Category: Season Passes

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Alterra Mountain Company to acquire Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington.

A table with a view of Mount Rainer- Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington state acquired by Alterra Mountain Company.

Expanding Regional Access to the Company’s Family of Destinations. Alterra Mountain Company, the owner of the IKON Pass,  announces that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington, which would bring the company’s total to 14 year-round mountain destinations throughout North America, including the world’s largest heli-skiing operation.

“With the addition of Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington, we are able to expand our reach into the Pacific Northwest and offer our guests incredible experiences in the Cascade Mountains, while also giving Crystal Mountain Resort skiers and riders the opportunity to explore all the other premier destinations on the Ikon Pass,” said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Alterra Mountain Company. “Crystal Mountain is Washington’s premier resort and has been a favorite year-round destination for those in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area for years, and we are excited to include it in the Alterra Mountain Company family.”

Crystal Mountain Resort, last acquisition of Alterra Mountain Company - to be enjoyed by IKON Pass holders.
Crystal Mountain Resort, last acquisition of Alterra Mountain Company – to be enjoyed by IKON Pass holders.

Crystal Mountain Resort will be available on the Ikon Pass for winter 2018/2019. Access will be unlimited with no blackout dates on both the Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass. (Any Ikon Pass access or benefits at Crystal Mountain Resort is contingent upon the completion of Alterra Mountain Company’s transaction to acquire Crystal Mountain Resort.)

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Experience Japan’s renowned deep powder at Niseko United with the IKON Pass.

Niseko Grand Hirafu, part of Niseko United, now with the IKON Pass, making it the third continent under one ski pass.

The Ikon Pass Now Offers Skiers & Riders Access on Three Continents

Ikon Pass holders will now have access to more than 72,000 skiable acres over three continents with the addition of Niseko United, located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido. Japan is home to some of the planet’s most plentiful and light snow, making Niseko United a bucket list destination for any skier and rider on the hunt for fresh powder.

You can now experience the legendary powder of Niseko United with the IKON Pass.
You can now experience the legendary powder of Niseko United with the IKON Pass.

Niseko United is regarded as Japan’s premier mountain destination and is comprised of four ski resorts located on one mountain – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri. Famous for the consistency and quality of its snow, Niseko United receives 50+ feet of snowfall every winter with just 7% of water content from crystallized moisture picked up from the Sea of Japan. Multi-million dollar investments in accommodation and infrastructure make Niseko United an excellent destination for families and powder hounds.

Continue reading “Experience Japan’s renowned deep powder at Niseko United with the IKON Pass.”

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The IKON Pass expands regional access into the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Northeast.

Sugarloaf, now on the IKON Pass. JWalter Photo.

Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf and Sunday River Increase Access; Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain, The Summit at Snoqualmie, and Cypress Mountain Join the Ikon Pass Community.

The Ikon Pass community has expanded to all corners of the country with the addition of The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington, Cypress Mountain in British Columbia and Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain in Michigan. Plus, access to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire and Sugarloaf and Sunday River in Maine just tripled.

Access
The Summit at Snoqualmie, Cypress Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain will offer 7 days each on the Ikon Pass, and 5 days each on the Ikon Base Pass with 10 holiday blackout dates, (Dec. 26 – 31, 2018; Jan. 19 – 20, 2019; Feb. 16 – 17, 2019).

The Summit at Snowqualmie- now on the IKON Pass. Part of Boyne Resorts.
The Summit at Snowqualmie- now on the IKON Pass. Part of Boyne Resorts.

Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf, and Sunday River originally offered 7 days combined between the three destinations on the Ikon Pass, (5 days combined between the three destinations on the Ikon Base Pass) and will now offer 7 days at each destination (5 days at each destination on the Ikon Base Pass), bringing access to 21 days total on the Ikon Pass (15 days total on the Ikon Base Pass).

Continue reading “The IKON Pass expands regional access into the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Northeast.”

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Planning your ski trip

Heavenly gondola. Photo by: The-Ski-Guru. Heavenly is another of the resorts that will roll out Emma later this season. Emma, the World's First Digital Mountain Assistant, Kicks Off the 2018-19 Winter Season in Beta at Keystone Ski Resort.

When should you start planning your ski trip? For me it should be at least six months in advance to your trip, more if you are planning to travel in school holidays.

