My Epic App Review
The My Epic app (formerly known as Epic Mix) by Vail Resorts streamlines the skiing and snowboarding experience, allowing users to access lift tickets and passes directly from their smartphones.
It integrates various features such as GPS-enabled trail maps, real-time lift line wait times, resort information, and hands-free ticket scanning.
This digital transformation aims to enhance the guest experience while reducing waste by phasing out physical lift passes.
For the whole scoop, keep reading, or listen to our full review right here:
Features and Functionality
Key Features:
- Mobile Pass & Lift Tickets: Users can buy passes online, load them onto their phone, and scan them hands-free at lifts using Bluetooth technology, eliminating the need for physical tickets.
- Interactive Trail Maps: View real-time location on resort maps, track your stats, and navigate ski trails efficiently.
- Real-Time Lift Line Wait Times: Monitor current and predicted wait times for lifts, helping users plan their routes effectively.
- Resort Charge: Pay for purchases directly through the app, with the option to apply Epic Mountain Rewards discounts.
- Personalized Stats: Track data such as vertical feet, number of lift rides, and more.
- Direct Access to Ski Patrol: Quick connection to resort safety services in case of emergencies.
- Weather & Snow Reports: Stay updated with the latest weather conditions, snow depths, and live webcam feeds from the resort.
Features Exclusive to the My Epic App:
- Mobile Pass & Lift Tickets: This feature allows users to activate their ski pass or lift ticket on their phone and scan hands-free at the lift using Bluetooth technology. This eliminates the need for physical tickets or waiting in line at the ticket window. The sources indicate that, while this feature is not currently available at Whistler Blackcomb, it is expected to be available for the 2024/25 season. This feature is not mentioned as being available with other similar apps like Slopes or Liftopia.
- Resort Charge: Users can make purchases at the resort, like food and rentals, using their phone through the app. This eliminates the need to carry a wallet.
- Direct Access to Ski Patrol: Users can contact Ski Patrol directly through the app during an emergency. The app uses the user’s GPS location to help Ski Patrol quickly locate them.
Best Use Cases
Who is this app for?
My Epic is ideal for Vail Resorts visitors, including both casual skiers and experienced riders who want a seamless, tech-driven way to access the mountain. It’s also great for those looking to track their performance and enjoy real-time resort updates.
When should you use this app?
Use My Epic from the moment you plan your trip until you’re on the slopes. It’s especially useful for avoiding long lines, keeping track of your group, and making in-resort purchases without hassle.
Why We Love My Epic
- Convenience: Hands-free access to the mountain reduces wait times, and the mobile payment feature makes it easy to manage purchases.
- Real-Time Information: The app’s live updates on lift lines, trail conditions, and weather help users plan their day on the slopes effectively.
- Sustainability Effort: Transitioning to digital passes minimizes the environmental impact of physical plastic cards.
Pros and Cons
Here are the main benefits and drawbacks of using the My Epic app for skiers and snowboarders at Vail Resorts:
Benefits of the My Epic App
- Hands-Free Lift Access: The app provides Mobile Pass & Lift Ticket technology that allows users to activate their pass or lift ticket on their phone and scan hands-free at the lift using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. This eliminates the need for physical tickets and waiting in ticket window lines.
- Real-Time Information: The My Epic app provides real-time updates on lift lines, wait times, trail conditions, and weather. This information can help users plan their day on the slopes more effectively and avoid long lines.
- Interactive Trail Maps: The app includes GPS-enabled interactive trail maps that allow users to view their real-time location, track their stats, and navigate the mountain. Users can explore different runs in depth and find new favorites with this feature.
- Personalized Stats Tracking: Users can track their on-mountain stats, such as vertical feet, days skied, lifts taken, resorts visited, highest elevation, and distance.
- Convenience: The app offers various convenient features like mobile payment through Resort Charge, access to Epic Mountain Rewards for pass holders, and the ability to contact Ski Patrol directly in case of emergency.
- Sustainability: The app contributes to reducing waste by phasing out physical plastic lift passes.
Drawbacks of the My Epic App
- Limited Resort Availability: The My Epic app and its Mobile Pass & Lift Ticket functionality are limited to Vail Resorts’ owned and operated North American resorts. For the 2023/24 season, it is not available at Whistler Blackcomb, partner resorts, or resorts outside North America.
- Battery Drain: The app’s reliance on Bluetooth and GPS can drain phone batteries quickly, particularly when used for extended periods. While charging stations are available at some resorts, this can still be inconvenient.
- Limited Pass Per Device: The My Epic app only supports one pass per device. This limitation can complicate usage for families with multiple skiers/snowboarders.
- Technical Issues: Some user reviews mention app crashes and issues with the maps freezing. This suggests the app may not always function reliably.
- Limited Functionality at Certain Resorts: While the app can be used at Whistler Blackcomb to track stats and access other resort information, the Mobile Pass & Lift Tickets feature is not available there for the 2023/24 season due to compatibility issues with their gate system. Full functionality is expected in the 2024/25 season.
It is important to note that while we provide a general overview of user sentiment toward the app, individual experiences may vary.
User Experience and Interface
Design and Usability:
The app has a clean, modern interface that prioritizes ease of use. Features like mobile pass activation, real-time updates, and payment integration are intuitive, though first-time users may need a brief setup period.
Performance:
Generally stable, but users should be aware of battery drain when keeping GPS and Bluetooth active for extended periods. Charging stations are available at most resorts.
Compatibility and Pricing
Platforms Supported:
Free vs Paid Version:
- The app is free to download and use, though it requires purchasing lift tickets or passes to access the slopes.
In-App Purchases:
- Users can make in-resort purchases via the app, including rentals, food, and ski lessons, using the Resort Charge feature.
Real User Reviews
What users are saying:
“Makes it super easy to get on the mountain without dealing with ticket windows. Love the hands-free feature!” – 5-star review on App Store.
“Real-time lift line data helped me avoid long waits, but the app did drain my battery quicker than expected.” – 4-star review.
“Great integration with Epic passes. Wish it supported multiple passes on one device.” – 4-star review.
Overall Rating:
4.3/5 stars based on user feedback across various platforms.
How to Get Started with My Epic
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Download: Get My Epic from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
- Activate Pass: Purchase your pass online and load it onto the app. Make sure to enable Bluetooth for hands-free scanning.
- How to Use: Track your stats, get live resort updates, and make purchases directly from your phone during your visit.
Similar Apps
- EpicMix – The previous Vail Resorts app, now integrated into My Epic, offering similar features with updates.
- Slopes – Provides detailed analytics and performance tracking for both skiing and snowboarding.
- Liftopia – Focuses on discounted lift tickets but lacks the hands-free and resort integration features of My Epic.
Final Verdict
My Epic is an innovative app that simplifies access to Vail Resorts properties, combining hands-free pass scanning, real-time updates, and seamless payment options. While it requires GPS and Bluetooth, which can impact battery life, its functionality and ease of use make it a top choice for those visiting Vail resorts.
Download My Epic Today:
Ready for a seamless mountain experience? Download My Epic and get instant access to the slopes with your phone!
