The season’s first snowfall is just over the horizon. And the Ikon Pass has geared up for the 19/20 season with a growing collection of unique destinations. With an Ikon Pass in your pocket, you can seek out adventure across 41 global destinations. Experience skiing and riding from west coast to east coast, north of the border and south of the equator, up and down the Rockies, and across the planet.
For winter 19/20, there are several stoke-ready reasons to get geared up for another season of mountain adventure.
New Mountains. More Adventure.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
New to the Ikon Pass for 19/20, Arapahoe Basin boasts a unique, celebrated independence and a character that stands alone. The Colorado favorite features a summit elevation of 13,050 ft, the highest lift-served terrain in the state, and newly opened territory, The Beavers and The Steep Gullies. Which means there are plenty of cornices, gullies, blacks, blues, and bowls to explore before joining the afternoon parking lot session at A-Basin’s famed snow beach. An icon all its own, the snow beach is a celebratory experience where the day’s runs are discussed, debated, and championed. And with the longest ski season in Colorado, from first chair to tailgate, A-Basin opens up more steeps, more deeps, and more days to seek out that perfect line.
Zermatt Matterhorn
A renowned European destination, Zermatt Matterhorn sets the stage for an iconic and quintessential European ski trip. Featuring vast terrain, the slopes flourish from the foot of Matterhorn mountain, providing for impressive scenery and immense, expansive terrain. Nestled at the base, the village of Zermatt centers around a historic old town, built upon a tourism history that dates back to the early 1800s. From top to town, a trip to Zermatt pairs charming cobblestone streets with full days of snowbound exploration.
Mt Buller
An Australian icon, Mt Buller was added to the Ikon Pass family in the spring of this year. Affectionately known as “Melbourne’s Mountain,” this destination is known for being an excellent spot for first-timers, and it’s where many Australians get their first taste of snow. That said, with over 300 hectares of skiable terrain, there is something to appeal to all levels and abilities. Runs range from the wide beginner’s slopes of Bourke St and Burnt Hut Spur to the challenge of black runs like Chamois.
New Lifts. More Terrain.
With new terrain opening across many Ikon Pass destinations, resorts overhauled lifts to make accessibility faster and more enjoyable. Look for new lifts at Palisades Tahoe formerly Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Winter Park Resort, improved direct-to-lift access at Deer Valley Resort, and a brand-new iteration of Steamboat’s gondola. Be sure to check in with your favorite local mountains and catch up with the improvements and additions that have been underway this summer.
New Season. More to Explore.
As of last winter, 39 destinations saw over 1,000 inches of combined snowfall. Yes, last season boasted a shoulders deep snow scene; one for the books. Destinations like Mammoth Mountain saw almost 700 inches alone and stayed open through the end of July. Palisades Tahoe shared a similar late-season closing date, as did many Ikon Pass mountains in Colorado. With storm after storm, the Ikon Pass community was able to confirm that adventure does, in fact, run deep.
Now, for 41 destinations and a community of ski fanatics, the ‘19/20 season is quickly approaching, with several Ikon Pass destinations opening their lifts in October. If this year is even close to last year, it will be another season for the books. The countdown is on. Put that trail map in the freezer, build that altar to Ullr, and start crafting that bucket list of magical memories and perfect powder days for the brand-new season.
Just like last year, there are two Ikon Pass options that set the stage to seek out each and every perfect line. Each option includes the same list of iconic destinations but vary in levels of access.
Ikon Pass:
- No blackout dates
- 14 destinations – unlimited skiing & riding
- 26 destinations – up to 7 days at each
- 41 destinations total
- Starting at $1,049; prices go up 10/17
Ikon Base Pass:
- Blackout dates (think holidays)
- 12 destinations – unlimited skiing & riding
- 28 destinations – up to 5 days at each
- 41 destinations total
- Starting at $749; prices go up 10/17
The Ikon Pass is your key to adventure. What started a season ago with 26 locations has grown to offer experiences at 41 destinations across the planet. Each trip you make, every destination you visit, all the adventures you have, the Ikon Pass unlocks it all so that you can keep on seeking.