Category: IKON Pass

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Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season

Matterhorn at dusk. Photo credit: Marc Weiler. Zermatt Tourism Office. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.

Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season

Ikon Pass expands into Europe with the addition of Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia Valtourneche in Italy for the 2019/20 ski season

Soak up the magic of the Matterhorn as Zermatt in Switzerland becomes the first European destination partner on the Ikon Pass. Now Ikon Pass holders have access to snow at 41 global destinations across five continents.

The iconic Matterhorn towers over more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) of terrain that spans both Switzerland and Italy, offering Swiss hospitality coupled with Italian lifestyle, in the highest skiable terrain offered in the picturesque Alps. Connected lift service offers Ikon Pass holders access to Rothorn, Gornergrat and the Schwarzsee-Matterhorn glacier paradise within the Zermatt ski area, plus Cervinia-Valtournenche ski areas in Italy, collectively known as Matterhorn ski paradise.

The IKON Pass extends into Europe. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.
The IKON Pass extends into Europe. Ikon Pass to include Zermatt and Cervinia for the 2019/20 ski season.

Ikon Pass holders will have seven-day access to Zermatt and the Matterhorn ski paradise network on the Ikon Pass with no blackout dates, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, also with no blackout dates.

“The Matterhorn is a true icon known around the world, so we are thrilled to have Zermatt join the Ikon Pass community,” said Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer for Alterra Mountain Company. “Ikon Pass strives to continually offer pass holders unique experiences in the mountains. Now they can experience Zermatt’s glacier skiing, traditional Swiss fondue, plus its infamous European après ski across two countries, on one pass.”

“Zermatt and Matterhorn ski paradise are pleased to be the first European destination on the Ikon Pass, and we look forward to offering our best Swiss quality and Italian lifestyle to Ikon Pass holders everywhere. We are excited to share our passion and devotion to skiing within the Ikon Pass community and its impressive destination partners across the globe,” said Sandra Zenhäusern, Director of Marketing, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG.

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Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass

Arapahoe Basin photo: Dave Camara. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.

Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass

Arapahoe Basin has made the news recently for leaving the alliance with Vail Resorts and being part of the Epic Pass due to major problems with overcrowding, including parking on US6 that was making it just dangerous for visitors and drivers alike.

Arapahoe Basin Cam. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.
Arapahoe Basin Cam. Arapahoe Basin is now part of the IKON Pass.

I guess it is difficult to be an independent resort in the current climate of concentration of the ski market in the US, so now A Basin will be part of the competitor of the Epic Pass – the IKON Pass. The IKON Pass can be used in 40 global ski destinations, including six in Colorado, now with A Basin:

Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and Eldora Mountain Resort.

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Aspen Mountain to Open with Skiing and Riding Memorial Day Weekend

Mattpowerphotography.com 2/24/15 SkiCo Aspen Mountain Shoot. Aspen Mountain to Open with Skiing and Riding Memorial Day Weekend.

Aspen Mountain to Open with Skiing and Riding Memorial Day Weekend

Aspen Mountain will open for summer operations Memorial Day Weekend May 25-27 with skiing and riding. In addition to opening 130 acres of skiable terrain, Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of Aspen Mountain’s summer operations with access to sightseeing and food/beverage options at the Sundeck restaurant. There will be a live DJ outside on the deck Saturday and Sunday.

Aspen Mountain to Open with Skiing and Riding Memorial Day Weekend. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.
Aspen Mountain to Open with Skiing and Riding Memorial Day Weekend. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.

The Silver Queen Gondola will operate from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for sightseeing and the Ajax Express chairlift will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for laps on Aspen Mountain’s upper blue runs as well as black runs such as Summit and Blondie’s. Everyone will be required to download on the gondola.

“With a pleasant dropping of additional snow in the last couple weeks, we are excited to kick-off Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer operations with skiing/riding on Aspen Mountain,” says Katie Ertl, senior vice president of mountain operations, Aspen Skiing Company. “The weekend will offer classic conditions for a Colorado multi-sport weekend with town green and the mountain painted white.”

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Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman

Copper Mountain ski map. Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman.

Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman

In a letter from Copper GM and President Dustin Lyman, he expressed that overall, they had a successful ski season, with 313 inches of snow, receiving 98 inches in March alone, breaking the record of the resort’s snowfall for the month since the opening date, 47 years ago.

Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman.
Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain News and recap of the season by GM and President Dustin Lyman.

Copper has welcome IKON passholders for the first time and will keep on partnering with Alterra on the IKON pass next season, in addition to offering Copper Season Passes and Four Packs. With Copper’s new Premier and Premier Pass Plus options, guests will receive special access to select lifts just at the former Secret Pass offered, but a host of other benefits including the Athletic Club and close-in parking to maximise the guests’ time at the resort.

