Vail Resorts Launches Epic Ascent, Bringing Concierge Services and Personalized Experiences to Private Ski Lessons

Vail Resorts announced that Epic Ascent private lessons are now available to reserve at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek for personalized mountain experiences, expert ski and snowboard instruction, and skip-the-lift-line access this winter. The new Epic Ascent program automatically upgrades all private lessons into guided experiences for up to six guests with exclusive perks and a dedicated concierge to coordinate every detail of the overall trip, including dining reservations, white-glove gear rental, customized ski day itineraries and transportation coordination. Vail Resorts is also expanding connected Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app from four to 14 resorts, further supporting guests' pathway to skills progression.

"Traditionally, a private lesson began when an instructor met a guest on the mountain," said Bill Rock, President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division. "With Epic Ascent, the private lesson experience now begins well before arrival and extends far beyond instruction, because guests aren't just booking a lesson – they are booking a mountain guide for a curated vacation experience. Whether you've got a group of friends planning a girls' trip, a family ready to explore the slopes together, or individuals looking for personalized coaching on expert terrain, Epic Ascent brings together expert instruction, concierge planning and insider knowledge to create ski days that feel personal, effortless and unforgettable."

Epic Ascent is now available to reserve online at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek. Guests are encouraged to reserve early to secure preferred dates during the 2026/27 season. Group ski and ride lessons are also available to book across Vail Resorts' North American resorts, with Epic Pass Holders receiving 20% off group lessons. Lock in an Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass before prices increase after October 7.

Beginning this winter, all private lessons at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek will be automatically upgraded to Epic Ascent to transform a traditional lesson into a curated mountain experience with vacation-planning concierge support. Epic Ascent will not result in increased private lesson prices, beyond normal inflation. Each booking accommodates individuals or groups of up to six participants at the same price and features:

Epic Ascent's concierge team can also share insider recommendations to curate customized ski day itineraries that adapt to the unique goals and interests of each guest. Itinerary examples include a girls' trip with morning ski exploration and an afternoon après scene; a family vacation looking to cruise the best blue groomers for shared mountain time; individuals who want personalized coaching on expert terrain before they ski their way to a great meal on mountain; and much more.

Epic Ascent launches at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek for the 2026/27 winter season, with expansion planned to additional mountain resorts in 2027/28.

Vail Resorts is significantly expanding Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app to offer guests in group lessons digital check-in for seamless arrivals, real-time lesson and photo updates, and the ability to track and build skills progression over time. Originally launched at four resorts in Colorado, the experience will be available at 14 resorts across the country this winter.

Designed for guests participating in group ski and snowboard lessons, connected Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app creates a personalized digital record of each guest's learning journey, capturing photos, lesson history, skill achievements, terrain milestones and instructor feedback in one place. Key features include digital check-in, real-time updates and photos shared throughout the day, achievement and terrain-based badges, and lesson summaries that help track progress over time and across various resorts. The experience gives parents visibility into their child's day on the mountain, while providing guests of all ages with a lasting record of their progression wherever they choose to ski and ride.

"Over the past year, we've received feedback from guests who greatly appreciated the app's ability to help parents stay connected during their kid's lessons and track skills achieved," said Rock. "Learning to ski and snowboard is a journey, and every lesson should build on the one before it. By expanding access to Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app, we're offering more guests a connected, personalized way to see that journey come to life."

Connected Ski & Ride School in the My Epic app is available this winter at Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Crested Butte, Heavenly, Hunter Mountain, Kirkwood, Mount Snow, Northstar, Okemo, Stevens Pass and Stowe.

Guests interested in Epic Ascent and Ski & Ride School this winter should purchase an Epic Pass before prices increase after October 7. With new savings for young adults, skiers and riders ages 13-30 can save 20% on an Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass. Plus, guests who purchase an Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass now will receive five Epic Friend Tickets offering 50% off adult lift tickets, making it easier to bring the crew along and save. Epic Friend Tickets can also be used for 25% off child lift ticket prices.

For those who prefer to customize their access, Epic Day Pass allows guests to choose the number of days they want to ski or ride. An Epic 4-Day Pass offers up to 65% savings compared to lift ticket prices, with prices starting at $223 for adults (ages 13+) and $116 for children (ages 5-12).

In addition to access to world-class mountain destinations, Epic Pass Holders receive exclusive savings including 20% off group lessons, equipment rentals, dining, lodging and other eligible mountain experiences with Epic Mountain Rewards.