IKON Pass for 2023/24 Season Offers Many New Benefits

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Photo by Kipras Štreimikis on Unsplash

Next season’s IKON Pass offers a new collection of discounts on travel and brand-name gear, along with free access to First Tracks programs and dropping reservations requirements, and more.  It’s a long list of perks for the 2023/24 season, including for new passholders, who get spring season this season as part of the purchase.

Passes go on sale Thursday, March 16, with the lowest prices for next season for access to more than 50 destinations in 11 countries on five continents. Here are the details.

Discounted Travel with Ikon Pass Travel

For a limited time, any purchased 23/24 Ikon Pass includes unlimited $100 ($130 CAD) savings toward any single 23/24 winter booking made on Ikon Pass Travel before May 5, 2023.

Ikon Pass Travel is an online travel planning service exclusively for passholders, offering the ability browse and compare airfare, hotels, and activities across Ikon Pass destinations to create a customized vacation package, or be matched with an Ikon Pass Travel specialist for assistance.  Requirements include a minimum$1,000 spend per booking including lodging.

Discount on Smith Eyewear & Products

Every Ikon Pass purchase includes two discount codes from Smith. One is for sunglasses or prescription glasses; the other for goggles on any additional product on smithoptics.com.

The North Face

Ikon Pass holders can get an exclusive discount of 20% when purchasing $200 ($200 CAD) or more on thenorthface.com. (Limited time offer. Terms and conditions apply.)

Free Outside+ Membership

Ikon Pass holders will receive a free one-year $59-valued ($80 CAD) membership to inspirational, award-winning content from Outside. Access unlimited content from Outside Magazine, SKI, Warren Miller catalog, Backpacker, Climbing, VeloNews, Pinkbike, Cycling Tips, Outside TV, Warren Miller, Yoga Journal, and more.

Plus, get access to mapping apps Gaia GPS and TrailforksPro, NASTAR courses, event entries, training plans, recipes, and interactive experiences with editors, pro athletes, coaches, and other experts.

Access Changes:

For winter 23/24, Taos Ski Valley will no longer require lift reservations and has been added to the Ikon Base Plus Pass. For an additional $220 ($290 CAD) from the Ikon Base Pass, Ikon Base Plus Pass holders also get five-day access at Taos. Ski Valley in New Mexico. The destination will no longer offer access on the Ikon Base Pass and Ikon Session Pass.

Deer Valley Resort will require lift reservations for winter 23/24.

Renewal Discount

For a limited time, renewal discounts are offered to 22/23 Ikon Pass holders, with savings of up to $100 ($130 CAD).

Buy Now Ride Now – 2023 Spring Access for New Pass Holders

  • Access available immediately upon purchase to Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Blue Mountain, Snowshoe, Stratton, Sugarbush
  • Access available starting April 3 at Solitude, Tremblant
  • Access available starting April 10 at Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, Winter Park Resort, Steamboat (April 10-16)
  • 2023 Spring Access is not available on the 23/24 Ikon Session Pass

 Ikon Pass First Tracks
23/24 passholders can access untouched powder and corduroy before the lifts open one designated morning per month in January, February and March 2024 at participating destinations. Ikon Pass First Tracks applies to the 23/24 Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, Ikon Base Plus Pass and Ikon Session Pass based on pass access.

Payment Plan

For a limited time, lock in your purchase for as low as 0% APR, and split the cost over 3, 6 or 12 months.

 Child Pass Promotions

For a limited time, save up to $200 ($280 CAD) on Child passes with the purchase of any Adult pass. To provide additional value for families looking to ski and ride together, pass holders can purchase up to two discounted Child Ikon Passes or Child Ikon Base Passes for children ages 5-12 with the purchase of an Adult Ikon Pass or Adult Ikon Base Pass.

No Hassle Deferral

If a 23/24 Ikon Pass holder decides not to use their pass after purchase, for any reason, by December 14, 2023, they can elect to defer their pass to receive a full credit for the purchase price of their unused 23/24 pass to be used toward the purchase of a 24/25 Ikon Pass. Additional coverage options can be purchased through Spot Insurance. Terms and conditions apply.

Covid Closure Credits

If passes are used and there is an eligible COVID-19-related closure at any North American Ikon Pass destination from December 16, 2023 – March 3, 2024, Ikon Pass holders will receive a credit toward a 24/25 Ikon Pass based on the percentage of days closed.