Copper Mountain is having a USD 100 million multi-year transformation and will continue this summer with several projects on and off the mountain. The new Tucker Mountain lift will provide access to expert terrain that was previously accessible only via snowcat or by hiking. It will run from the base of the Blackjack lift to the top of The Taco. Solitude Station will be no more as of the 2020/21 season as they are constructing a brand new 25,000 square foot mid-mountain lodge that will include a full – service casual restaurant, full-service bar and lounge, private dining area, cafeteria and incredible views of the Ten Mile Range.

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Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3

Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3 - New United States Ski Mountaineering Association National Championship. Photo courtesy of Aspen Skiing Company.

Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3 – New United States Ski Mountaineering Association National Championship

 For the ninth year in a row, Aspen Snowmass, is scheduled to host the Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Saturday, Mar. 2. For athletes not quite ready to take on the full course, participants have the option to race the Power of Two that covers the last two mountains of the full route, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain.

New this year, The Power of Four will play host to the National Championships for both the team and vertical disciplines.

Snowmass Burnt Mountain Climb. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3. New United States Ski Mountaineering Association National Championship.
Snowmass Burnt Mountain Climb. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race Mar. 2-3. New United States Ski Mountaineering Association National Championship.

The new Vertical Race will take place on Aspen Mountain Sunday, Mar. 3 with a 7 a.m. start at the base of the mountain. Racers will skin roughly 2,000 feet to the finish line and awards will be held at the base after the race.

“We are excited to be selected as the host resort for two of this year’s national championship events” says, Daragh Kneeshaw, events marketing manager, Aspen Skiing Company. “As the race grows in popularity each year, we are ready to welcome and watch the top athletes in the US compete on our home stage.”

The Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race is the winter edition of the Power of Four series that includes both a bike and run race in the summer. The ski mountaineering event tests athlete’s endurance as they race in teams of two across all four area mountains on a grueling course that covers 24 miles and more than 10,000 feet of vertical climb. Teams start in Snowmass Village at 6 a.m., traverse to West Buttermilk, skin up Aspen Highlands, including Highland Bowl, ski down the backside of Aspen Highlands along the Congo Trail, skin up Midnight Mine Road and proceed to ski down the front side of Aspen Mountain to complete the race in Gondola Plaza.

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ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT In the style of Stan Lee

Snowmaking. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT In the style of Stan Lee.

 

ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT in the style of Stan Lee

Departing from its usual format, Aspen Skiing Company’s (ASC) twelfth Sustainability Report is a graphic novel. The report highlights Aspen’s history and details the company’s story of how sustainability became one of ASC’s principal efforts.

Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT In the style of Stan Lee.
Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RELEASES 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT In the style of Stan Lee.

The report follows ASC’s founding, its journey to find a mission beyond skiing, and the impact of the 2016 election on the company’s renewed commitment to community and the environment. It concludes with ASC’s very public stance in support of tolerance and climate action, and the resulting Give a Flake campaign, which evokes Elie Wiesel’s advice that: “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.”

More benignly, in true Sustainability Report form, the 2018 version includes data on ASC’s carbon emissions and philanthropic contributions.

“Nobody reads corporate sustainability reports – they’re too boring,” says Auden Schendler, senior vice president of sustainability and one of the report authors. “We decided it’s less important to deliver every detail. Instead, we try to tell the story of our strategic and philosophical evolution, with Batman-style graphics.”

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2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass

Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass

2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass on-mountain dining establishments announce 2018/19 winter news and events calendar.

Mountain Dining News

Sustainable and Local Food

Aspen Snowmass works closely with local purveyors to ensure that food at on-mountain restaurants is fresh, local and sustainably sourced. All hot-dogs, hamburgers and chili meat are sourced from local, grass-fed beef and on-mountain chicken products, including chicken fingers, come from Boulder Natural Meats. In addition, Aspen Snowmass works with other local sources such as Crystal River Meats, Mountain Primal Meats, Erin’s Acres Farm, Wild Mountain Seeds, Louis Swiss Pastry, Rock Bottom Ranch, Shining Mountains Farm, Colorado Pastured Pork and more.

Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass
Photo: Aspen Snowmass. 2018/19 Mountain Dining News and Events at Aspen Snowmass

Kid’s Cooler On-Mountain Lunches

This season, Aspen Snowmass is updating the Kid’s Cooler on-mountain lunches to include healthier options. Selections now include hummus, carrots, edamame, fresh fruit, yogurt and applesauce. Kid’s Cooler lunches are available at the Cliffhouse, Bumps, Elk Camp, Merry-Go-Round and Ullrhof.

