Uber, Vail Resort partnership offers ride-share services to Tahoe resorts
Uber announced a new service that will help ease travel constraints for winter sports enthusiasts and athletes alike.
The San Francisco-based ride-share company announced Thursday that it would implement a seasonal offering, called Uber Ski, offering people an easier way to reach their favorite winter resort destination.
Uber is partnering with Vail Resorts, the international operator of ski and mountain destinations, to let users book Uber Reserve rides and purchase Epic Passes directly through the app for the current season.
An Epic Pass provides access to ski resorts for the winter, starting at $572 for children ages 5 to 12 and $1,121 for other users. Prices are set to increase beginning Nov. 16.
Vail Resort in the Tahoe are Heavenly Ski Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Ski Resort.
“An Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass is the best, most affordable way to ski and snowboard this winter, whether you’re visiting one day or many days,” Kirkwood spokesperson Carly Mangan, who is under the Vail Resort umbrella, said. “We are happy to now offer Uber riders an easy way to buy a pass while they are reserving their ride – and we look forward to welcoming them on mountain!”
Uber Ski allows users to reserve larger vehicles with additional trunk space to carry skis, snowboards and winter gear. Riders can book on demand or schedule a trip up to 90 days in advance.
According to the company, an UberXL accommodates two passengers and two sets of skis, while an UberXXL can fit up to four passengers and four sets of skis. The app lists the maximum capacity for both vehicle types as six passengers.
The ride-share service will pick up passengers from any location worldwide, though surcharges may apply.
For example, a one-way trip from Sacramento to Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe — about a 2-hour, 20-minute drive — costs more than $150.