 23/24 PRICING

Ikon Pass starting at $1,159 ($1,539 CAD)

Ikon Base Pass starting at $829 ($1,099 CAD)

Ikon Session Pass starting at $259 ($339 CAD)

For all Ikon Pass products and pricing, please visit https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes.

IKON PASS:

Unlimited, 7-day and 7-day combined access at 54 destinations, with no blackout dates.

 Destinations:

Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Eldora Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Big Sky Resort, Sun Valley, Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, Killington – Pico, Windham Mountain, Snowshoe, The Highlands, Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Mt. Bachelor, Schweitzer, Tremblant, Blue Mountain, SkiBig3, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks Resort, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Loon Mountain, Taos Ski Valley, Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, Snowbasin, Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, Dolomiti Superski, Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, Kitzbühel, Zermatt, Thredbo, Mt Buller, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt, Niseko United, Lotte Arai Resort, Valle Nevado

Benefits:

  • 10 Friends & Family lift discounts offering a 25% off the cost of a single ticket at the window rate at Ikon Pass destinations, with no blackout dates, (excludes Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, Dolomiti Superski, Kitzbühel, Zermatt, Lotte Arai Resort, Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, and CMH)
  • Ikon Pass First Tracks at select destinations
  • Deferral option for unused passes through December 14, 2023
  • Access to Ikon Pass Travel
  • Early winter booking privileges and 15% off summer reservations at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures
  • Each Ikon Pass comes with a one-year $20-value Team POW membership with Protect Our Winters, including an exclusive annual Team POW membership sticker, 15% off all POW merchandise all year long, early event registration, members-only event access, partner discounts and access to exclusive digital content. Learn more: https://www.ikonpass.com/en/protect-our-winters
  • Additional destination benefits and discounts are available at ikonpass.com
  • Discount on Ikon Pass Travel, Smith eyewear and products, The North Face products, and a free Outside+ membership

IKON BASE PASS:

Unlimited, 5-day and 5-day combined access at 48 destinations, with select blackout dates.

Destinations: Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Eldora Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Big Sky Resort, Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, Killington – Pico, Windham Mountain, Snowshoe, The Highlands, Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Mt. Bachelor, Schweitzer, Tremblant, Blue Mountain, SkiBig3, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks Resort, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Loon Mountain, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Snowbird, Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, Dolomiti Superski, Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, Kitzbühel, Zermatt, Thredbo, Mt Buller, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt, Niseko United, Lotte Arai Resort, Valle Nevado

Ikon Base Plus Pass Access

For expanded Ikon Base Pass access, five days can be added at Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Taos Ski Valley, Sun Valley, Snowbasin and five shared days between Alta-Snowbirdwith select blackout dates, for an additional $220 ($290 CAD). With this purchase, other 23/24 Ikon Base Pass destination access, benefits and blackout dates apply. Friends & Family vouchers are valid at Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Taos Ski Valley, Sun Valley, Snowbasin and Alta only with the upgrade purchase.

 Ikon Base Pass Benefits:

  • 8 Friends & Family lift discounts offering 25% off the cost of a single ticket at  the window rate at any Ikon Pass destination (excluding Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, Alta Ski Area, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Dolomiti Superski, Kitzbühel, Zermatt, Lotte Arai Resort and Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, and CMH), with select blackout dates
  • Ikon Pass First Tracks at select destinations
  • Access to Ikon Pass Travel
  • Early winter booking privileges and 15% off summer reservations at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures
  • Each Ikon Pass comes with a one-year $20-value Team POW membership with Protect Our Winters, including an exclusive annual Team POW membership sticker, 15% off all POW merchandise all year long, early event registration, members-only event access, partner discounts and access to exclusive digital content. Learn more: https://www.ikonpass.com/en/protect-our-winters
  • Discount on Ikon Pass Travel, Smith eyewear and products, The North Face products, and a free Outside+ membership

IKON SESSION PASS:

Offering 2, 3 and 4-day access to 39 global Ikon Pass destinations, with select blackout dates. Each day can be used across multiple destinations or pass holders can use all days at a favorite mountain. Visit here for more Ikon Session Pass access details.