If you are travelling in the shoulder season (low season), such as early December – before the 20th), January, March in Europe (not in the US and Canada as they have Spring Break) and April (outside of Easter weekend), you can plan a bit more on top of the time and maybe see how snow conditions are.

Ski Touring Vallée de Saint Bon - Les Trois Vallées.
Ski Touring Vallée de Saint Bon – Les Trois Vallées.

For me, I need to know I have a trip in sight to be able to cope with routine. I always have my winter trip arranged by July (we go skiing with the family in February), and I do reserve the flat we use year-on-year as soon as we leave the place when our week is finished- so I book it one year in advance! That is because I have such a great deal, and my kids love going back to the same place, that is a no-brainer.

So where to start for planning your ski trip?

Well, you can try to start thinking where you want to go. Talking of the Northern Hemisphere- if you live in the UK as we do – are you going to drive (so that is only Europe and it would be France, Switzerland, Italy and maybe the Pyrenees’ or Austria, or fly, where you can add also the US, Canada or Japan. You can see the different websites with information on resorts and try to sort what resort is for the type of skier/boarder you are, or which one caters a diverse group.

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The IKON Pass expands into the land of enchantment with Taos Ski Valley as its Latest Partner

Photo: Taos Ski Resort. Avalanche buries two near Kachina Peak.

The Ikon Pass announces that Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico will join the Ikon Pass community for winter 2018/2019, offering expanded access across the Rockies from British Columbia to New Mexico.

Taos is the southern gateway to the Rocky Mountains, nestled in an intimate valley where Spanish Colonial and Native American history meet a European village. The mountain boasts over 100 trails, including expert hike-to terrain on Kachina Peak. Taos Ski Valley is in the midst of a $300 million overhaul with new infrastructure and updated amenities, including the recently opened ski-in/ski-out hotel, The Blake, and a new high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2018/2019.

Taos is a favourite for those looking for some steep runs such as Kachina Peak.
Taos is a favourite for those looking for some steep runs such as Kachina Peak.

Continue reading “The IKON Pass expands into the land of enchantment with Taos Ski Valley as its Latest Partner”

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IKON Pass announces unparalleled access to Utah with the addition of Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort

Solitude Mountain Resort - Photo by Solitude Mountain Resort. Alterra Mountain Company to acquire Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah.

Now Offering Five Destinations in Utah with the IKON Pass

Ikon Pass holders now have access to nearly 10,000 acres of terrain in Utah between Deer Valley Resort, Alta, Snowbird, and now Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort – the most terrain offered in Utah on any season pass.

Earlier this month, Alterra Mountain Company completed its acquisition of Solitude Mountain Resort located in Big Cottonwood Canyon just 34 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and less than an hour from Deer Valley Resort. The mountain offers skiers and riders 77 runs, three bowls, and a vertical drop of 2,030 feet across 1,200 acres, plus some of the most impressive off-piste terrain in the country. The quaint base village offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations along with year-round activities for guests.

Solitude Mountain Resort is the last mountain to be acquired by Alterra Mountain Company. They will be included within the IKON Pass.
Solitude Mountain Resort is the last mountain to be acquired by Alterra Mountain Company. They will be included within the IKON Pass.

Continue reading “IKON Pass announces unparalleled access to Utah with the addition of Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort”

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Vail Resorts closes its acquisition of Stevens Pass Resort in Washington

Cowboy Ridge at Stevens Pass, one of the areas bought by Vail Resorts in its last shopping spree.

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today announced that the Company has closed on its acquisition of Stevens Pass Resort in Washington from Ski Resort Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Oz Real Estate. The final purchase price, after adjustments for certain agreed-upon terms, was $64 million. Less than 85 miles from Seattle and renowned for its plentiful snowfall, the resort sits on the crest of the Cascade Range within two national forests – the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on the west side, and the Wenatchee National Forest on the east.

Stevens Pass is the last acquisition of Vail Resorts and will be included in the EPIC Pass.
Stevens Pass is the last acquisition of Vail Resorts and will be included in the EPIC Pass.

The 2018-19 Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Australia Pass, and Military Epic Pass now include unlimited and unrestricted access to Stevens Pass; the Epic 7 Day and Epic 4 Day Passes now offer seven and four unrestricted days respectively. Additionally, Whistler Blackcomb’s 5 Day and 10 Day EDGE Cards, which are available to residents of Washington State and Canada, allow pass holders to use two of five, or three of 10 days at Stevens Pass or any other Vail Resorts’ owned and operated ski resorts.

