Edited by Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
With the potential for a Super El Niño winter and a wide range of new offerings debuting across 10 countries on three continents, Ikon Pass holders are encouraged to gear up for an exceptional winter season, complete with new terrain to explore, improved on- and off-mountain infrastructure, elevated dining and lodging experiences, upgraded snowmaking and continuous resort celebrations.
The Ikon Pass has enabled passholders to go where snow conditions are best and incentivize, inspire and facilitate discovery and exploration of new destinations around the nation and the world. (Ikon Passholders have access to a proprietary travel service for planning, booking, and deals.)
Prices for the 26/27 Ikon Pass are going up: the last chance to save is October 8, 2026. The Ikon Pass is on sale at www.ikonpass.com.
New Ikon Pass Destinations & Access
- New North American Destinations – SilverStar Mountain in British Columbia, Snowriver Mountain Resort in Michigan, Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota and Granite Peak in Wisconsin.
- New Destinations in Asia – Madarao Mountain Resort in Japan and Beidahu Ski Resort and Lake Songhua Resort in China.
- New Bonus Mountains – Devil’s Head, WI; Tamarack, ID; Giants Ridge, MN; Caberfae Peaks, MI; and Snowy Range Ski Area, WY.
- New Access – Ikon Base Pass holders can enjoy unlimited access to Arapahoe Basin and 5-day access to Snowmass in Colorado.
Discover New & Expanded Terrain
Building on last season’s historic expansion, Deer Valley Resort’s Expanded Excellence vision continues to unfold for the 26/27 winter season. The resort’s newest lift, Hail Peak Express, will add access to 200 new skiable acres and seven new runs this winter season, bringing the resort to 32 chairlifts and 4,500 skiable acres. Families will enjoy new snow feature zones featuring rollers, berms, and gentle ski-cross elements that create a fun, confidence-building environment for young and beginner skiers.
Tremblant is building on its $42.5 million CAD long-term investment, introducing a dedicated learning area at the base of Versant Soleil designed specifically for first-time skiers and riders. Located adjacent to the Casino Express Gondola, the new learning area’s gentle terrain and dedicated infrastructure is designed to support progression from first turns.
At SkiBig3’s Lake Louise Ski Resort, new terrain additions including Grove Glade, expanded glades, and the full development of Pikaboo and Prunepicker will create more ways to explore the mountain.
Introduced last year, NEKOMA Mountain’s tree run zone has been expanded so guests can experience the legendary JAPOW nestled within the lush forests of a national park on five zones designed to accommodate various skill levels.
As part of a more than €160 million investment across its ski areas, Dolomiti Superski is opening new slopes and connections that offer greater terrain variety and more seamless skiing and riding.
Sugarloaf‘s Learning Area is adding two new conveyor lifts to free up terrain on the Birches. Glade work continues in Bracket and potentially Burnt Mountain, building on last year’s reopening of backside terrain after a three-year closure.
Families and first-time skiers will benefit from the growth of Sunny’s Adventure Park at Sun Valley, an all-new beginner learning area designed to make progression fun, approachable, and confidence-building. The new experience features dedicated kid-friendly terrain, interactive learning elements, and playful features.
An additional 40 acres of terrain will be newly gladed between Christin’s Silver, Leigh Lane and Upper Broadway at Sun Valley, building upon the 90 acres completed last summer and more than 390 acres of new gladed terrain introduced over the past six years through the Bald Mountain Stewardship Project.
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in British Columbia is expanding its Holiday Catski Camp by three weeks due to massive popularity. When one adult is booked in any heli-skiing package, one child age 12 or under can enjoy our Kids Cat-Ski program for free. Camps run Dec 19 to January 23, 2027.
New Lodges, Ski-in/Out Access, Amenities
CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures will debut a refreshed Valemount Lodge – one of the most coveted private heli-skiing experiences – complete with 10 fully renovated guestrooms, exceptional hospitality, private jet charter and a personal helicopter to explore its famed 400+ backcountry runs.
Steamboat has launched Steamboat Hospitality, a new division offering travelers a more seamless way to discover and book lodging throughout Steamboat Springs.
