for Vail Resorts?

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) has cultivated a reputation for operational excellence and innovation in mountain tourism. Beyond skiing, the company manages a collection of upscale accommodations under the RockResorts brand, vacation rentals, and over 250 retail and rental outlets. Its sustainability initiative, EpicPromise, commits the company to achieving a zero net operating footprint by 2030, promoting community engagement, and expanding diversity in mountain sports.

The decision to bring Sölden into the Epic Pass family aligns with the company’s dual goals: to provide unmatched value and experience for skiers while expanding its international appeal. The move also serves to enhance Vail’s competitive edge against other ski conglomerates like Alterra Mountain Company, which offers the Ikon Pass.

By offering access to a destination that combines Olympic-level skiing, cinematic tourism, and luxury wellness, Vail Resorts is betting that Sölden will drive renewed interest from both European and North American markets in its global pass platform.