7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes

7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - New Epic Mobile App Launches with AI-Powered Assistant at Four Major Resorts

For skiers heading to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, or Keystone, a new digital tool is arriving for the upcoming season. The My Epic app will incorporate an AI-powered assistant designed to provide on-demand information. This feature aims to deliver real-time snow reports, aid with equipment rentals, and coordinate ski lessons directly through the app. Beyond the AI helper, the updated My Epic app will also support hands-free lift access at a dozen resorts via a mobile pass system. Furthermore, users will find a 'Find My Friends' function, intended to make connecting with others on the slopes simpler. Epic Pass holders also gain access to a new ski destination in Switzerland, Disentis, extending the pass’s reach into the European Alps and adding another option for international travel. It appears Vail Resorts is placing a strong bet on mobile technology to shape the mountain experience for visitors in the coming season, aiming for a more digitally integrated approach to skiing.
Word is out that for the upcoming ski season, starting later in 2024 and stretching into early 2025, a significant update is coming to the 'My Epic' mobile application. Four of the major Colorado resorts - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone - will be the initial testing grounds for a new integrated 'My Epic Assistant.' This isn't your average resort app update; it’s slated to incorporate some level of artificial intelligence. The stated aim is to provide users with up-to-the-minute information relevant to their ski day. Think real-time snow reporting, locations for equipment rentals, and schedules for ski lessons. The promise is always-on assistance via this AI interface, augmenting, or perhaps even replacing, traditional guest service interactions at these specific locations.

Beyond the AI assistant, the 2024-2025 season app updates are slated to include a ‘Find My Friends’ functionality - a seemingly basic but often requested feature for groups navigating large ski areas. This, along with the AI assistant, is positioned as part of a broader push towards technological integration aimed at refining the overall resort experience for visitors. It’s another step, it seems, in the ongoing effort to digitize and personalize elements of the mountain experience. Whether these tech upgrades truly enhance the actual skiing and snowboarding remains to be seen, but

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - New Epic Mobile App Launches with AI-Powered Assistant at Four Major Resorts
2. 7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Deer Valley Adds 300 Acres of Terrain and Three New Chairlifts
3. 7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - United Airlines Introduces Direct Flights to Salt Lake City from Newark for Winter Season
4. 7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Crans-Montana Switzerland Joins Epic Pass Network as Second Swiss Destination
5. 7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Mobile Buddy Tickets System Eliminates Ticket Window Wait Times
6. 7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Epic Pass Gear Program Expands to Include 60 Ski Models with Slope-Side Service
7. 7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Advanced Reservation System Required at Select Mountain Resorts

7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Deer Valley Adds 300 Acres of Terrain and Three New Chairlifts

Deer Valley in Utah has expanded its skiable area for the current 2024-2025 season, adding over 300 acres and installing three new chairlifts. Among these is the Keetley Express, notable as the resort's first six-person chair with a bubble shield, a feature often seen as a nod to rider comfort in colder conditions. These additions, located in the East Village area, are designed to integrate with the existing trail network, potentially easing congestion in other zones. To accommodate the anticipated increase in skiers, 500 new parking spaces have also been constructed. This initial phase of what Deer Valley calls "Expanded Excellence" was reportedly completed in December of last year. Further expansion is on the horizon, with plans for more lifts, including a gondola, and even more ski runs and parking spots slated for a later stage. The resort has even released an updated trail map showcasing these changes. Originally anticipated for the following season, these enhancements arrived a year ahead of schedule. The new Keetley Express lift is intended to offer improved access to existing terrain, and it remains to be seen if these additions will noticeably improve the skier experience or if they are simply keeping pace with industry trends and visitor numbers.
Shifting gears from software to physical infrastructure, Deer Valley in Utah has made a substantial move, adding over 300 acres to its skiable area for the 2024-2025 season. This expansion isn't merely about territory; it involves a reconfiguration of access. Three new chairlifts are being installed, including what's touted as their first six-person lift with a bubble, named Keetley Express. These lifts are strategically positioned in the East Village sector, intended to streamline skier circulation and connect to the existing trail network. Beyond the lifts and trails, an additional 500 parking spaces are being constructed – a tacit acknowledgement of the anticipated increase in visitor volume. The resort seems to be aiming for a December 2024 launch for this first phase of what they're calling 'Expanded Excellence'. Further down the line, a second phase is on the drawing board, which could see six more lifts added, including a gondola, along with a significant number of new runs and parking spots. The stated aim is to broaden the available terrain and improve access. Whether this physical expansion will tangibly enhance the skier experience beyond just dispersing crowds remains to be seen. One could speculate if the added acreage offers genuinely diverse skiing, or if it’s primarily about absorption capacity. The promise of new lifts certainly sounds operationally sound, assuming they deliver on reduced wait times and efficient mountain transit.

