Yes, some Eagle County employees can get a 2026–27 Merchant Ski Pass, but the employer must qualify and purchase it through the program. It is a business benefit, not a pass that any local worker can buy independently. Here is how to check eligibility before ski season.
Who qualifies for a Merchant Pass?
The Vail Valley Partnership says participating employers must belong to it or the Vail Chamber & Business Association. VVP businesses must have a Copper-level membership or higher and meet a program qualifier. The pass is for employees who work in Eagle County; Vail Resorts says contract workers are not eligible. Ask your employer whether the business is participating before making plans around a pass.
The business retains ownership of the pass. If a worker leaves, the employer can deactivate it and transfer it once to another eligible employee for a $115 fee. That makes the program different from an ordinary personal Epic Pass.
How much are the 2026–27 passes?
| Pass | Published price | Vail and Beaver Creek access |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant Epic Pass | $1,089 | Unlimited, subject to listed holiday restrictions |
| Merchant Epic Local Pass | $809 | 10 days, subject to listed holiday restrictions |
Both prices appear on the Vail Mountain Merchant Pass page and the partnership’s program page. The listed restricted dates include Nov. 27–28 and Dec. 26–31, 2026, plus Jan. 16 and Feb. 13–14, 2027. Resort access differs beyond Vail and Beaver Creek, so compare the current operator details before choosing a version.
What does an employer need to do?
- Confirm association eligibility. A business needs qualifying VVP or VCBA membership.
- Complete a program qualifier. VVP lists several routes, including a winter update, a professional-development course or a Vail Valley Works contribution. Some options apply only to particular businesses.
- Apply and wait for confirmation. The partnership says to allow three business days for its application processing. Vail Resorts says the association must confirm eligibility before passes are issued.
- Purchase passes or vouchers through the business. The employer pays with a company payment method. An employee redeeming a voucher needs photo ID and recent proof of employment or the program’s designated form.
Check the current VVP instructions for the application, qualifying sessions and pass-office arrangements. The partnership page lists conflicting Beaver Creek office dates in two places, so confirm the current office opening and hours directly before visiting.
Questions employees should ask before relying on a pass
- Is my employer enrolled through VVP or VCBA, and has it completed a qualifier?
- Which pass version will the business purchase, and who pays its cost?
- Will the restricted dates or the Local Pass’s 10-day Vail/Beaver Creek limit affect my plans?
- When will the employer receive approval and make the pass available?
If you are planning a trip around opening day, use ECL’s Vail winter transportation guide to plan the rest of your journey. Check resort conditions and the latest pass rules before you go.
Program information checked Oct. 30, 2026. Prices, benefits, restrictions and office hours can change. Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration of a winter mountain town, not a photograph of a specific street.
