capital improvements

Always moving, always growing, always spreading the joy – Ikon Pass destinations are constantly building the next adventure for the mountain community. Whether it’s terrain expansions, new lifts, or new ways to connect, there’s always more to explore across 60+ destinations worldwide. Here’s what’s new for 25/26. Deer Valley Makes History Deer Valley Resort Deer Valley is going full send for the 25/26 season with the most significant ski destination expansion in history, effectively doubling the terrain and redefining the mountain experience. This winter, guests will discover the results of a multi-hundred-million-dollar investment, including the debut of the East Village Express, a 10-passenger gondola linking the new Deer Valley East Village to Park Peak. An additional six new chairlifts, nearly 80 new ski runs, and 1,200 day-skier parking spots further elevate the enhancements. All combined, these updates and additions will bring the destination’s total to 10 new lifts and nearly 100 new runs since December 2024, marking another defining milestone in Deer Valley’s transformation. Now, on to the vast number of improvements happening across Ikon Pass destinations worldwide. Lift Projects & Expanded Access Alta Ski Area Alta Ski Area, Utah Alta is building its future while protecting its soul. The Supreme detachable quad is realigned, snowmaking and utility lines are upgraded, four more Wyssen avalanche towers are installed, and the Albion Day Lodge expansion begins – expected to open in 2026/27. Add in hand-cut work on the High Traverse, and Alta proves once again that details matter in the pursuit of joy. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado At the intersection of rugged terrain and luxury experiences, Elk Camp at Snowmass is getting a six-pack lift that will reduce wait times and provide smoother access to popular terrain like Gunners View and the Burnt Mountain Glades. In addition, The Cirque platter is replaced with a faster two-person T-Bar for those legendary terrain laps. Bonus: Ullrhof Restaurant is set to reopen in 2026/27 as the resort’s first all-electric on-mountain restaurant, doubling its space and doubling down on sustainable stoke. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado This season, the Ikon Base Pass unlocks 5 days at Arapahoe Basin. However, upgrade from an Ikon Base Pass and you’ll drop into unlimited access for 25/26. That’s endless steep lines, soulful vibes, and sunshiny scenes. Big Sky Resort, Montana Joy in Montana now comes with a panoramic view. The new Explorer Gondola replaces the Explorer lift, connecting to the Lone Peak Tram with a mid-station terminal and beginner learning area. For a peak experience, an all-glass viewing deck with a glass floor elevates the summit of Lone Peak into a must-see trip. Crystal Mountain, Washington Washington’s favorite mountain keeps re-upping its rep as the place to be and ski. For 25/26, Crystal Mountain upgrades the Rainier Express – known locally as REX – to a modern high-speed quad, boosting uphill capacity and moving more guests up the mountain each hour. The new lift follows last year’s debut of the Crystal Mountain Commons base lodge and continues a wave of on-mountain improvements. This season also doubles the number of night-skiing days, from 28 to 56. With all upgrades unlocked, guests can drop into faster laps, more turns under the lights, and all the joy of big-mountain terrain just outside Seattle. For even more stoke to the PNW, an upgrade from an Ikon Base Pass now unlocks unlimited skiing and riding at Crystal Mountain. Ischgl, Austria A brand-new fleet of cable cars arrives for 25/26, upping efficiency and scenic travel in one of Europe’s most iconic resorts. Killington, Vermont Killington keeps charging ahead with the all-new Superstar Six chairlift opening December 2025, plus brand-new cabins and a gondola barn for the Skyeship Gondola. The Beast of the East is also adding 500 high-efficiency snow guns, bringing the total to 1,000, and rolling out snowmaking upgrades across the mountain. Faster rides, better snow, more laps – that’s more joy every day. Loon Mountain, New Hampshire Big improvements for little riders and seasoned shredders alike: a new carpet lift, upgraded snowmaking pumps and pipes, earlier park builds, and more hydrants on popular trails. Loon also celebrates 60 years this season with special events and giveaways – adding a sense of legacy to every run. Sierra-at-Tahoe, California Two new West Bowl trails debut this season, terrain parks expand, learning zones grow, and 12,000+ trees have been replanted in collaboration with the United States Forest Service. SkiBig3, Lake Louise, Canada Lake Louise is sliding into its next era with the Richardson Ridge expansion, set to debut this season. Phase One brings four new beginner and intermediate trails, gladed terrain, and a high-speed quad on the resort’s backside. It’s more variety for families and a new playground for skiers chasing joy in Banff National Park. Snowbasin, Utah In Utah, Snowbasin’s Becker Lift is replaced with a high-speed quad, RFID finally arrives, and beginner terrain expands in Bear Hollow. Combined with its 85th anniversary season, Snowbasin is writing the next chapter of its storied mountain joy. Sugarloaf, Maine As Sugarloaf celebrates 75 years, the stoke keeps flowing. Following the