Ski 5 resorts in 5 days across two states... is it possible? The answer is yes - as I found out in back in March when I hit the slopes with Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass. Back for winter 2009/10, the Epic Season Pass is valid for unlimited skiing all season at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, as well as Heavenly in California; perfect for long stays, or for people visiting the States twice during the 2009/10 season.

Epic Pass Adventure

Day 1

There’s nothing better than waking up on the first morning of your trip to over 12 inches of fresh powder, and that’s exactly what we got on day one of our Epic adventure - welcome to Vail! After a mammoth breakfast at the Arrabelle in Lionshead we made our way to Blue Sky Basin – the skiing here is unbelievable, with over 600 acres of wilderness-like terrain at your ski tips you will not be short of fresh tracks & tree runs. After a morning’s hard skiing it was on to a fantastic barbeque lunch at Belles Camp - an on mountain restaurant equipped with large outdoor grills where you bring your own ingredients and can grill up your own creations. To make the most of your holiday in Vail, there are free Mountain Host tours available for intermediate skiers and above, including a tour of Blue Sky Basin. This tour is available for strong intermediate and above skiers only with the aim of familiarizing guests with the natural and gladed terrain of Blue Sky Basin. Offered Daily at 11:00am at the yurt located next to Patrol Headquarters (Henry's Hut).

Day 2

Today was Beaver Creek’s turn, and whilst being whisked up the escalators located around the resort base, nerves were building for our run down the Birds of Prey race course, widely recognized as one of the top three race courses in the world, and the only venue in the United States to hold a Men's World Cup event. The course starts with several great rollers which almost put you into a false sense of security before giving way into a shear drop which pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the course! But don’t worry: if gentle cruisers or powder tree skiing are more your thing, Beaver Creek has those in abundance too, and something for everyone. If you’re in Beaver Creek 4 – 6 December 2009 then be sure to watch the first stage of the Men’s Downhill. This free spectator event is fun for the whole family. The road to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games runs straight through Beaver Creek.

Day 3

Far from the groomed turns and high-speed tucking of the Birds of Prey was where we found ourselves on the 3rd stage of the Epic adventure – KAT skiing in Keystone. This is most amazing way to see Keystone. In the comfort of a heated snowcat, we travelled above the tree line to 12,000 feet to a ridgeline above Independence Bowl, ready to dive into the huge bowl of powder beneath us. Throughout the day our highly qualified guides showed us the best runs and untracked terrain that Keystone could offer, and refueled us at lunch in the warming hut catered by the five-star Alpenglow Stube. This is a must for anyone visiting the area.

Day 4

After three days of constant snow fall (not that we were complaining!) we woke up in Breckenridge to the perfect blue bird day. Bliss! We were staying at the new Crystal Peak Lodge located on Peak 7 which meant that we could pretty much just step on to the Independence Superchair and head up, up and away! Breckenridge has 4 peaks each over 12,000ft, meaning ample light dry snow and terrain suitable for all standards of skier and boarder. All 4 peaks have excellent lift systems and with more and more improvements each season, Breckenridge’s reputation for outstanding skiing and minimal lift lines is further enhanced. Skiing and riding on Breckenridge’s four huge peaks is sure to work up an appetite. Breckenridge has something for all tastes buds and budgets – personal recommendations are the Breckenridge Brewery and the Hearthstone Restaurant.

Day 5

Yesterday Colorado, this morning Nevada & California! Day five saw us wake up in Heavenly. The Epic Pass also covers skiing in Heavenly, which lies on the Stateline of Nevada & California, so in order to have the true Epic adventure this was our final stop – a 2 hr flight from Denver to Reno. This is one of the most breathtaking & unusual resorts I have ever been to - the jaw dropping scenery of Lake Tahoe and the Nevada deserts hits you on every corner, whilst being reminded of the Nevada influence with 24 hr casinos at the bottom of the gondola; Heavenly really has to be experienced to be believed! Home to one of the pioneers of freestyle skiing, Glen Plake, Heavenly will not disappoint, with world class skiing and world class views. The perfect way to finish an Epic adventure. For fantastic prices on the Epic pass visit our online ski extras booking site To see more photos from the Epic adventure, click here For more information on the Epic Pass or to book your own Epic adventure, call our reservations team today on 0131 243 8097.

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