Vail Merchant Pass: $579

VAIL, Colo. — A Merchant Pass for Vail and Beaver Creek this winter will cost $579 when it goes on sale Oct. 1 — the same price as Vail Resorts’ new Epic Pass.

The new price for the Merchant Pass, which is available to employees of local businesses, will be a savings of $270 compared to last year’s pass.

Both passes provide access to Vail and Beaver Creek, plus Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin, but the Merchant Pass has some restrictions. Unlike the Epic Pass, businesses that offer the Merchant Pass to their employees retain ownership of the pass. If the employee leaves, the pass maybe revoked or transferred to another employee for a $100 fee. The Epic Pass is owned by the individual purchaser. In addition, businesses offering the Merchant Pass must belong to a qualified business association and must also participate in a customer service program.

The Merchant Pass can be purchased anytime after Oct. 1, though the price may change. The last day to purchase an Epic Pass is Nov. 15.

The Merchant Pass will be restricted at Vail and Beaver Creek for certain dates — Nov. 28-29, 2008, Dec. 27-31, 2008 and Feb.14-15, 2009.