7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - United Airlines Introduces Direct Flights to Salt Lake City from Newark for Winter Season

For those aiming to carve the slopes around Salt Lake City this coming winter, United Airlines is bringing back a direct flight option from Newark. After a decade-long absence, the airline is reinstating daily nonstops between Newark Liberty and Salt Lake City International. This service aims to provide easier access to Utah's ski areas, targeting both leisure and business travelers heading to the mountains. This flight addition comes as part of the broader changes for the 2024-2025 ski season, alongside the much-discussed new Epic app and ongoing expansions at several resorts. While United highlights increased connectivity for ski enthusiasts, it's worth noting that other carriers also offer nonstop routes to Salt Lake City. Whether this renewed Newark service genuinely streamlines the journey for skiers or simply adds another option to the mix remains to be seen.
The user wants me to rewrite the text about United Airlines introducing direct flights to Salt Lake City from Newark.
I need to keep the rewrite in a similar length and format/style as the original text, focusing on airline news and travel destinations.
The persona is Torsten Jacobi, a curious researcher/engineer from mightytravels.com, writing as of March 21, 2025.
I must avoid corporate speak, endorse nothing, and be critical at times.
Crucially, I must not mention COVID-19, Scotts Cheap Flights, Brian Kelly TPG, or going.com.
Also, avoid any headlines, *, # or markup.
The rewrite should consider the provided search results about United Airlines' new route, ski season updates, and related topics.
Finally, and very importantly, I should NOT repeat arguments already made in the "already been said" section provided by the user.
The "already been said" part covers the Epic App updates in detail and the Deer Valley expansion. Therefore, the rewrite on United Airlines flights should not focus on these aspects or repeat these details. Instead, it should focus on the *flight changes* aspect mentioned in the overarching title.

The original text snippet I need to rewrite is:
"United Airlines Introduces Direct Flights to Salt Lake City from Newark for Winter Season.
United Airlines has announced the introduction of direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) for the upcoming winter season. This service will provide travelers with a convenient non-stop option, enhancing accessibility between these two major cities. In addition to these direct flights, United Airlines continues to offer a range of travel options to Salt Lake City from over 200 airports across the United States and 100 international airports, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

For the 2024-2025 US ski season, several key updates have been highlighted, including the introduction of the New Epic App, which aims to improve the overall skiing experience. The new app will likely feature functionalities such as real-time updates, resort information, and ticket purchasing capabilities. Furthermore, there are ongoing expansions at various ski resorts, enhancing their offerings and infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. Alongside these improvements, United Airlines has made adjustments to its flight schedules and services, ensuring that travelers have a seamless experience when heading to popular skiing destinations in Utah and beyond."

My rewrite needs to capture the essence of this text, focusing on the new United route, within the context of ski season updates, and from Torsten Jacobi's perspective, avoiding repetitions and the blacklisted items. I need to be slightly critical and analytical.

Let's focus on the new direct flight from Newark to Salt Lake City.
Points to consider in the rewrite:
- United Airlines starting direct flights Newark-Salt Lake City.
- For winter season 2024-2025.
- Resumption after 11-year gap.
- Daily flights.
- Enhanced access to Salt Lake City ski resorts.
- Part of a broader strategy for winter sports enthusiasts' connectivity.
- United's extensive network to Salt Lake City.
- Catering to leisure and business travelers.

Adding critical/analytical perspective:
- Question the *why now* after 11 years hiatus. What market dynamics changed?
- Consider the efficiency of direct flights vs layovers.
- Think about the implications for competition on this route and potentially fare prices.
- Evaluate the real impact on accessibility to ski resorts - how much time saving?
- Briefly mention altitude and its impact on travelers.
- Reflect on the potential economic boost for Salt Lake City and surrounding ski areas due to increased access.

Structure for the rewrite:
Start with the announcement of the Newark-Salt Lake City direct flights by United for the winter season.
Mention the 11-year gap and speculate on reasons for resumption.
Highlight the convenience and time savings of direct flights for skiers.
Discuss the potential for increased competition and price effects.
Briefly touch upon altitude and traveler awareness.
Conclude by considering the broader economic and accessibility impacts, maybe even mentioning culinary aspects as a plus.

Draft 1 (internal thought, not final answer):
United Airlines is bringing back direct flights between Newark and Salt Lake City for the winter. It seems this route was dormant for over a decade. One wonders what prompted the airline to reconsider now. For those aiming for the Utah slopes, a direct flight certainly cuts out the often tedious layover process, saving hours. Will this new service ramp up competition on routes to Salt Lake City? Potentially good news for fares. Worth noting for East Coast skiers is Salt Lake City's altitude – something to keep in mind when arriving and heading straight to the mountains. More direct flights generally improve access, and this could be a welcome development for the Utah ski scene and the local economy around Salt Lake.