A Commitment to Composting

On-mountain dining restaurants at Aspen Snowmass are committed to composting. Composting reduces dependence on fossil fuels and improves soil health which greatly decreases the need for chemical fertilizers. It also lessens waste sent to the Pitkin County Landfill, extending the landfill’s life. Aspen Snowmass has embraced composting at on-mountain restaurants, children’s ski school locations and hotels. Bumps, the Cliffhouse, Two Creeks, Elk Camp and Sam’s Smokehouse compost both the front and back of house and Lynn Britt Cabin, Ullrhof, Up 4 Pizza and the Sundeck all compost in the back of house. Within children’s ski school facilities, both the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center and the Hideout have implemented composting programs. The Little Nell, Limelight Hotel Aspen, and the Limelight Hotel Snowmass compost as well. By the end of the 2018/19 winter season, the vast majority of Aspen Snowmass’ waste will be composted.

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Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight

Photo: Aspen Snowmass. Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight.

Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight

Overnight Powder Pancake Day at Aspen Highlands

Aspen Snowmass Snowpack at 120% of Median

Aspen Snowmass welcomed eight inches of new snow overnight Wednesday at Aspen Highlands followed by Snowmass with seven inches, Aspen Mountain with five inches and Buttermilk with three inches.

Photo: Aspen Snowmass. Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight.
Photo: Aspen Snowmass. Aspen Snowmass Receives up to Eight Inches of New Snow Overnight.

Since Aspen Highlands received eight inches of new snow, it was announced as a Powder Pancakes day at the mountain. Free pancakes will be handed at Merry-Go-Round restaurant, located mid-mountain on Aspen Highlands, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. this morning. This takes place every time an Aspen Snowmass mountain receives eight inches or more of new snow overnight.

As of today, the Aspen Snowmass snowpack is at 120% of median with 3,960 acres of terrain open across all four resorts.

For the detailed snow report, visit www.aspensnowmass.com/our-mountains/snow-report.

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Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th

Skiing through the glades at Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.

Deer Valley Resort was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year and opens this Saturday December 8th.

Deer Valley Resort will open for the 2018-2019 ski season on Saturday, December 8, 2018. With over 40” of pre-season snow and optimal snowmaking conditions, Deer Valley® is able to open with at least 45 ski runs serviced by 16 chairlifts, including the new Homestake Express chairlift, upgraded this summer to a high-speed detachable quad. For updated mountain information, be sure to visit the On the Mountain page for the latest conditions and to sign up for Daily Conditions and Powder Alert emails.

Winter Ski Beach at Deer Valley Resort. Photo: Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.
Winter Ski Beach at Deer Valley Resort. Photo: Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley who was awarded Best US Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the sixth year, opens this Saturday December 8th.

New this year, lift tickets purchased three or more days in advance during non-holiday periods will receive “Advance Purchase” pricing. A full list of lift ticket pricing can be viewed here on deervalley.com. In keeping with the resort’s commitment to service and to ensure an exceptional on-mountain experience, Deer Valley limits the number of skiers on the hill each day. Deer Valley does reach capacity during the holiday periods such as December 26, 2018 through January 3, 2019 and February 16 through 20, 2019. Guests are encouraged to purchase their lift tickets in advance at deervalley.com. New this year, Ikon Pass holders are invited to reserve their daily lift tickets in advance at ikonres.deervalley.com to guarantee access during these peak holiday periods.

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Aspen Mountain to Open Early, Saturday, Nov. 17

Mattpowerphotography.com 2/24/15 SkiCo Aspen Mountain Shoot. Aspen Mountain to Open with Skiing and Riding Memorial Day Weekend.

ASPEN SNOWMASS, Colo.—Nov. 9, 2018— Aspen Mountain will open for daily operations Saturday, Nov. 17, five days prior to the resort’s scheduled opening date.

Snowmaking operations began Nov. 1 and have continued at a steady pace throughout the last week due to cold temperatures at night. Alongside snowmaking, recent storm cycles have delivered up to 20 inches of new snow on Aspen Snowmass pushing the snowpack above average.

Aspen Mountain to Open Early, Saturday, Nov. 17. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.
Aspen Mountain to Open Early, Saturday, Nov. 17. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company.

“With above average snowpack and cold temperatures we have been hard at work preparing the mountain and we are excited to open early for the community and our visitors,” says Katie Ertl, senior vice president of mountain operations. “Opening early is always a great way to kick-off the highly anticipated ski and snowboard season.”

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