Access Full Map: Ikon vs Epic Pass
Colorado is always an interesting one as some of best ski mountains belong to both companies. On one hand you have Ikon’s Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Aspen, and Steamboat. On the other hand, Epic offers Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek.
Overall Mountain Quality: Epic
If we pit all of Ikon’s mountains against Epic in Colorado, Epic wins hands down. The terrain & size of Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek are just much better.
Distance: Ikon
Sometimes, you may not want to be stuck in the I-70 for 5+ hours both ways over a weekend. Ikon does have the benefit of having the closest resorts (Winter Park & Eldora Mountain). If you live near Boulder, you can reach them in just 40 minutes.
Destination Resort: Tie
I think if the decision rests in whether you want to fly elsewhere or not. If you want to do a road trip to Mammoth Mountain or Whistler, then get the Epic. If you want to fly to Niseko, Tremblant, or Zermatt, then get the Ikon.
Conclusion: Rotate between the two each year
If you have money to blow, obviously get both. But if you are a poor college student like myself, I’d rotate each year between the 2 so I get the best of both worlds!