The Epic Pass is truly living up to its name. Vail Resorts, Inc. has just announced a new partnership with Les 3 Vallées, France, which will allow Epic Season Pass holders to take advantage of five free days of riding at the largest interconnected ski area in the world. Les 3 Vallées boasts 8 different resorts, 180 lifts, and an average snowfall of almost 17 feet. Open from Dec. 7, 2013 – Apr. 25, 2014, Les 3 Vallées also lays claim to the highest resort in Europe, Val Thorens.

“Les 3 Vallées is the largest ski area in the world and preeminent destination in ski terrain choice, service and gastronomy in Europe” said Vincent Lalanne-Clouté, director of Les 3 Vallées. “We’re excited to partner with Vail Resorts as they operate the preeminent mountain resorts in the U.S. All eight resorts in Les 3 Vallées area look forward to welcoming Epic Pass holders to France this winter and offering our guests the experience of skiing and riding the premier resorts in the United States.”

With this addition, The Epic Pass now includes access to 26 mountains in four countries for $689.

Get all the dirty details from Vail Resorts’ press release below:

BROOMFIELD, Colo.– Aug. 28, 2013 – Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today announced an epic partnership with the largest ski area in the world, Les 3 Vallées, home to the legendary mountain resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle, France. The Epic Season Pass now features five free days of skiing and riding in Les 3 Vallées, bringing the total access to 26 world-class mountains in four countries and further enhancing the already exceptional value of the world’s greatest lift pass. Epic Pass holders have the opportunity to experience the best of Europe and the best of the USA, with access to Verbier, Switzerland; Arlberg, Austria; and now Les 3 Vallées, France, in addition to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Eldora in Colorado; Heavenly, Northstar andKirkwood in Lake Tahoe; and new for the 2013-2014 season, Canyons in Park City, Utah. Les 3 Vallées area lies in the heart of the French Alps and is legendary among skiers and riders around the globe, revered for its elegant charm and baroque art and architecture, boasting nine ski-in/ski-out Michelin-star restaurants and exceptional ski-in/ski-out lodging, all while maintaining its alpine character and family friendly appeal. Often voted the best location in Europe for early season snow, Les 3 Vallées has been a long-standing favorite for skiers and riders seeking a truly world-class European experience.

The unrestricted five free days of skiing and riding will be reciprocated for Les 3 Vallées season pass holders, allowing even more European guests to experience Vail Resorts’ world-class mountain resorts. At only $689, the Epic Season Pass is the best value lift pass in the industry. 
 
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Les 3 Vallées, as Epic Pass holders can now ski the best resorts in the world, in four countries, on one pass. Vail Resorts is constantly looking for opportunities to enhance the incredible value of the Epic Pass that our  guests already receive and enjoy. In March, we announced that we increased the number of free days of access to Verbier, Switzerland, from three to five for the 2013-2014 season, followed shortly thereafter with news of an additional five days access to Arlberg, Austria, and most recently our acquisition of Vail Resorts’ first Utah mountain resort, Canyons” said Kirsten Lynch, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “Epic Season Pass holders already enjoy an incredible experience with unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts’ eight world-class resorts, includingVail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone,  Canyons, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood and, as well as Arapahoe Basin and Eldora, but the addition of fifteen complimentary days of world-class skiing across France, Austria and Switzerland makes the Epic Pass the most compelling lift ticket offering available for skiers and riders, irrespective of where they live around the globe.”
 
Skiers and riders receive the lowest guaranteed prices on next season by purchasing their passes before September 2, 2013.  
Vail Resorts also offers other pass options for guests next winter:

The Epic Local Pass™is perfect for guests who can navigate a pass with a few more restrictions on their winter vacation. The Epic Local Pass for $529 offers unlimited and unrestricted skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with limited restrictions at Canyons, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. Also includes a total of 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek with US holiday restrictions. At the spring rate, the Epic Local Pass pays for itself in just over four days.

The Epic 7-Day ™ is ideal for guests who only plan to ski seven days throughout the winter season. It features seven unrestricted days of skiing and riding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Canyons in Park City, Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe. The Epic 7-day is $529 for adults and $269 for children (ages 5-12).

With the Epic 4-Day ™, skiers and riders get four total unrestricted ticketsvalid at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Canyons in Park City, Utah; and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe. The Epic 4-Day is $349 for adults and $199 for children (ages 5-12). The Epic 4-Day is ideal for guests who only plan to take one ski vacation this winter.

For more information or to purchase your pass, visit http://www.epicpass.com.

Season Pass Benefits
Access to Les 3 Vallées is only provided to Epic Pass holders and not holders of other passes offered by Vail Resorts (Epic Local, Tahoe Local, Summit Value and Tahoe Value). In addition to the five days of free skiing at Les 3 Vallées, Epic Pass and all Vail Resorts season pass holders will continue to receive exclusive offers on lodging, dining, ski rentals, equipment, ski school and special events for the 2013-2014 ski and snowboard season at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge,Keystone, Canyons, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, as well as Arapahoe Basin and Eldora. All season pass products are non-transferable and non-refundable.
 
Season Pass Insurance Option: Protect Your Pass Investment in the Event of Unexpected Circumstances
Vail Resorts encourages its guests to purchase pass insurance. All of the Company’s season pass products are non-refundable. However, pass insurance covers pass holders in the event of unexpected circumstances including sickness, injury and job loss. Pass insurance is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Coverage applies for all season passes valid for the 2013-2014 ski and snowboard season.
 
Lowest Price Guarantee Only Available Through September 2nd, 2013 
Skiers and riders should purchase their passes for next year now, as these prices and benefits are only guaranteed through September 2nd, 2013. All passes are available for purchase onwww.epicpass.com.