1. What is the EPIC Pass? (Overview)
The EPIC Pass is a global season pass issued by Vail Resorts. It offers lift access across multiple resorts and countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. Depending on the pass type, holders can gain access to a wide network of mountains with a single purchase.
Note: EPIC Passes come in several variations. Not every pass provides unlimited access to every resort — some types impose date restrictions, daily limits, or blackout periods. Always check the specific terms of the pass you buy.
2. Where you can use EPIC Pass in Japan
EPIC Pass, Epic Local and Epic Australia passes typically include a special benefit for Japan: a block of five consecutive days of lift access at partner resorts. However, the EPIC mobile pass (the “My Epic” app) generally cannot be scanned directly for lift access in Japan. Instead, you must exchange your pass at the resort ticket window to receive a local lift ticket.
Rusutsu Resort (Hokkaido)
Rusutsu Resort is a full-service snow destination in Hokkaido, conveniently reachable from New Chitose (Sapporo) Airport. It features three main mountains — West, East and Mt. Isola — with about 37 courses and more than 42 km of total runs. The terrain ranges from gentle slopes for beginners to tree runs and un-groomed areas for advanced riders.
The resort offers hotels such as Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention and The Westin Rusutsu Resort, making it popular with families and international visitors. As an EPIC partner, Rusutsu typically provides a fixed number of complimentary days to EPIC holders, and it is often preferred by skiers seeking premium powder and well-maintained facilities.
Hakuba Valley (Nagano)
Hakuba Valley spans ten ski areas around the northern Japanese Alps, including Hakuba Happo-one, Hakuba 47, Goryu, Iwatake and Tsugaike. Known internationally since the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, the valley offers varied terrain: wide groomers for learners, steep runs and backcountry access for experts, and dependable dry powder in many seasons.
Hakuba’s strong tourism infrastructure — English-friendly lodging, restaurants and shuttle services — makes it a favorite for overseas skiers. EPIC Pass holders can use a limited block of days at Hakuba and may benefit from free shuttle access inside the valley on some plans.
3. How to use and exchange your pass in Japan
- Buy & register your EPIC Pass: Purchase through the official EPIC website and complete registration. You may need to upload a photo for identification.
- Exchange at the resort: At Rusutsu or Hakuba, present your EPIC account info or pass and a photo ID (passport recommended) at the designated ticket counter. You will receive a local lift ticket that covers the eligible consecutive days.
- Use the local lift ticket: The exchanged ticket is used to access lifts at partner resorts. Note that mobile passes are usually not accepted for direct gate access in Japan.
- Check dates & blackout rules: Japanese partner benefits typically appear as “five consecutive days,” so plan your trip accordingly and confirm any seasonal changes before traveling.
Tip: Always bring your passport and the email confirmation from EPIC when you go to exchange the pass — this speeds up the counter process.
4. Can you enjoy both Rusutsu and Hakuba in one trip?
Rusutsu (Hokkaido) and Hakuba (Nagano) lie far apart — roughly 800 km as the crow flies and over 1,000 km by practical travel routes. Traveling between them in one day is unrealistic; expect a full travel day when switching regions.
Typical travel routes include flying between New Chitose (Sapporo) and Tokyo, then transferring by bus or car to Hakuba (or using regional flights to Matsumoto when available). A realistic itinerary might split the season into a Hokkaido block and a Nagano block. EPIC Pass ownership makes combining both regions in a single season easy (one pass, multiple trips), but plan logistics carefully.
5. Final notes for blog readers
EPIC Pass brings an attractive option for skiers who want to experience multiple countries and top resorts with one seasonal purchase. For readers based in Japan, EPIC is most valuable if you plan several trips (for example, a Hokkaido trip and a Nagano trip) or if you travel internationally to other EPIC resorts.
Before you buy: check the current season’s EPIC terms, confirm which Japanese resorts are included that year, and confirm the exact exchange locations and procedures at Rusutsu and Hakuba. Prices, terms and partner lists change year to year, so link to official sources in your blog post for the latest details.
