Destination: Alternative Activities

Unforgettable adventures and unique experiences at 9 Ikon Pass Destinations

If ripping down a mountain on skis isn’t your idea of fun, nearly every Ikon Pass destination has plenty of other activities to delight people of all ages and athletic abilities. Whether you want a wintery getaway or a slushy Spring Break, these are some of the top spots to try something new — like dog sledding and ice climbing for the adventure seekers, indoor water parks and disco tubing for families, and shopping and spas for those who need a little “me” time.

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Alyeska Resort
Frolic from hot pool to cold pool and barrel sauna to steam room at the 50,000-square-foot Alyeska Nordic Spa. Soak and unwind beneath the magical Alaskan rainforest canopy surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, book a treatment, and end your hydrotherapy experience at the spa’s slopeside exfoliation cabin. After leaving the spa, you’re just steps from the 60-person Alyeska Aerial Tram — hop aboard for a scenic ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska. Feel the urge for even more altitude? Go Flightseeing by plane or helicopter for a birds-eye view of the Denali wilderness and beyond.

Big Sky Resort
Bundle up and bring the entire family to experience Montana’s Big Sky Country like never before. With 10,000 twinkling lights to lead your way, the resort’s Enchanted Forest is an immersive, colorful outdoor lights display along a kilometer-long path, complete with cozy fireplaces. Not into downhill but still want a workout? Strap on a pair of cross-country skis, skate skis, or snowshoes to enjoy the pitch-free powder — Big Sky Resort Nordic Center has miles of mellow terrain for you to explore. Sno-Go Bikes are another fun option for half- or full-day rentals.

Blue Mountain Resort
Lace up your skates for a unique winter experience at Woodview Mountaintop Skating — a half-mile-long outdoor ice skating loop atop Blue Mountain that winds through the snowy Canadian woods. At Blue Mountain Resort, kids and adults can Play All Day with access to the mountaintop skating, thrilling Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, old-fashioned Hike N’ Tube, backcountry snowshoe trails, and Plunge! Aquatic Centre. Soak your legs in the water park’s indoor-outdoor hot tubs and pools, while your littlest swimmers go wild on the waterslides, splash pad, and rope swing.

Mt. Bachelor
Book a trip to Central Oregon and climb aboard an Iditarod Dog Sled to experience the thrill of a lifetime. Led by a professional musher and a team of sled dogs, you’ll race wildly along the snowy, tree-lined trails near Mt. Bachelor — be sure to stick around after to help care for the furry athletes. If you’d prefer a tamer activity, try a free 90-minute interpretive snowshoe tour, where you’ll learn about the area’s winter ecology, geology, watershed, and plants & animals.

Palisades Tahoe
There’s regular ole snow tubing, and then there’s Disco Tubing — Palisades Tahoe’s signature nighttime tubing experience, complete with rainbow LED lights, lasers, and live DJ that the whole family will love. You can also catch a thrill on the scenic Aerial Tram that climbs more than 2,000 feet with stunning Lake Tahoe views. Not into heights? Book a guided snowshoe tour under the stars from Plaza Bar; you’ll be greeted with champagne and hors d’oeuvres upon your return.

Steamboat
Stroll down to Steamboat Square at the base of the resort to take a spin on Skeeter’s Ice Rink, and when you’re done, stick around for shopping and sunset happy hour with live music. Saddle up for a taste of Steamboat’s Western heritage with a guided winter horseback ride through the gorgeous, snowy Routt National Forest or a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. The Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinner includes a four-course, Colorado-inspired dinner at the cozy Haymaker Clubhouse and million-dollar views of the surrounding mountains and Yampa Valley.

Stratton
Secure Mom- or Dad-of-the-Year status with one of Stratton’s unique Kids Snowmobile Tours — available for ages 7 to 14, your kids’ dreams will come true as they drive a Mini Z snowmobile around the base area. If you’re a nordic sports enthusiast, or wish you were, Stratton offers a variety of guided specialty tours, plus miles of trails to use as you please for cross-country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Didn’t make it up the mountain to ski or ride? We won’t tell — you can still drop in for an Après Ski Flow Yoga sesh every Saturday at Black Bear Lodge.

Tremblant
Embark on an unforgettable, snowy off-road dune buggy tour or treat yourself to a rare winter “Day with a Woodsman” experience — a full day that includes ice fishing, catching rainbow trout from a cozy hut, and exploring wildlife on snowshoes. This Canadian gem is the perfect place to challenge yourself and try something new, be it ice climbing, ice fishing, or dog sledding. Tremblant is also a winter wonderland for the littlest ones with its Jardins de Glace ice slides and fan-favorite brind’o Aquaclub indoor water park, with four slides and 35 interactive water games.

Winter Park Resort
Voted as the best tubing in Colorado by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice, Winter Park’s Coca-Cola® Tube Hill features three lanes, exciting curves, and a covered conveyor lift ride back up to the top — no hiking required. You and your crew can even get in on Glow Night Tubing through the end of March. For a super unique alpine experience that all ages can appreciate, try the Snowcat and S’mores Tour aboard a massive snowcat at the top of Winter Park Resort. Complete your vacation with Winter Park’s host of other guided tours: snowshoeing, SnoGo ski biking, ice skating, and more.