Niseko United, Japan, will unveil the new Moxy Niseko Village in late 2026, bringing a playful new hospitality experience to the foothills of Mount Yōtei. Featuring contemporary design, lively communal spaces, craft cocktails and a vibrant terrace, the hotel introduces a fresh après-adventure atmosphere to Niseko Village.
NEKOMA Mountain, Fukushima, Japan,is adding more than 300 slopeside accommodations in the resort’s South Area, providing the perfect homebase for ski-in/ski-out access and extended stays.
Alta Ski Area skiers will discover a new place to relax, dine and enjoy the stunning scenery around the Albion base area. The Albion Day Lodge will bring 3,400-square-feet of added dining space and extended patio seating, as well as a cozy lounge area with a fireplace, cubbies and lockers and a new, larger space for the beloved Alta Java cafe with indoor/outdoor service.
Snowbasin’s new Meadow Pavilion gives guests another space to warm up between runs, spread out for lunch, or hang out while the kids are in ski school. It features big windows for impeccable mountain views and will be a home base for ski school students, giving them a comfortable spot to gather and regroup between lessons.
At Furano Ski Resort, the Shin Furano Prince Hotel will debut new banquet amenities, as well as a new outdoor terrace with fire pits and table seating, perfect for apres-ski relaxation, stargazing, BBQs and beer gardens.
Sugarloaf is adding winter tubing lanes on Birches learning terrain, providing another fun on-snow activity for kids and adults alike.
This winter marks the debut of The Daly, RED Mountain’s newest ski-in/ski-out accommodation complete with an outdoor pool and hot tub. Located at the base of the mountain, The Daly combines modern alpine design with immediate access to RED’s legendary terrain and the historic mountain town of Rossland.
The new 155-room Cabot Revelstoke Mountain Lodge is taking shape at the base of the resort, offering ski-in/ski-out access and opening in 2027. The lodge will serve as a year-round hub featuring a Chop Steakhouse, extensive spa and hot tub amenities, and dedicated spaces for weddings, retreats, meetings and events.
Enhanced Snowmaking for a Longer, Better Season
Deer Valley will rely on a new 10-million-gallon reservoir to work in tandem with the existing Summit Pump House to pump 10,000 gallons of water per minute for increased snowmaking efforts. 80 to 90% of water used for snowmaking will return to its water source, in the Jordanelle Reservoir or the Provo River.
Solitude’s new fixed and mobile snow guns, along with system-wide improvements, will increase both snowmaking coverage and capacity across the mountain – further reinforcing the resort’s commitment to having Utah’s longest ski and ride season.
At SkiBig3, new snowmaking on Richardson’s Ridge at Lake Louise Ski Resort will help create more consistent conditions, while Mt. Norquay will make improvements to its snowmaking infrastructure to keep the mountain operating at its best.
Loon Mountain’s latest snowmaking investments are designed to maximize every window of cold weather, make snow more efficiently and bring terrain online sooner. Enhanced infrastructure in East Basin and North Peak, paired with new high-efficiency Klik snow guns, will support more consistent conditions throughout the season.
Kitzbuhel’s new Sonnenrast reservoir will significantly enhance snowmaking operations, further improve the efficiency of snow production and contribute to long-term snow reliability.
Expanded snowmaking systems and new water storage facilities across Dolomiti Superski areas will help ensure more consistent slope conditions throughout the season. Investments in energy-efficient solutions – new photovoltaic systems at several lift stations and expansion of a solar power system – showcase the destination’s dedication to sustainability.
Alyeska Resort is replacing 800 feet of snowmaking pipeline, installing two new high-efficiency fan guns, a new high-capacity snowmaking pump, and a complete controls system upgrade. One new fan gun will be installed atop a dedicated snowmaking tower near Ted’s Express, significantly enhancing mid-mountain snowmaking coverage and production capabilities.
Copper Mountain is in the midst of a multi-year project to upgrade snowmaking infrastructure across the mountain. Improvements included the installation of new fan guns and modernized towers and hydrants with more efficient fully automatic systems.
The 2026/27 winter will also debut significant investments in Sun Valley’s snowmaking system, increasing system reliability and efficiency and providing more consistent early-season conditions.
New Lifts & Gondolas for Quicker, Smoother Access
Deer Valley Resort’s new Hail Peak Express lift will open access to 200 new skiable acres, and complement the 11 new chairlifts added since December 2024.