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ALTERRA MOUNTAIN COMPANY TO ACQUIRE SOLITUDE MOUNTAIN RESORT IN UTAH

Solitude Mountain Resort - Photo by Solitude Mountain Resort. Alterra Mountain Company to acquire Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah.

Alterra Mountain Company is to acquire Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah.  Alterra Mountain Company announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah, which would bring the company’s total to 13 year-round mountain destinations throughout North America, including the world’s largest heli-skiing operation.



Booking.com


“With its close relationship with Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort is a natural fit for Alterra Mountain Company, and a tremendous addition to our family of destinations. We are especially excited to expand our reach within Utah and offer another ski and snowboard experience in a state known for its exceptional snow and mountain culture,” said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Alterra Mountain Company.

Solitude Mountain Resort is the last mountain to be acquired by Alterra Mountain Company. They will be included within the IKON Pass.
Solitude Mountain Resort is the last mountain to be acquired by Alterra Mountain Company. They will be included within the IKON Pass.

Solitude Mountain Resort is located just 34 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and less than an hour from Deer Valley Resort, in the renowned Big Cottonwood Canyon. The mountain offers skiers and riders 77 runs, three bowls, and a vertical drop of 2,030 feet (619 meters) across 1,200 acres, plus some of the most impressive off-piste terrain in the country. The quaint base village offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations along with year-round activities for guests.

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Saas-Fee awesome crowfunding campaign for a season pass of CHF 255 gets a green light for the third year in the row.

Saas-Fee is launching for the third time in the row the MountainCARD, a crowfunding campaign to get a season pass for CHF 255.

If you are planning to go skiing to Switzerland, think ahead and watch this promotion of Saas-Fee. With only CHF 255 you might be lucky of getting a season pass for Saas-Fee if 66,666 other winter fans chip in, thanks to the latest crowfunding campaign, an effort now in its third year.



Booking.com


The website for the WinterCARD is now up and running at www.make-it-happen-again.ch . The deal is this: if by 31st October 2018 ther are 66,666 winter enthusiasts registering their interest for the pass for Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell and Saas-Balen, then these people will obtain their ski pass for CHF 255.

Saas-Fee is one of the prettiest ski towns in the Valais region. Get advantage of the crowdfunding campaign and get your WinterCARD for CHF 255.
Saas-Fee is one of the prettiest ski towns in the Valais region. Get advantage of the crowdfunding campaign and get your WinterCARD for CHF 255.

You will only be obliged to pay if the goal of the WinterCARD is achieved. You can check how many people have registered checking at www.make-it-happen-again.ch with its live counter. By 31st October, all participants will be contacted via email if they are owners of the WinterCARD 2018-19 that will be valid from 1st November 2018 til 28th April 2019.

Continue reading “Saas-Fee awesome crowfunding campaign for a season pass of CHF 255 gets a green light for the third year in the row.”

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Vail Resorts to acquire Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort, and Mount Sunapee Resort , and also Stevens Pass Resort in a separate transaction.

Crested Butte is one of the last additions to the EPIC Pass. Photo: Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

• Vail Resorts will acquire Triple Peaks, LLC, the parent company of Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado.
• In a separate transaction, Vail Resorts will acquire Stevens Pass Resort in Washington State.
• Upon closing, Epic Pass and Whistler Blackcomb Edge Card products will now include additional access to all four resorts for the 2018-19 winter season, providing even more variety and options in New England, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest.
• Vail Resorts plans to invest $35 million in total capital across the four resorts over the next two years.

Crested Butte viewed from town- Photo b JC Leacock - Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort viewed from town- Photo b JC Leacock – Crested Butte Mountain Resort, now recently purchased by Vail Resorts.

As per a new press release by Vail Resorts, as of today, June 4, 2018,  Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)  has entered into an agreement to purchase Triple Peaks, LLC, the parent company of Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado. The Company will purchase Triple Peaks, LLC from the Mueller family for a purchase price of $82 million, subject to certain adjustments. At closing, Triple Peaks will pay $155 million to pay off the leases that all three resorts have with Ski Resort Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Oz Real Estate, with funds provided by Vail Resorts.

Continue reading “Vail Resorts to acquire Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort, and Mount Sunapee Resort , and also Stevens Pass Resort in a separate transaction.”