successful West Mountain Expansion, which added 120 new acres and a new lift, this year brings Snowcross, a new slopeside neighborhood. On-mountain, snowmaking gets a major upgrade on trails like Nitro, along with a new haul rope on the SuperQuad. Sun Valley, Idaho Newly gladded terrain off Canyon, Exhibition, and Olympic adds fresh routes to the legendary River Run Lodge, expanding on more than 500 acres of gladding in recent years. With this latest work, Sun Valley cements its place as North America’s premier destination for advanced tree skiing. Stratton, Vermont The American Express lift modernization project keeps things running smoothly with updated components for reliability and access. Pair that with improvements to employee housing in Manchester – new roofs, heating, paint, and furnishings. Better served employees deliver more stoke all season long. Snowmaking & Sustainability Blue Mountain Blue Mountain, Canada Ontario’s longest terrain park just upped its game. With 100 new high-efficiency snow gun locations, The Badlands doubles snowmaking capacity, letting the park crew build faster and extend the freestyle season for park-hungry hitters. Copper Mountain, Colorado A multi-year snowmaking project is underway, modernizing eight trails with new fan guns and semi-automatic systems to ensure early-season access, race training, and reliable public terrain. More snow, more laps, more send – earlier than ever. Sun Peaks Resort, Canada In Canada, multi-million-dollar snowmaking upgrades add more snow guns, weather stations, and automation for better efficiency. Sun Peaks also becomes the first Canadian resort to adopt Finnish snow storage tech, saving up to 85% of stored snow through summer. More snow, more joy, less waste. Thredbo, Australia Thredbo is blending progression and play. The SnowPro system brings next-gen snowmaking to beginner areas, and MOOKi’s Mini Pipe returns to give groms and riders a safe, fun place to build skills. It’s more joy for the next generation of riders. Lodging, Dining & On-Mountain Facilities Big Sky Resort Big Sky Resort, Montana Experience an exclusive four-month culinary residency helmed by three-Michelin-starred chef Grant Achatz. Part of The Alinea Group's 20th Anniversary World Tour, this once-in-a-lifetime dining experience fuses European culinary precision with Montana's elemental character, offering locally sourced seasonal menus in a stunning alpine retreat designed by award-winning studio Fettle. Le Massif de Charlevoix, Canada Perched atop the mountain with ski-in/ski-out access, Chalet Bertha is open for booking in winter 25/26. Featuring Nordic-inspired architecture and premium amenities, this Quebec setting pairs elegance and adventure. Designed for families, retreats, and celebrations – this is high-alpine joy with a riverside view. Niseko United, Japan Hanazono Resort opens a new 145-seat Umbrella Bar at the base, bringing après energy with DJs and Niseko-inspired eats. Snowbird, Utah The Nest, a new mid-mountain restaurant, opens with 145 glass panels framing the Wasatch. This is joy served with every plate and every view. Snowshoe, West Virginia The new Shavers Center, opening mid-December 25/26, reinvents a 50-year icon with modern dining, an expansive deck with firepits, and plenty of gathering space. It also becomes the new home for Ski & Ride School and Outdoor Adventure Tours. A new hub for community connection, designed for comfort and stoke. Steamboat, Colorado The Crooked Antler brings a cozy new dining space to The Steamboat Grand, with comfort food, signature drinks, and approachable prices. Thredbo, Australia The new Après Club transforms village nightlife with curated music programming, adding to the cultural experience after the lifts close. Experiences for All Alyeska Resort, Alaska In the Northern Latitudes, kids ski free for ages six and under at Alyeska Resort. Bringing the stoke to the next generation, this program makes first turns in Alaska accessible while building upon a community that lives for mountain adventure. CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, Canada All-Women’s Signature Trips: Building on the popular Powder Intro Week, CMH now offers multiple all-women heli-skiing trips, creating a supportive environment to chase first tracks, progression, and community joy. Mt. Bachelor, Oregon The new Kids Ski Free program means that adult passes come with a free pass for dependents 12 and under. Add in après activities like s’mores, terrain-park progression sessions, and family fun at RendezVan, and Mt. Bachelor is set to deliver more joy for kids and parents alike. Sun Peaks, Canada Moose’s Cabin debuts as the latest on-mountain kids zone, joining Grouse’s Nest and Bears’ Lair, with Foxes’ Den still to come. Hidden characters, cabins, and photo ops turn small adventures into big memories. Events & Celebrations Copper Mountain Copper Mountain, Colorado Stifel Copper Cup, Nov 27–30, 2025 – Copper hosts men’s and women’s FIS Alpine World Cup races with concerts, fireworks, and celebrations on the road to Milano Cortina 2026. Jackson Hole Mountian Resort, Wyoming Celebrating 60 years with a season full of legacy, Jackson is offering special Ikon Pass air credit packages for travel and lodging. Loon Mountain, Maine A 60th season celebration brings exclusive merchandise, giveaways, and mountain-wide festivities. Snowbasin, Utah