Broomfield-based Vail Resorts revolutionized American skiing in 2008 with the introduction of the Epic Pass, a season pass good at company-owned resorts with privileges at “partner” resorts. The pass made it easier (and cheaper) for skiers and snowboarders to traverse multiple resorts in a season. In 2018, a merger between KSL Capital Partners and the owners of Aspen Snowmass created a Denver-based rival, Alterra Mountain Company, which countered Epic with its own Ikon Pass. This season, Epic Passes is accepted at 37 resorts owned by Vail Resorts and another 42 partners around the world.