Vail Resorts Announces Rusutsu, Japan Joins The Epic Pass For The 2019-20 Winter Season

Vail Resorts, Inc has announced a long-term alliance with one of the most renowned resorts in the world for deep powder and tree skiing, Rusutsu Resort, located in Hokkaido, Japan, just 90 minutes from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport.

• Rusutsu joins the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass in a long-term alliance, beginning with the 2019-20 winter season
• Epic Pass, Epic Local and Epic Australia Pass holders will receive five consecutive complimentary days with no blackout dates at Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido, Japan for the 2019-20 season
• The Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Passes now offer 10 total days of Japanese access across 11 resorts in Japan, including the ten resorts in the Hakuba Valley
• The industry-leading Epic Pass features 66 mountain resorts in eight countries for the 2019-20 season, more than any other season pass in the world

Beginning with the 2019-20 season, the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass will offer five consecutive complimentary days with no blackout dates at the three unique, interlinked mountains that make up Rusutsu Resort. The addition of Rusutsu to the Epic Pass, brings total pass access to 66 mountain resorts in eight countries in the 2019-20 season, significantly more than any other season pass in the world.

"We’re excited to announce this long-term alliance between Vail Resorts and Rusutsu Resort, beginning in the 2019-20 season, adding access to another incredible Japanese destination for Epic Pass, Epic Australia Pass and Epic Local Pass holders,”said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “Our season pass holders crave both the variety of world-class ski and snowboard experiences and the unmatched value that the Epic Pass products offer. Now they have access to the deep powder and incredible guest experience at Rusutsu.”

“We are pleased to include Rusutsu Resort among the incredible resorts on the Epic Pass,”said Hisatake Kamori, President of Kamori Kanko. “Rusutsu offers vast ski terrain and unrivalled champagne powder to skiers and snowboarders from around the world, eager to experience our renowned Japanese hospitality.”

The addition of Rusutsu to the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Passes, brings the total Japanese access to 10 days across 11 different resorts, including the ten resorts in the Hakuba Valley. Following are the benefits that pass holders receive with each pass.

In the 2019-20 ski season, guests must present their pass at any Rusutsu ticket window in order to receive their five consecutive complimentary lift tickets. In addition, Kamori Winter Pass holders will receive 50 percent off of then current lift ticket prices at all Vail Resorts owned and operated resorts.

Rusutsu Resort, located in central Hokkaido, receives an average annual snowfall of 45 feet (14 meters) and has some of the best powder and tree skiing found anywhere in the world. The resort, comprised of three separate mountains, offers all levels of ski and snowboard terrain with more than 37 trails, connected by four gondolas and 14 lifts, with two terrain parks and 1,378 acres (42 km) of terrain. Rusutsu’s immaculately groomed trails, powder bowl access and beautiful woodland scenery is ideal for skiers and riders of all levels. Located 90 minutes from Sapporo’s airport, Rusutsu enjoys unbeatable proximity for ski travelers and cultural explorers alike. 

With frequent flights between Japan’s New Chitose, Haneda and Narita International airports and major cities in Asia, the U.S., Canada and Australia, it’s never been easier for Epic Pass holders to take a Japanese ski vacation.