Refining Draft 1 to be more in Torsten Jacobi's style, slightly more detailed, and more critical:
United Airlines is set to reinstate direct flights connecting Newark and Salt Lake City for the upcoming winter season. This route has been absent for eleven years, prompting one to question the factors behind its revival. Direct flights inherently offer a time advantage, bypassing connecting airports and the associated delays – a tangible benefit for travelers aiming for Utah's ski areas. The re-establishment of this route will likely inject competition into the Newark-Salt Lake City travel market. Whether this translates to noticeably lower fares remains to be seen, but it introduces a potentially welcome variable. Travelers should note Salt Lake City's elevation; at over 4,000 feet, some acclimatization might be beneficial, especially before strenuous activity. From a broader perspective, improved flight access tends to correlate with economic activity in destination regions. Salt Lake City, and the ski resorts within reach, could see increased visitor traffic and spending, which extends beyond just ski passes to lodging and even the city's growing culinary offerings.

This version seems closer to the desired tone and style. Checking against all instructions.
Persona: Yes, researcher/engineer, critical,

7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Crans-Montana Switzerland Joins Epic Pass Network as Second Swiss Destination

Continuing the trend of international expansion in the ski industry, Crans-Montana in Switzerland is now part of the Epic Pass network. It becomes the second Swiss resort, joining Verbier, accessible through this pass system. For those holding an Epic Pass, this means another option in the Swiss Alps for skiing in the upcoming season. Access to Crans-Montana will be unlimited for full Epic Pass holders, while those with the Epic Local pass will have a limited number of days. Crans-Montana is known as a significant destination in the Swiss ski landscape. The integration into the Epic Pass, orchestrated by Vail Resorts, extends the reach of this pass program further into Europe. Whether this consolidation of resorts under large pass systems ultimately benefits skiers or dilutes the unique character of individual ski areas is a point worth considering, even as it offers pass holders increased geographic coverage.
United Airlines is reintroducing direct flights between Newark and Salt Lake City for the upcoming winter season, marking a significant development after an 11-year hiatus. The decision raises questions about the changing dynamics in the travel market that prompted this revival. Direct flights offer a substantial time advantage for skiers, eliminating the delays often associated with layovers, which is a considerable benefit for those eager to hit the slopes.

This renewed service could increase competition in the Newark-Salt Lake City corridor, potentially leading to more favorable fare structures for travelers. Yet, whether this competition will yield meaningful price reductions remains to be seen. Skiers should also be mindful of Salt Lake City’s elevation, which exceeds 4,000 feet; proper acclimatization could be necessary before engaging in high-energy activities.

Moreover, improved access has a broader economic impact. The influx of travelers could boost not only the ski resorts but also Salt Lake City's local economy, which includes a burgeoning culinary scene that could enhance the overall travel experience. This development may serve as a catalyst for increased tourism, but one must consider if the service can be sustained long-term in a fluctuating market.

7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Mobile Buddy Tickets System Eliminates Ticket Window Wait Times

The introduction of United Airlines' direct flights from Newark to Salt Lake City for the upcoming winter season marks a notable return after an 11-year absence. This development raises questions about the market dynamics that have shifted to support this renewed service. Direct flights not only save valuable time for skiers, avoiding the hassle of layovers but also potentially enhance competition on this route, which may influence fare pricing favorably for travelers.

However, it's worth pondering whether this increase in access will significantly impact the overall ski experience, especially considering Salt Lake City's altitude, which sits above 4,000 feet—an important factor for newcomers. The economic implications could be substantial, boosting both the ski resorts and the local economy, which is already enjoying a growing culinary scene, thereby enriching the visitor experience beyond just skiing. As this route reopens, it remains to be seen how sustainable this service will be in the long term, amid fluctuating travel demands and competition.
Mobile Buddy Tickets are being rolled out as a purported remedy for the perennial problem of lines at ski resort ticket windows. The concept is straightforward: pass holders can acquire and distribute lift tickets directly via their mobile devices, aiming to bypass the physical ticket purchasing process. This likely involves some form of digital ticket activation, possibly employing QR codes for lift gate access. Projections suggest a significant reduction in wait times, quoted as high as 75%, which, if realized, could represent a noticeable improvement in resort efficiency. For skiers, extended wait times are a known source of dissatisfaction, potentially impacting their overall experience and inclination for return visits. The system also targets group skiers, facilitating collective ticket management, an often cumbersome aspect of planning ski trips.

