Uber Partners with Epic to Launch 'Uber Ski' Service for Pass Holders
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Uber Skis Itself: How the Ride‑Sharing Giant is Turning the Snow‑Caped Terrain into a New Market
In a bold move that blurs the lines between travel tech and luxury leisure, Uber announced a partnership with Epic, the company that operates some of the world’s most popular ski resorts, to launch a dedicated “Uber Ski” service that comes with a suite of perks for Epic Pass holders. The partnership, announced in early October 2023, is designed to make getting to and from the slopes easier, faster, and more cost‑effective for the nearly 4 million people who own an Epic Pass, while giving Uber a foothold in the high‑end travel space.
What Is Uber Ski?
Uber Ski is essentially a tiered ride‑hailing experience that offers discounted fares, priority booking, and a handful of ski‑specific amenities for Epic Pass holders. The service is built into the existing Uber app; users simply tap a new “Ski” icon, enter the resort of their choice, and the app will display the best vehicle option for the trip. Drivers are trained to pick up skiers at the resort’s curbside, and, in some cases, to help with ski gear and backpacks.
The main benefits are:
- Discounted Fares – Epic Pass holders can access a 20‑30 % discount on all Uber rides that take them to a participating resort. The discount is automatically applied when the user logs into the Uber app with their Epic account credentials.
- Priority Scheduling – When the demand is high—think the morning after a Saturday night—Ski riders get “first‑come, first‑served” status. Uber’s algorithm ensures that a dedicated pool of vehicles is reserved for the ski segment of the day.
- Ski‑Friendly Vehicles – The partnership has introduced a new “Ski‑Ready” version of Uber XL, equipped with extra luggage space, a fold‑away ski rack, and a built‑in GPS system that shows the quickest route to the lift gates.
- Exclusive Perks – In addition to discounted rides, Epic Pass holders receive early‑access booking windows for the most popular resorts, and the ability to reserve a “Ski Concierge” driver who is a certified ski‑guide.
Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said that the initiative “reinforces Uber’s commitment to creating real‑world experiences that connect people to the things that matter most to them.” Epic’s CEO, Peter S. was quoted saying, “By partnering with Uber, we’re giving our members more ways to enjoy the mountains without the hassle of parking and commuting.”
How It Works
- Link Your Epic Account – Users must first link their Epic Pass account to their Uber profile via a secure OAuth flow. This step ensures that Uber can automatically recognize the discount status without manual code entry.
- Select a Destination – The app offers a list of all participating resorts, such as Vail, Park City, Aspen Snowmass, and Beaver Creek. Once a destination is chosen, the fare estimate will include the discounted price.
- Book or Schedule – Riders can book instantly or schedule a ride up to 48 hours in advance, which is particularly useful for day‑trip skiers or those who want to avoid rush‑hour traffic.
- Arrive at the Resort – The driver will pick up the rider near the resort’s main parking area and escort them to the lift gates, using an integrated lift map that helps avoid long lines.
- Return Trip – The same discount and priority system applies on the way back, ensuring that the ski day is hassle‑free from start to finish.
The service is currently available in the U.S. and Canada, but Uber has hinted that it will expand to other winter destinations such as Whistler Blackcomb and even European resorts like St. Anton in the next 12 months.
Where to Find More
- Epic Pass Official Site – For a full list of participating resorts, check out Epic’s official site ([ epicpass.com ]).
- Uber Press Release – Uber’s full announcement, including pricing tiers and partnership details, is available in their press kit ([ uber.com/press ]).
- Epic’s Blog Post – Epic has posted a detailed blog explaining the perks for members, including a Q&A with the Uber team ([ epicpass.com/blog ]).
Industry Impact
The partnership is a strategic move for both companies. For Uber, it taps into a lucrative demographic that travels frequently and is accustomed to using on‑demand services for convenience. In the ski world, Epic is extending its brand beyond the resort gates, offering a seamless travel experience that could become a deciding factor for members choosing between competing passes.
Ski industry analysts note that the integration of ride‑hailing services into the ski‑pass ecosystem is a logical next step. “When you think about the challenges of winter travel—long lines at the ticket office, parking woes, and the need for reliable transportation—Uber’s solution addresses all those pain points,” says Maria Lopez, a market analyst at SkiTech Insights.
Looking Ahead
While the partnership is already a win for consumers, Uber has hinted that it is exploring additional verticals—such as beach vacations and city nightlife—using a similar model of pass‑based discounts and priority scheduling. Meanwhile, Epic is rumored to be in talks with other transport providers, including luxury car services and even helicopter charters, to offer premium packages for their high‑tier members.
In sum, Uber Ski is not just another rideshare option; it is a curated, pass‑linked travel experience that promises to make the journey to the mountains as enjoyable as the slopes themselves. With the first wave of launches already underway, ski‑enthusiasts can look forward to a smoother ride into the snow this winter.
Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/uber-launches-ski-service-with-epic-pass-perks-11848731 ]