Celebrating its 85th anniversary, this season features programming that highlights a long legacy in Utah. Steamboat, Colorado Steamboat’s western tinged highlights include honoring its Olympian heritage with “Ski with an Olympian” tours, Big Air contests, Para World Cup events, and a community torch sendoff for 2026 athletes. Winter Park Resort, Colorado Winter Park Resort, Colorado Mary Jane celebrates 50 years of pure and unspoiled skiing with a season full of joy. Since opening in 1976, Winter Park’s famed second mountain has been a mecca for bumps, trees, and untamed lines. Kicking off with Send’er November, the month-long celebration sets the tone for a milestone season honored from first chair through spring’s final laps. Send’er November brings giveaways, community events, and contests, plus chances to score exclusive early-access perks. Drop in on all the bump-laced event details for Send’re November. Looking forward to another season of joy at Winter Park Resort, expanded Ski Train service adds holiday runs and four-day-a-week trips, making it easier than ever to roll from Denver straight to the base are. More service throughout the year means you’re that much closer to more events, more days, and more ways to play. Brand New International Adventures in 25/26 Valle d'Aosta With 3 new international destinations for 25/26, and more to come, your winter passport just got a few more stamps. These mountains bring unique character and new experiences to the Ikon Pass community, expanding your access and redefining where joy can take you. In Europe, Ikon Pass expands the crew and unlocks more mountains of joy. Pull out your passport and get ready to explore where Italy’s smallest region goes big on alpine gems, with towering peaks, serious vertical, and a rich blend of Italian and French mountain culture. The Valle d’Aosta region dots the map with 5 new destinations, including Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Cervino Ski Paradise, La Thuile Espace San Bernardo, Monterosa Ski, and Pila. Next up, nestled in the Tyrolean Alps of Austria, Ischgl has long been known for its vast terrain, extended season, and an iconic après scene that blends alpine tradition with high-energy celebration. In Canada, Le Massif de Charlevoix adds depth to an already stacked Canadian collection of icons. A Quebec classique floating between the Laurentian Range and the Saint Lawrence River, it delivers the steepest drops east of the Canadian Rockies. Dropping This November: the New & Improved Ikon Pass App Max your fun locally and beyond - across 60+ Ikon Pass destinations worldwide - with new features rolling out in the Ikon Pass mobile app. Starting this season, a new, enhanced map experience lets you be local everywhere, while making exploration easy. And with a new seamless way to pay, getting what you need on the mountain has never been so smooth. Plus, an updated profile overview and on-the-go notifications allow you to be in the know, wherever you go. Your season's about to get even easier to track, plan, and enjoy - all in one place. Chase new views, stretch your season, and set plans in motion. Claim Your Passholder Peak Perks When that first snow arrives, a slew of Ikon Pass benefits – both new and old – give you the chance to be kitted out in the best gear around. Peak Perks is a tailored collection of benefits tiered for each pass, including mountain discounts, experiences, and savings on the brands you love. New Peak Perks for 25/26: • Get two free days each at 7 Bonus Mountains when you upgrade from an Ikon Base Pass, including Wild Mountain, MN; Buck Hill, MN; Jiminy Peak, MA; Ski Butternut, MA; and Cranmore, NH; and Grouse & SilverStar Mountain Resort in BC, Canada. • Up to 20% off car rentals with SIXT allows you to save on your ski trips, and anywhere else your travels take you. • 20% OFF WHITESPACE Snowboards – crafted for riders, by riders. • 20% off on 4FRNT award-winning skis and branded gear. Pro Tip for 25/26 – the better the pass, the better the perks. Upgrade from an Ikon Base Pass to claim the most. Better benefits bring more of the good stuff: turns, travel, style, savings, and stoke. Returning Peak Perks you know and love: • Friends & Family discounts – Up to 12 tickets per season • Food & beverage savings – up to 15% • Early reservations at participating mountains • Early ups with First Tracks at select destinations • Up to $400 CAD a day off heli-skiing with CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing • Up to 20% on a Gravity Haus membership, and unlock exclusive discounts on glamping adventures with Under Canvas • 20% off The North Face • 40% off Blenders • 20% off DB Bags • Up to $400 off a full-body MRI from Prenuvo • Free membership to Protect Our Winters • 30% off the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team’s Insider Fan program A World of Joy From Snowshoe’s Shavers Center to Niseko’s Umbrella Bar, from Big Sky’s glass floors to Deer Valley’s expanded excellence, these updates and benefits are joy generators for mountain communities around the world. Get ready to drop in and discover how Ikon Pass unlocks more access, more ways to play, and more of what’s good in life.

Other Lifted Stories

Ikon Pass 25/26 – Here’s What’s New

FRESH HIGHLIGHTS FOR 24/25

THE GOODS GET BETTER AT IKON PASS DESTINATIONS

LET IT SNOW: GET STOKED FOR IMPROVEMENTS THIS WINTER