Beyond user convenience, proponents point to operational benefits for resorts, including real-time data collection on visitor flow which could inform staffing decisions and resource allocation. Whether these efficiencies translate to tangible benefits for the skiing public, such as reduced costs or improved services, remains to be observed. The ease of mobile ticketing may also influence skier behavior, potentially encouraging more spontaneous trips, and the digital platform allows for direct delivery of promotional offers, a tool for managing visitor distribution and demand. This mobile approach isn't novel; similar ticketing systems are commonplace across various sectors, from amusement parks to transportation, indicating a broader shift towards digital access management. In the current climate, contactless transactions are increasingly expected

7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Epic Pass Gear Program Expands to Include 60 Ski Models with Slope-Side Service

United Airlines is reintroducing direct flights between Newark and Salt Lake City for the upcoming winter season, marking a notable return after an 11-year hiatus. This revival raises questions about the shifting market dynamics that made this route attractive again. Direct flights provide a significant time advantage for skiers, streamlining their journey by avoiding the delays associated with layovers. This could also spark increased competition among airlines on this route, potentially influencing fare prices favorably for travelers, although whether this will lead to substantial reductions remains uncertain.

Travelers should be aware of Salt Lake City’s high elevation, exceeding 4,000 feet, which may necessitate some acclimatization before diving into strenuous skiing activities. On a broader scale, improved access is likely to have economic implications, boosting both the ski resorts and the local economy, particularly in light of Salt Lake City’s burgeoning culinary scene. This enhanced connectivity could serve as a catalyst for increased tourism, but the sustainability of this service in a fluctuating market remains to be seen.
The Epic Pass system is now venturing into equipment provision, broadening its offering to encompass what’s advertised as 60 different ski models for the coming season. The central idea appears to be ‘slope-side service,’ aiming to remove the traditional friction points of equipment rental. It raises questions about the actual user experience – can this system genuinely deliver a more efficient start to the ski day, or will it simply shift queues from the rental shop to a different location, perhaps slope-side itself?

The program touts access to equipment from 13 'leading brands.' It remains to be determined if this selection genuinely represents a performance upgrade over typical rental offerings, or if it’s more about branding synergy. The marketing emphasizes the benefits of equipment ownership – choice and cost control – without the logistical overhead. Yet, a cost-benefit analysis would be prudent for regular skiers, as frequent rentals may not necessarily be more economical than owning gear in the long run. Furthermore, reliance on an app-based system for gear management introduces a layer of digital dependency, potentially vulnerable to the vag

7 Key Updates for the 2024-2025 US Ski Season New Epic App, Resort Expansions, and Flight Changes - Advanced Reservation System Required at Select Mountain Resorts

United Airlines is making a significant move by reintroducing direct flights between Newark and Salt Lake City for the winter season, marking a return after an 11-year hiatus. This revival prompts curiosity about the shifts in travel demand that have led to this decision. Direct flights not only eliminate the hassle of layovers, which can save skiers valuable time, but they also have the potential to spark competition among airlines, possibly influencing fare pricing in a favorable direction—though it's uncertain if this will translate into meaningful savings for travelers.

Skiers should also keep in mind Salt Lake City's elevation, hovering over 4,000 feet, which can pose acclimatization challenges for newcomers eager to hit the slopes. Furthermore, improved access may stimulate local economies, particularly benefiting Salt Lake City’s vibrant culinary scene, thus enriching the overall visitor experience. As this route reopens, the sustainability of the service in a fluctuating travel landscape remains a point of contention, raising questions about whether it will endure in the long term.
The increasing prevalence of advanced reservation systems at US mountain resorts prompts a deeper look into the evolving dynamics of the ski experience. Vail Resorts, notably, has mandated reservations across all its Epic Pass destinations for skiers, with restrictions on the number of days that can be pre-booked. Even Solitude Mountain in Utah has been refining its parking reservation protocols, suggesting a broader trend in managing access. The publicly stated rationale centers on improved crowd management and an 'enhanced' guest experience.

From a logistical viewpoint, these reservation frameworks should enable resorts to gather crucial data on visitor patterns, theoretically leading to optimized staffing and resource distribution. The promise of shorter lift lines is often highlighted as a direct benefit to skiers. However, this shift also imposes a rigid planning element on what traditionally allowed for spontaneity. Last-minute ski decisions could become more complicated to execute. While digital reservation platforms reflect wider technological adoption, accessibility remains a concern. Will this system unintentionally exclude skiers less comfortable with or without access to digital tools?

Ultimately, the crucial inquiry persists: do these reservation systems genuinely elevate the overall ski day for the majority, or do they introduce a new layer of bureaucratic complexity for skiers to navigate? The advantages for resort operations in terms of predictability and data collection are apparent. Yet, the concrete enhancements for the skiing public – beyond the theoretical reduction in wait times – are less convincingly demonstrated. It warrants further observation to determine if these systems truly optimize the mountain experience, or merely reshape it.