After debuting during the 2025–2026 season, Big Sky Resort’s Explorer Gondola and Kircliff return for their first full winter season at Big Sky. The high-speed, 10-person Explorer Gondola connects the Mountain Village base area directly to the Lone Peak Tram, creating a faster, more seamless top-to-bottom lift experience for skiers, riders, and sightseers alike.
The all-new Nell Bell chairlift on Aspen Mountain replaces the iconic Bell Mountain and Little Nell lifts with a new high-speed quad lift and provides direct access to the top of Bell Mountain from Gondola Plaza. Nell Bell lift will provide unprecedented fast access to the core of Aspen Mountain and some of its best terrain from the base.
Zermatt debuts a new Pattrularve chairlift, replacing the existing lift with a state-of-the-art 6-seater chairlift to offer greater comfort, efficiency and even more enjoyable days on the slopes in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise.
Niseko United’s new Shin Mori-no Gondola is scheduled to open this season, connecting the base station with the mid-station and replacing the existing Mori Chairlift. The new gondola will nearly double uphill capacity and feature 86 cabins, including VIP Cabins with tables and Sky View Cabins with glass floors. The Wonderland Chairlift will also be upgraded from a single-seat to a double-seat lift, improving convenience and reducing wait times.
Grand Hirafu at Niseko United replaces the existing Ace No. 3 Lift with a high-speed, four-person chairlift featuring weather-protective bubbles. The upgrade more than doubles the lift’s current capacity, helping ease congestion in the mid-mountain area and improving the overall guest experience as visitation continues to grow.
Three new 10-passenger gondolas debut this winter at Valle D’Aosta, replacing four lifts across Courmayeur Mont-Blanc and La Thuile. Ikon Pass holders have access to 5 ski areas (Cervino Ski Paradise, Courmayeur Mont Blanc plus Skyway Monte Bianco, La Thuile, Monterosa Ski and Pila) combining more than 350 miles of groomed trails, 8 terrain parks and extensive off-piste terrain.
New, modern high-speed lifts and gondolas – 4 new gondolas and 5 new lifts – across the Dolomiti Superski areas will reduce travel times and improve uphill capacity, ultimately delivering a more comfortable, and more reliable experience for skiers and riders.
Ischgl is unveiling three new 8-seat chairlifts in the Silvretta Arena, complete with heated seats and weather protection hoods for maximum comfort. Solar panels will help power the lifts. The Samnaun tram features new, state-of-the-art cabins to ensure the highest safety and comfort standards.
Sun Valley debuts two new chairlifts—Lookout Express and Christmas—this season, following the successful installation of four new lifts in recent years.
St. Moritz completely overhauled its trams after 40 years of continuous operation, and made significant upgrades to its stations to ensure full access for guests with limited mobility.
Snowbird has replaced The Chickadee Chairlift, originally a two-seater, with a quad. The slope has also been re-graded and lift re-aligned to create a better learning experience for novice skiers as they prepare for the rest of the mountain.
Mt. Bachelor is making a significant lift infrastructure investment with the modernization of the Northwest chairlift, upgrading its electrical and operating systems to better protect critical infrastructure from ice buildup and weather-related disruptions, as well as improve long-term lift performance and reliability, enhancing access to some of Mt. Bachelor’s most beloved and unique expert terrain.
Alyeska Resort is completing several key infrastructure improvements across its lift network, including the replacement of the Ted’s Express lift bullwheel bearing as part of its preventative maintenance program, modifications to the aerial tram hydraulic system, and a full repaint of the Chair 7 terminals. It has also added a new PistenBully 600 Winch snowcat to its grooming fleet.
Resort Anniversary Celebrations
Arapahoe Basin marks its 80th anniversary season with $80 lift tickets, free skiing for 80-year-olds, returning traditions and events, plus exhibits that honor the resort’s enduring community-focused, no-frills ethos.
Blue Mountain turns 85 this winter! Ontario’s largest ski and snowboard destination is planning to throw it back to some of the best ski memories with events, live music, and ski vibes from the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s.
Mammoth Mountain marks 30 years of its Unbound Terrain Parks – boasting 10 terrain parks, 2 halfpipes, 100+ jibs and over 40 jumps covering 100 acres.