Destinations: Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Eldora Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Big Sky Resort, Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, Killington-Pico, Windham Mountain, Snowshoe, Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Mt. Bachelor, Tremblant, Blue Mountain, SkiBig3, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks Resort, Schweitzer, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Loon Mountain, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Mt Buller, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt, Valle Nevado, Niseko United

Benefits:

  • Ikon Pass First Tracks at select destinations
  • Access to Ikon Pass Travel
  • Each Ikon Pass comes with a one-year $20-valued Team POW membership with Protect Our Winters, including an exclusive annual Team POW membership sticker, 15% off all POW merchandise all year long, early event registration, members-only event access, partner discounts and access to exclusive digital content. Learn more: https://www.ikonpass.com/en/protect-our-winters
  • Discount on Ikon Pass Travel, Smith eyewear and products, The North Face products, and a free Outside+ membership

IKON Pass by the Numbers                                        

  • Destinations: 55
  • Continents: 5
  • Countries: 11
  • States: 15
  • Canadian Provinces: 4
  • Total Acres: 177,250 (does not include CMH stats)
  • Trails: 7,108
  • Lifts: 1531

Ikon Pass goes on sale for winter 23/24 on March 16, 2023.

For more information, please visit www.ikonpass.com.

Snowshoeing at Vermont’s Alpine Ski Resorts

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Sugarbush Snowshoe Program

Snowshoeing is an excellent way to get some outdoor physical and mental fitness in the winter and it can be a great warm-up for skiers or snowboarders. At alpine ski areas snowshoeing can be a great activity for those joining family or friends who may not want to ski at the resort.

Recognizing a market when they see one, many ski resort operators in Vermont over the past several decades have continually increased their snowshoeing offerings, including snowshoe-specific trails, tours, and rentals. Moreover, each resort tries to carve its specialized snowshoe niche, just as they do for the other aspects of their ski and snowboarding business.

Here, in alphabetical order, are some snowshoeing highlights at some of Vermont’s alpine ski and riding resorts. Each resort has a wide variety of rates, rentals, and tours so contact them directly for additional details.

Bolton Valley Resort

Aside from section 22 of the Catamount Trail (the longitudinal Vermont statewide trail), Bolton Valley has 5,100 acres of backcountry terrain and a connection to Mount Mansfield State Forest. The Bolton Valley Nordic Center https://www.xcskiresorts.com/bolton-valley, which provides this backcountry access, also offers snowshoe rentals and lessons. Snowshoe rentals are available and once equipped there’s 100 km of snowshoeing and cross country ski trails.

During the snow season, the resort offers a variety of guided tours, which they often modify based on the whims and abilities of the snowshoers. For example, some tours are easy, and some bushwhack around Bolton’s sometimes steep forests. Most tours usually last 1 – 1.5 hours for those aged 10+. The Bolton Valley Resort base is at a higher elevation compared to most of the other resorts in Vermont. 802-434-3444 X1071

Burke Mountain

Burke Mountain in the town of Burke provides access to the Dashney Nordic Center https://www.xcskiresorts.com/dashney-nordic-center and nearby Kingdom Trails for snowshoeing. Dashney Nordic Center is on the access road to Burke Mountain and it offers 18 km of ski and snowshoe trails. Also, just down the road, Kingdom Trails (well-known for mountain biking) opens ungroomed trails and groomed fat bike trails to snowshoers in the winter. However, you’ll have to leave your pup home to access Kingdom Trails. Snowshoe rental equipment is available at Dashney 802-626-1466.

Jay Peak Resort

Jay Peak Resort https://jaypeakresort.com/ is a mecca for daring tree skiers, but the northern Vermont resort also has trails for snowshoe enthusiasts. The Jay Resort Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Center has seven short snowshoe trails up to 1.7 miles (2.7 km). The resort also typically offers guided snowshoe tours throughout the season, which may include equipment, guide services, and hot beverages around an outdoor fire pit. Call to make reservations. Snowshoe rentals and guided tours available (minimum of 3 people) in the Tram Haus Lodge 802-327-2199

Killington

Near the Killington Resort is Base Camp (https://basecampvt.com/, 802-775-0166) which is a retail outlet on Route 4 at the junction of the Killington access road that has snowshoe rentals and guided tours. A two-hour snowshoe rental is $20 and a 90-minute tour on flat terrain which includes a waterfall is $70 ($40 for kids). If you’re interested in an extended stay for more snowshoeing, try the snowshoe-friendly XC ski area at the Mountain Top Inn https://www.xcskiresorts.com/mountain-top-inn-and-resort in the nearby town of Chittenden.

Mount Snow

At Mount Snow https://www.mountsnow.com/ in southern Vermont, there are guided tours and trails all over the valley. Check out the NatureSpa 802-464-6606 for a snowshoe tour package ($66 per person for snowshoes, guide for 1.5 hour hike) out of the Grand Summit Resort Hotel and Mount Snow Sports. Timber Creek XC https://timbercreekxc.com/ is directly across the Mt. Snow access road off Route 100 and they have snowshoe rentals and trails. 802-464-4041.

Okemo

In Ludlow, Okemo Resort https://www.okemo.com/ has dedicated snowshoe trails at the golf course at Fox Run Nordic Center https://www.foxrunnordic.org/, separate from the Nordic ski path, along the banks of the Black River. There are 10 kilometers to snowshoe, but snowshoers can wander off the trail to explore meadows and forests in the shadow of Okemo Mountain. Fox Run has a restaurant, snowshoe rentals, and an indoor golf training facility. Okemo also has an ice house and snow tubing that is great for the family if you want a break from snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding. 802-228-1396

Smugglers’ Notch

Family-friendly Smugglers’ Notch https://www.smuggs.com/ in Jeffersonville offers a wide range of snowshoeing programs, tours, rentals, and lessons. Smuggs programs range from a gentle introduction to the joys of stomping through the winter woods. Take advantage of some of Smugglers’ special guided tours. The Vermont Experience provides the opportunity to search for animal tracks and learn about local history. Look for the bear claw marks on the beech trees. Other guided tours explain the maple industry and the process of making maple syrup while snowshoeing the forest. Or, for the adventurous, learn winter survival skills while you snowshoe. The apres dinner/drink experience on the Snowshoe Adventure Dinner takes snowshoers up to a mountain slope cabin for those aged 18+. 802-644-1173

Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe Resort https://www.stowe.com/ has rental snowshoes, backcountry equipment, and gear for children aged three or older (including kids snowshoes). You may want to book your equipment in advance.

The trails take snowshoers on guided tours into the state forest. “No road crossings, no buildings, no skiers,” said a staff member. 802-253-3658. Also nearby is the Trapp Family Lodge https://www.xcskiresorts.com/trapp-family-lodge which has more than 100 km of trails.

Stratton Mountain

Stratton https://www.stratton.com/ and the Sun Bowl Nordic Center offer guided snowshoe hikes highlighting the magical scenery among the trees. Try the Sunrise Snowshoe Hike on Sundays or the Nordic Lights tour on the lantern-lit trails Saturday evenings. Before or after your hike, you can enjoy snowshoeing on the 3 km of snowshoe trails at the Stratton Mountain Nordic Center. Snowshoe rentals available. 802-297-4567

Sugarbush

Keeping with their adventurous motif, Sugarbush https://www.sugarbush.com/ in Warren, VT, offers both self-guided and Outback Guide-led tours that include snowshoes rentals and a lift ride to access trails at higher elevations on the mountain. Take the lift with rented snowshoes for $79 ($64 with your own snowshoes).

If you’re interested in self-guided tours, explore their marked snowshoe trails (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) daily between 9 and 4 pm. If you didn’t bring your snowshoes, they have rentals available at the Farmhouse Building at Lincoln Peak in Mt. Ellen Base Lodge.

The guided tours will give more than an afternoon jaunt on snowshoes. For example, one 2.5 to 3-hour guided tour brings guests to the Slide Brook Wilderness Area, a prime habitat for bears, moose, and lynx. Guides will often find tracks and lead the group to them. As an alternative, the guided tour of their advanced trail, the Gate House Loop, which also includes a large variety of wildlife and animal tracks. 802-583-6504

SnowshoeMag.com and Matt Sutkoski contributed to this content.

anne-nygard

2023 24 Epic Passes Now on Sale With New Benefits

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Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

The only thing better than locking in a season pass is to do it now, at the lowest prices of the year.  2023/24 Epic Passes are on sale now, starting at $909 for a full pass and $676 for a local pass to dozens of Vail Resorts destinations in the US, Canada, Europe and beyond.

