Vail Resorts Boosts Epic Pass Offerings With New Austrian Destinations

Vail Resorts, Inc. MTN recently announced the inclusion of two Austrian ski destinations — Mayrhofen and Hintertux — into its Epic Pass portfolio, beginning with the 2025/26 winter season. The news follows on the heels of the company’s recent addition of Saalbach and Zell am See-Kaprun, expanding the Epic Pass lineup in Austria. The initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to bolstering its presence in Austria and enhancing the Epic Pass value proposition for skiers and snowboarders worldwide.

The addition of Mayrhofen and Hintertux significantly enhances the Epic Pass’ European offerings. Located in the renowned Zillertal Valley, these resorts boast more than 120 miles of expertly maintained slopes, catering to a broad range of skill levels. From the beginner-friendly Ahorn plateau to the extreme Harakiri slope — Austria’s steepest with a 78% gradient — Mayrhofen provides diverse terrain for every enthusiast. Hintertux Glacier distinguishes itself with year-round skiing, thanks to its high elevation and glacier terrain. Unique attractions like the Nature’s Ice Palace further elevate the destination's appeal.

From a financial perspective, the expansion supports Vail Resorts’ long-term growth strategy by increasing product attractiveness and driving customer engagement. Epic and Epic Adaptive Pass holders will gain five consecutive days of access at both Austrian resorts. Early purchasers benefit from added incentives, including two Buddy Tickets with up to 45% lift ticket savings and six “Ski With a Friend” passes. A $49 down payment option also lowers the barrier to entry, encouraging early commitment and boosting advance sales.

With access to more than 80 resorts globally — including marquee names like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail Mountain and Park City — the Epic Pass continues to stand out in the multi-resort ski pass market. Management remains optimistic that the recent additions will enhance customer retention, expand international appeal and contribute meaningfully to top-line growth in future seasons.

MTN Stock Price Performance

Shares of Vail Resorts have declined 20.7% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 11.8% fall. The company’s prospects are hurting due to weather-related challenges and reduced skier visitation levels. During the second quarter of fiscal 2025, skier visitation fell by 2.5% compared with the previous year due to unfavorable weather across resorts in Australia. Earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have decreased in the past 30 days, depicting analysts' concerns.

That said, the company is poised to benefit from its offerings such as Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Day Pass and Epic Coverage products. Also, the emphasis on property developments bodes well. It is set to realize the benefits of its two-year resource efficiency transformation plan by generating $100 million in annualized savings by the end of fiscal 2026.

MTN’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Vail Resorts currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

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