Panorama is turning back the clock to celebrate 65 years with epic après and retro events all season long.
Aspen Snowmass celebrates its eight decades of skiing, community, and storied history as one of the world’s most iconic mountain destinations.
Sierra-at-Tahoe is celebrating its 80th Anniversary highlighting the mountain’s history from its early days post-WWII to moving to its present location, expanding to 2,000 skiable acres and becoming an early champion of snowboarding and terrain parks.
Brighton is celebrating its 90th Anniversary with special events, limited-edition merchandise, throwback moments, and a few surprises throughout the season.
Indulge New Apres & Culinary Experiences
Mammoth Mountain unveils a new restaurant concept, Apricity, at The Westin Monache.
SkiBig3’s Banff Sunshine is bringing back the popular GOAT Club après venue, and unveiling a new Coco Lab coffee and hot chocolate bar at Goat’s Eye Lodge, expanded cocktail offerings, and the first full season of the Coco Lounge.
Dolomiti Superski’s Passo San Pellegrino debust a new bar and restaurant near the base station of the Col Margherita tram.
Iglu, Big Sky Resort‘s snow-built bar located at the base of the Lone Peak Tram, returns this winter with a larger footprint, offering a striking, warm gathering space amid one of Montana’s most dramatic high-alpine settings. New this season, Iglu is accessible on foot via a dedicated staircase from the top terminal of the Explorer Gondola. Grant Achatz and M by The Alinea Group will also return for a second season, bringing an elevated, seasonal dining experience to Big Sky.
At Snowmass, the beloved Ullrhof restaurant reopens after a $42 million transformation. The new 26,000-square-foot restaurant has more than doubled capacity to 600+ and will offer four unique concepts under one roof: Ullr Market, Ullr Signature Restaurant, Ullr Bar, and Ullr Grill. The new state-of-the-art building will become Aspen Snowmass’s first all-electric on-mountain restaurant, a key reflection of Aspen One’s sustainability commitment.
Sugarloaf is adding an iglu experience at Bullwinkle’s, to complement the ski-in/ski-out convenience and exceptional view from the popular on-mountain restaurant.
Click here to discover when Ikon Pass destinations are slated to open for the 26/27 winter season.
For all Ikon Pass products and pricing, visit https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes.
Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass provides access to more than 70 iconic mountain destinations across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. e Destinations include Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin, and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Snow Valley in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky Resort in Montana; Alyeska Resort in Alaska, Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, and Killington in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; The Highlands, Boyne Mountain and Snowriver Mountain Resort in Michigan; Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota; Granite Peak in Wisconsin; Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Sun Valley and Schweitzer in Idaho; Tremblant and Le Massif de Charlevoix in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks Resort, and SilverStar Mountain in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Camelback Resort and Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania, Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico; Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird and Snowbasin in Utah; Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley and Megève Ski Area in France; Dolomiti Superski and Valle D’Aosta in Italy; Grandvalira Resorts in Andorra; Kitzbühel and Ischgl in Austria; Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland; Thredbo and Mt Buller in Australia; Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt in New Zealand; Niseko United, Arai Mountain Resort, Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, Mt.T, Myoko Suginohara, APPI Resort, Furano Ski Resort, NEKOMA Mountain, Zao Onsen Ski Resort, and Madarao Mountain Resort in Japan; Yunding Snow Park, Beidahu Ski Resort and Lake Songhua Resort in China; Mona Yongpyong in South Korea; and Valle Nevado in Chile. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, the world’s largest heli-skiing and heli-accessed hiking operation. For more information, visit www.ikonpass.com.
Alterra Mountain Company is a family of iconic year-round mountain destinations, one of the world’s leading heli-skiing operations, and Ikon Pass. It’s portfolio includes Steamboat, Winter Park and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Stratton Mountain and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Schweitzer in Idaho; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in British Columbia. Also included in the portfolio are Alpine Aerotech, a worldwide helicopter support and maintenance service center in British Columbia, Canada, Aspenware, a ski industry leader in technology services and e-commerce, and Ski Butlers, a global leader in ski and snowboard rental delivery. For more information, visit www.alterramtn.co.
See also:
