The Ikon Pass
Flakes are starting to fly and ski destinations are opening across the globe for the start of the season. This winter, there is a way to gain access to 84,385 acres of prime ski terrain at 41 iconic resorts across five continents with zero blackout dates using one season pass. How? The Ikon Pass.
Aiming to become the new standard in season ski passes by connecting participating Ikon Pass resorts in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Chile, the Ikon ski pass allows avid skiers to chase snow around the globe when they're not shredding at their home base ski resort. The Ikon Pass saw great success in 2018/2019 (their inagural season), so expect that streak to continue through 2020.
Kristin Rust, director of communications for Alterra Mountain Company, shared with Travel + Leisure, “The success of the Ikon Pass has demonstrated the desire of skiers and riders for a new product that offers access to destinations with incredible terrain, unique character, and an independent spirit.”
Alterra Mountain Company is the creator of the Ikon ski pass, which joins their family of 14 year-round mountain destinations with a host of partner resorts. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the company's passion for outdoor adventure has led them not only to acquire and operate some of the most successful ski properties in the United States and Canada, but to also obtain the world's first heli-skiing operation, CMH Heli-Skiing and Adventures. This venture gives daredevil skiers access to three million acres of British Columbia’s backcountry terrain.
Here’s the lowdown on how to shred around the world with one singular, affordable pass.
Ikon Pass Options
There are two options for the Ikon Pass with varying access and blackout dates. The standard Ikon Pass offers unlimited access to 14 destinations and up to 7 days at 26 destinations, with zero blackout dates. The more affordable option, the Ikon Base Pass, offers unlimited access to 12 destinations and up to 5 days combined at 28 destinations, with 10 blackout dates. Pricing below:
Ikon Pass Pricing
Adult = $1,099
Young Adult (13-22 years) = $859
Child (5-12 years) = $459
4 & Under = $49
Ikon Base Pass Pricing
Adult = $799
Young Adult (13-22 years) = $639
Child (5-12 years) = $419
4 & Under = $49
Ikon Pass Resorts
New resorts to the Ikon Pass this year are Zermatt in Switzerland and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, which is already open for the 2019/2020 ski season. These add to iconic properties like Deer Valley in Utah, Valle Nevado in Chile, Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Niseko United in Japan, and Squaw Valley in California, to name a few.
Ski Around the Globe
Explore, ski, and après at many of your bucket list alpine slopes. With the Ikon Pass, there are 41 destinations available to tackle in the 2019/2020 ski season. To make it easier, the Ikon Pass team has created a wishlist feature with all participating resorts to inspire you to create the perfect ski adventure. Choose from regions, off-mountain entertainment, lively après ski scenes, and ski conditions to help create your dream itinerary.
Local Passes
Some resorts that are included in the Alterra Mountain Company umbrella offer complimentary Ikon Base Passes with the purchase of a regular-season pass at the home resort. Addtionally, it’s possible to buy local season passes through the Ikon Pass website.
Heli-skiing
CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures is the first and largest heli-skiing operation in the world. Ikon Pass holders get 10 percent off of their summer trips and early booking access for the highly sought-after heli-ski trips, which usually sell out 18 months in advance.
To purchase the Ikon Pass, head to ikonpass.com
