2022-2023 Eagle County Merchant Pass Program Announced
VAIL, Colo. – 2022-2023: Vail Resorts and Vail Chamber & Business Association (VBCA) have announced details of the 2022-2023 Eagle County Merchant Pass program, which is again offering two pass options for qualifying local businesses.
“Vail Mountain is honored to partner with Eagle County merchants through the Vail Valley Partnership & Vail Chamber and Business Association on our Merchant Pass products. Especially during our 60th Anniversary Season, these pass products demonstrate our continued commitment to our community and our belief that guests experience the mountain and community as one destination.” – Beth Howard, Vice President & COO – Vail Mountain.
The Merchant Pass Program includes two options for the Merchant Pass – the Epic Merchant Pass and the Epic Local Merchant Pass. Both passes have expanded access from the original merchant pass program and offer the local community the option to ski and snowboard outside of Colorado. These options offer the opportunity to choose between passes with varying access and pricing.
The 2022-2023 Epic Merchant Pass will be offered for $841, and the Epic Local Merchant Pass will be offered for $626. The pass price is subject to change with sufficient notice and is available for purchase all season.
The Merchant Pass program has existed for many years, providing a compelling hiring tool for local businesses due to the wide-ranging benefits for employees. Unlike any other pass product, the pass ownership resides with the business versus an individual, features a one-time transfer for $115 to accommodate employee changes, and does not have a purchase deadline.
Unlike the Epic Pass, which is owned by the pass holder, the passes available through the Merchant Program are owned by the “merchant” or business, and if an employee leaves, the pass will be deactivated by the business and may be transferred to another employee.
Both Merchant Passes will be restricted at some resorts, including
Vail and Beaver Creek,
Passes available through the Merchant Program provide several ancillary benefits to employees. Benefit offerings include access to Vail Resorts’ popular ski and snowboard application EpicMix, six ski- with-a-friend tickets, one free Ski or Snowboard lesson (November 27 – December 16, 2022, or January 15 – February 28, 2023), one free snowshoe tour (only offered at Beaver Creek), summer lift access at Vail and Beaver Creek and passholder bike haul rates. Some restrictions apply to these benefits.
Holiday Restrictions will apply during at Vail, Beaver Creek, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, Heavenly, NorthStar, Kirkwood and Stowe.
Qualifying for the Merchant Pass
To be eligible for the Merchant Pass program, businesses must first belong to the Vail Chamber & Business Association (VCBA) or Vail Valley Partnership (VVP). Second, businesses must participate in one of the qualifying events or programs the associations offer. More information regarding the programs offered can be found online at www.vail.com/vbcmerchantpass. Companies must remain in good standing with their Association.
Additional Merchant Pass Benefits
To obtain a Merchant Pass, businesses must contact their qualified association to determine eligibility. All Merchant Pass information is distributed through the Associations.
Vail Merchant Pass sales will begin on November 4th at the Lionshead pass office in Vail and on November 5th at the Beaver Creek pass office. Vail Mountain is scheduled to open Friday, Nov. 11th, 2022 and Beaver Creek Resort is scheduled to open Wednesday, Nov. 23rd, 2022.
For additional information about the 2022-2023 Vail Resorts Merchant Pass, call (970) SKI-VAIL (754- 8245) Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Merchants can also e-mail or visit www.vail.com/vbcmerchantpass.
Or call the Vail Chamber & Business Association at (970) 477-0075 or email info@vailchamber.org.
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