New features for next season include additional ski/snowboard resort in the Alps and Dolomites, additional Buddy passes, new hands-free technology, and a new no-reservations-needed policy.

Those are the headlines.  Now that we have your attention, here are the details:

Mobile Pass:

Epic Pass holders will be able to store their pass directly on their phone, put the phone in their pocket, and get scanned, hands free, via Bluetooth® Low Energy technology. This eliminates the need to wait in the ticket window line or wait for your pass to arrive in the mail. It also will help reduce plastic and RFID chip waste.

Plastic cards still will be available for those who cannot or do not want to use their phone as their pass. Mobile Pass will be available on the new My Epic app, coming in the fall of 2023.

Additional European Partner Resorts:

Last year, Vail Resorts acquired a majority stake in Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland. Next season, Epic Pass expands its European resort access with the addition of Switzerland’s Disentis as a partner resort.

Disentis is the neighboring mountain to Andermatt-Sedrun. When combined, Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis offers the largest ski area in the heart of Switzerland.

Epic Pass also signed partnership extensions with Les 3 Vallées in France, Ski Arlberg in Austria, and Skirama Dolomiti in Italy, and has an existing partnership at Verbier4Vallées in Switzerland. Additional international partners include Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu in Japan, and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies in Canada.

Buddy Tickets:

Pass Holders who purchase early will receive 10 Buddy Tickets and six Ski with a Friend Tickets to bring friends and family to join the ski and ride experience at a significant discount.

No Reservations: 

No reservations will be required at any resort on the Epic Pass for the 2023/24 season, with the exception of Telluride Ski Resort. Find information on how to make reservations at Telluride next season here.

Epic Mountain Rewards:

Pass Holders receive 20 percent off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals and more. Pass Holders also receive summer benefits at eligible resorts, including Summer Scenic Gondola rides, 20 percent off summer food, lodging, bike rentals and golf.

Epic FlexPay:

Pass Holders have access to easy monthly installments with Epic FlexPay, powered by Uplift. The deferred payment option includes zero down payment, zero interest, and if purchased early, zero payments until September 1, 2023.

Epic Coverage:

Passes are non-refundable except through Epic Coverage, which provides refunds for certain resort closures and personal events such as job loss, injury or illness. Epic Coverage is provided at no additional cost. Review the Epic Coverage Terms and Conditions.

Lift tickets are fully refundable but do not provide the value or flexibility of passes.

Epic Pass Choices:

There is a brain-numbing array of pass choices. Take a deep breath and decide now where you want to ski/ride next season, and with who, then purchase the pass that best fits your plans and needs.

Here are the details of what each Epic Pass offers:

$909 Epic Pass

Unlimited, unrestricted access to 42 resorts – including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb, Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe, Stevens Pass and more.

With additional partner resorts like Telluride, the Epic Pass unlocks access to more than 80 resorts. No reservations required at any resorts, except Telluride.

$676 Epic Local Pass
Unlimited, unrestricted access to 29 resorts including Breckenridge and Keystone, as well as peak restricted days access to resorts like Park City, Heavenly and Stowe, and 10 days total to use at Vail, Beaver Creek and Whistler Blackcomb.

$555 Northeast Value Pass
Access to 21 resorts across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including Stowe, Hunter, Mount Snow, Okemo, Wildcat and Seven Springs.

Epic Customizable Day Pass
Skiers and riders can build their own pass, choosing from three levels of resort access, one to seven days, and whether or not to include peak restricted days.

Offered ahead of the season, Epic Day Passes provide savings up to 65% compared to lift ticket prices. Examples:

All Resorts Access: Ski or ride at resorts like Vail, Breckenridge and Whistler Blackcomb from $86 per day

32 Resorts Access: Ski or ride at resorts like Keystone, Heavenly and Stowe from $66 per day

22 Resorts Access: Ski or ride at local ski areas from $41 per day
$159 Epic Military Pass

This discount pass honors the service of Vail Mountain’s founders from the 10th  Mountain Division, and men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces and Australian Defence Force.

Unlimited, unrestricted access to 42 resorts – including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb and Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis for Active and Retired Military and their dependents.

 Compare all Epic Pass offerings, including discounted senior passes, on the Epic Pass website.

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